How to unblock a drain, 7 simple and easy ways

You may be doing the dishes or having a shower when you start to notice the drains are getting slower and slower at passing water. There is that empty feeling in your stomach that thinks you may be up for some expensive plumbing work or need to live without a shower for a few days. Learning how to unblock a drain is a great way to rectify the problem cheaply and quickly in some cases.

The issue often means your drain is blocked with something somewhere in the pipes. There are a few troubleshooting methods you can try to fix the issue which may unblock your drain without too much fuss or hassle. We recommend you give these a go as your first port of call before having to call in the professionals.

7 Easy ways to unblock the drain

1. How to unblock a drain with baking soda and vinegar

An easy one to try, which is effective and also uses two everyday household objects is baking soda and vinegar. These two natural cleaners are perfect for any drain, from the kitchen to the bathroom. Mix 1/3 of a cup of vinegar with 1/3 of a cup of baking soda which will cause an immediate fizz. 

Pour it straight down the sink and allow it to sit for an hour minimum. The longer you leave it, the better the chance of it working, so you may wish to do this before bed and leave it overnight. When enough time has passed, flush it with some hot water, and hopefully, the blockage is no more.

2. How to unblock a drain with boiling water

A very simple and quick remedy for some blockages is boiling water. Simply boil the kettle with as much water as it can hold, then carefully and slowly pour it down the drain. It is best if you do this in stages with ten-second gaps between each pour. The boiling water will hopefully dissolve the obstruction, clearing your pipes.

3. How to unblock a drain using salt and baking soda

Much like the vinegar and baking soda idea, salt and baking soda is another standard household implement option that you can try. Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt. Pour it down the blocked drain and let it sit for around 10-20 minutes. Follow this with boiling water which, when mixed with the salt and baking soda will create a chemical reaction that may be able to dissolve whatever is blocking your pipes.

4. How to unblock a drain using a plunger

Sometimes it’s the old-school techniques that work the best! Plungers are tried and proven. They will suck up the blockage in the drain however require a bit of strength and persistence. Make sure the plunger covers the entire drain hole to create suction; any gaps will render it useless. It may take a few tries, but many household drains have been saved with this method, so it is definitely worth a shot.

5. How to unblock a drain using chemical cleaners

If the above methods have not been successful, opt for something a little stronger. You’ll be able to find a chemical drain cleaner at the local supermarket or hardware store. You simply pour it down the drain and leave it to sit for whatever length of time is stated in the accompanying instructions. 

When you are ready, run hot water down the sink to reveal a working, unblocked drain. This is not the safest or most environmentally friendly option to use, and it is important that you exercise caution and follow the instructions when using chemical cleaning products.

6. How to unblock a drain using organic cleaners

If you would like to opt for a more environmentally friendly option, an organic cleaner may be best. You should be able to find these in the same place as the chemical option. These cleaners use enzymes to eat away blockages, albeit not as powerful as chemical cleaners. If your blockage has been caused by hair, soap or fat, this could be a suitable solution.

7. How to unblock a drain by cleaning the pipe

If you are handy with some tools, and pouring things down the drain isn’t working, you can attempt to remove and clean the pipe yourself. This is a more advanced method as it involves taking apart a drainpipe, but it can be a little more simple than you think. 

Use an empty bucket and place it underneath the U-shaped pipe beneath your sink to collect any leaks during the process. Use a wrench and loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the pipe to remove it. Empty the pipe and use an old toothbrush to clean away any build-up. Rinse the pipes with water then reattach.

How to unclog a shower drain

While most of the methods listed above work for both kitchen and shower drains, removing and cleaning the pipes of a shower is not as simple as that of a sink. If the pour-down methods aren’t working, you can try to unclog a shower drain with a plumber’s snake or auger. There are both manual or electric options that involve a power drill.

To do this, insert the snake into the drain as far down as possible until it hits whatever is causing the blockage. Turn the handle to hook the clog and continue to push the snake down the drain. Resistance means clogs so begin turning the handle so the snake can do its thing, breaking up the clog. When the resistance lessens, the drain should be clear. Remove the snake slowly as it may be pulling the blockage up with it and you don’t want it falling back down a replugging the drain. Also, prepare to possibly see something gross. We’ve warned you. 

Run hot water down the drain to make sure everything is back to normal and consider some of these tips to prevent future shower blockages:

1. Use a drain cover or strainer to catch loose hairs
2. Brush your hair before you shower.
3. Pour a full kettle of boiling water down your pipes once a week to dislodge grease and soap before the problem worsens and clogs
4. Never pour dirty mop water or waste down the shower drain 

How to unblock a sewage drain

The main sewer line can be a serious issue and should be addressed as quickly as possible. Left unattended this can lead to multiple backed-up sinks or toilet waste draining into the tub. The DIY process, which is by far the cheapest and often quickest option is as follows:

1. Loosen the cap on the drainpipe
2. Allow the buildup to drain out
3. Feed an auger cable into the drainpipe
4. Twist until the clog is clear
5. Hose down the pipe 
6. Replace the cap

This simple method obviously requires an auger, and if this does not work, or you cannot locate the source of the blockage, you may need to call a professional. You will be able to purchase an auger for your home from any hardware store.

Have your drain unblocked with Airtasker

If you are dealing with a blocked drain, we truly hope that one of the above methods has worked and the problem is fixed quickly! If that isn’t the case, you’ll be able to find Taskers who excel in various plumbing services, ready to help get your drains clear and back to working order.