Calling a plumber to unblock a drain can be costly, especially since you could fix the problem fairly easily.
Drains expert Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage Central, has recommended one easy method to unblock drains.
“Boiling hot water is often recommended as a solution for unclogging drains as the high temperature of the water can dissolve substances such as soap, grease or other soft substances that may be causing the blockage,” said Jess.
The only time boiling hot water from the kettle shouldn’t be used is if you’re dealing with plastic pipes.
“The water should be hot and not boiling to prevent damage occurring to the pipes,” Jess clarified.
Using boiling or hot water can typically remedy the blockage, but if you need a tougher mixture, Jess has the answer.
“You can combine this with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to help unclog the drain and get rid of any smells the blockage may be causing,” said Jess.
“However, bicarbonate of soda is often only a temporary solution as it displaces the debris, and the abrasive nature of this product can damage your pipes over time if you use it often.”
How to unblock a drain
- Flush the drain using boiling water from your kettle
- Mix equal parts boiling water and vinegar together in a measuring jug
- Add half as much bicarbonate of soda to the mixture and then pour it down the drain
- The mixture should foam up inside your drainage pipes, clearing the blockage. Let the mixture sit for an hour
- After an hour, run the hot tap for roughly a minute into the drain
How to prevent blocked drains
In the kitchen, a clogged drain is usually the result of food scraps, fat, and oil solidifying in the drain.
Jess said: “Instead of pouring grease down the drain, you should instead let it cool so it solidifies and can be scraped into a bin.” The bin is also the best place for food scraps and any cooking fat.
“In bathroom drains, blockages can be caused by a buildup of hair or soap,” Jess added.
“You can try to rectify this by using a hair trap, which is a cover that fits over the drain that will catch hair so it does not block your drain.”
