A blocked drain causes all kinds of problems around your home, and so it is very important that you are aware of the various ways to unblock a drain. When a drain is blocked, water cannot flow through the drainage pipes properly, leading to water backups and eventually flooding. A blockage can occur in any type of drain, from sinks to toilets, showers and washing machines. Flooding can seriously damage your home’s structural integrity and electrical systems.
A blocked drain also poses serious health risks to you and your family: water that leaks from a blocked drain will be very dirty and unsanitary. It can carry harmful bacteria and germs which can spread illness through your home. If the risk is serious, the Health Department may even need to perform an inspection to assess the danger. You will need to unblock the drain as soon as possible to reduce the spread of infection and allow you to sanitise the affected area.
Fortunately, there are several options available if you need to unblock a drain. If the blockage is only a small one, you should be able to unblock the drain by yourself. However, for more severe blockages, it is best to call in a professional.
Flushing the pipes with very hot water can be effective to unblock a drain which has become blocked by grease or oil build up. For more solid blockages such as hair, food particles, and other pieces of waste, you may want to try a chemical drain cleaner to unblock the drain. These work by dissolving the blockage. Drain cleaners have also become available which utilise enzymes in order to dissolve particles, and are less caustic than traditional drain cleaners. When you are working with any type of drain cleaner in order to unblock a drain, you need to be very careful as chemicals can cause serious burns and eye and skin irritation. Wear safety gloves and safety goggles, and ensure your workspace is well-ventilated. Always follow the instructions carefully.
Another option to unblock a drain is to use a plunger or a plumber’s snake. These are tools for manually removing blockages in your drainage pipes. Place the plunger over the drain so that it creates a seal. Push down on the handle. This forces air down the pipe, and causes a build up of pressure which should forcibly move any clogs and unblock the drain. A plumber’s snake is inserted into the pipe and then manipulated around the blockage until it becomes loose. You can then unblock the drain by pouring water down the drain.
If these methods fail to unblock the drain, you may need to call in a professional plumber. Professional plumbers will have drain unblocking tools which are unavailable to the average homeowner such as high pressure water jets, CCTV surveying, and electro-mechanical tools.


