Ways to unblock your drain

There are many ways to unclog your pipes, but it takes a blocked drain plumber to know which one is most appropriate for your home’s plumbing. It’s always best to start out with the gentlest solutions to avoid damaging your pipes. If those don’t work, you should leave more aggressive measures to the professionals. You should treat blocked drains as highly important for the safety of your home and the integrity of your plumbing. Blocked drains can eventually worsen to the point of a burst pipe on your property and there are many risks involved in this. You can prevent household wastewater and health risks by actively intervening when you suspect a blocked drain on your property. 

4 ways to unblock your drain

• Snakes, augers, and other tools

These are the most common tools used by plumbers and residents alike to clear drain clogs. We may all have access to the same simple tools, but professionals know how to use them best without causing damage. If you’ve tried and failed, it’s best to call in a plumber to snake more serious clogs.

• Baking soda and vinegar solution

Some common household items can be effective solutions to gently work away at blockages in your drains. This mixture can help clear away mild clogs, such as in your bathroom sink. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow that with a mix of one cup of hot water and one cup of white vinegar. Let this mixture work its magic for at least one hour, although it’s best to let it sit for as long as possible for maximum effect. 

• Coke 

Coke is a lesser-known fix you can find in your refrigerator. Empty the entire 2-litre bottle down the drain and its caustic properties will work at clearing away build-up. It may not be the most effective in all situations, but it’s far milder than commercial drain cleaners. 

When not to use soda or cola

Cola is best for what you consider a more stubborn blockage, and it can easily clean grime from pipes. However, the liquid can also leave a sticky film because of the sugar syrup content. If you’re only dealing with a small sink blockage, the baking soda mixture is better suited. 

• Call a professional plumber

If you’ve tried the above steps and your drain is still blocked, the next step is to call a local plumber to unblock your drain. Only an expert can do the best job of sorting out the issue for you. They’ll do it safely and effectively so that you can get on with your life without any the extra stress. 

Clogged drains are a nuisance, but you have to treat them with care to avoid causing any further damage. Always try to use gentler solutions, as mentioned above, before ever resorting to harsh chemicals and complex tools. Those should be left to plumbers to handle professionally and efficiently.