How to unblock a drain

Whether it’s a kitchen or bathroom drain, regular usage of sinks, toilets, baths and showers will inevitably result in the occasional blockage. These can be caused by everything from buildups of food, fat and grease to hair and other items which have found their way into the drainage system, as well as mineral buildup like limescale.

There are various ways to tackle blocked drains in your home, depending of course on the severity of the blockage. We’ll look at a few key ways in which you can do this yourself below, but if all else fails, then it’s time to call in the plumber …

Cleaning your toilets and basins regularly will help to prevent drainage issues.

Unclog drains with baking soda and vinegar

A simple way to unblock your drain – and one which is more environmentally-friendly than using chemicals – is to get some baking soda and combine it with white vinegar.

Why use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)?

• It can dissolve fats and other organic matter.
• It is kinder to the environment.
• It’s something most of us already have in the cupboard.
• It has mild disinfectant properties so is great for combating odours caused by bacteria as well as fighting blockages.
• It’s good to use regularly to clean your drains as a way of preventing blockages from forming in the first place.

What you’ll need:

• Washing-up liquid
• Baking soda
• Hot water
• White vinegar
• Jug

Steps for unblocking your drain with baking soda:

• Prepare some boiling water.
• Pour some washing-up liquid down the drain, followed by hot water.
• Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar.

Kitchen sinks can easily become blocked, so avoid pouring fats and grease down the plughole.

NB The baking soda and vinegar will create a bit of foaming when they come into contact with one another, so be prepared for this!

• Leave the drain for about ten minutes.
• Pour more hot water down the drain to flush it out.
• Repeat as necessary a few times. If that doesn’t remove the blockage, then you can try baking soda plus salt.

Steps for using baking soda and salt for clearing clogged drains:

• Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain.
• Pour half a cup of salt into the drain and then leave for several hours – ideally this can be left overnight or if you’re out most of the day.
• After several hours, pour two cups of boiling water down the drain to flush it.
• If the drain remains clogged, you can try this method again or it may be time to dissemble the pipework to remove the blockage.

Other ways to clear blocked drains include:

• Using a plunger: Good for using with shower drains, you can place the plunger over the plughole to help remove clogged-up hair and debris. Just make sure the plunger is sealed over the plug and then press gently downwards and release to suck out local blockages.
• Sink augers: Similar to a toilet auger, this long flexible tool can be pushed into the drain and used to break up blockages enough to flush out the drain or to pierce through them and pull them out.
• Mild drain cleaners: Shop-bought drain cleaners can be poured down the drain to clear blockages but, if possible, pick an environmentally-friendly one.

NB It will be obvious when your drains are blocked as signs like water draining away more slowly will alert you to this, along with unpleasant odours. If water fails to disappear completely and becomes stagnant then there is certainly a complete blockage.

Using a strainer on kitchen or bathroom sinks can help to prevent blockages.

Top tips to prevent blocked drains

• Use a strainer on kitchen sinks to catch food debris before it goes down the drain, or in bathrooms to catch hair.
• Don’t pour oil or fat down the kitchen sink. Instead, wait until it solidifies and then simply dispose of it in the food waste bin.
• Clean your drains weekly using hot water and your preferred cleaning agent e.g. baking soda or an approved detergent.

Quality products for kitchens and bathrooms

Although drainage issues are something most homeowners are likely to encounter at some stage, if you clean your sinks, baths and showers regularly, then you can minimise or even avoid having blocked pipes.

At Bathshack we supply a full range of baths and showers, as well as basins to suit all types of bathrooms and kitchens, with countertop, pedestal and other styles available. We also have a variety of finishes to help you create the look you want, while our team can advise you on how best to care for these.

Whether you’ve just bought a new designer bath, shower or kitchen sink – or simply want to ensure your current bathroom-ware stays in pristine condition, it’s always good to have some cleaning hacks up your sleeve – just in case.

To find your ideal shower, bath or basin, why not visit your nearest Bathshack showroom and we’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, email our team at info@bathshack.com or give us a call on (028) 9077 0188.