How to clear a blocked drain & when you need to call an expert

A blocked drain is a common occurrence for homeowners. Foul smells, water draining slowly, a blocked toilet, they’re all a real inconvenience.

The good news is, that you may be able to clear the drain blockage with some simple DIY options. And if not, a professional plumber can help get you sorted.

Either way, it’s important to remember not to put off fixing blocked drains. If left untreated, a small problem now can compound into a larger, more expensive one later.

Signs of a blocked drain – early warning signs to look out for:

Slow draining

If your toilet bowl, sink, or tub is taking longer than usual to drain (e.g. the water pools longer than expected), it could be a sign of a drainage problem.

It’s unlikely this will get better on its own and more often worsens over time indicating that the blockage is getting bigger.

Gurgling sounds

This can also signal drainage problems. This usually happens when water is unable to flow through the pipes due to something blocking its path.

Foul smell

A stinky kitchen sink or drain hole is a red flag for blocked drains. Household waste such as fat & hair, for example, gets clogged, starts to fester and restricts the flow of water, resulting in a bad smell.

In the bathroom, you probably have a blocked toilet if you notice a sewer-like smell, almost as though someone forgot to flush. 💩🙊

Overflowing water

Water should always disappear down the drain so when it doesn’t it can be quite alarming and is a pretty clear sign of a serious blockage in your plumbing system.

Causes of drain blockages

So you can take steps to prevent stubborn blockages from happening again, it’s important to know what causes them in the first place.

These are some of the most common contributing factors:

Foreign Objects

Sometimes things go down drains that are unavoidable or shouldn’t be put down at all. As these objects build up, they eventually cause a clog which if left unchecked can lead to blocked drains.

Examples of foreign objects:

Hair: When hair goes down the shower drain or when brushing near the vanity, it mixes with other substances which can lead to a blocked basin.

Food waste: Food scraps, food debris, and waste (such as fat & grease), cooking oil, coffee grounds, even cat litter and other materials of this kind are often cleaned in the sink, eventually resulting in a blocked kitchen drain.

Toiletries: PVC pipes aren’t built to handle using too much toilet paper or flushing wet wipes and sanitary products. Build up of these items often leads to a clogged drain.

Tree Roots & Plants

Natural debris can fall into your outdoor drains, especially when you don’t use gutter guards. This usually means leaves and twigs, although it can include dirt and grit too.

These deposits can cause drain blockages if they are allowed to build up over time or if they get stuck in the pipes where they cannot be easily dislodged.

Finally, if you have open joints or cracks in your pipes, plant and tree roots can invade when seeking out the water, and continue to grow within your pipes.

Movement

The ground is always moving so when it moves, so do your pipes. As a result, this can cause cracks or bends which can also lead to blockages.

Our DIY guide to drain unblocking

We all know that prevention is always better than a cure, so avoiding certain behaviours that typically cause plumbing problems, like improper disposal of food waste and cooking oil is an effective measure.

As is using preventative products like sink strainers, having a dedicated bin for sanitary products and using gutter guards.

Additionally, adding some helpful habits to your routine household maintenance can also save you some headaches.

For example, if you do put grease down the sink, be sure to immediately follow it with some hot water. The extreme heat helps to break the grease up.

DIY solutions to help you with the most typical drainage problems:

Boiling water, baking soda and vinegar

Before resorting to bacteria-based enzyme cleaners and other chemical-based drain cleaning products, this remedy is an effective, natural method for unblocking drains.

The combination of baking soda and white vinegar creates an acid-base reaction that steadily expands and can help to clear lodged debris.

Start by pouring boiling water down your drain, then add 1 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let that sit for 5 minutes, then flush with more boiling water.

Thanks to The Spruce for the above infographic.

DIY drain snake for hair and soap clumps

You might only need a prying hand to get unwanted hair tangles out. If that doesn’t work though, you can make a DIY drain snake out of any thin metal wire, such as a wire hanger.

Keep one end of it curved, then drop it into the drain to fork out the hair. Afterwards, flush the drain with some hot water to clear any smaller debris still left behind. This can also help prevent future blockages.

Plungers

You can also free up your drainage system by using two kinds of plungers. A flange plunger for toilets and a cup plunger for blocked sinks and other drains.

A cup plunger possesses a flat rubber suction cup at the base. It is designed for sinks, showers, drains with flat surfaces, and baths. Also, with a broad enough surface, it ensures a smooth fit to cover the drain opening.

A flange or toilet plunger has a rubber base and longer handles to fit the size and shape of the drain opening within the toilet bowl.

A plunger works by creating an air-based force that can shift obstructions.

When it’s pulled up, it will pull water within the drain upwards and consequently help to loosen anything that is causing the blockage. Once it is pushed down, water will be forced downwards, and as a result, the clog will be forced in the other direction.

Top tips for using a plunger:

• Wear rubber gloves, things can get messy!
• Start off gently to remove the air within the plunger
• Then plunge in and out vigorously, making sure you maintain a firm seal. Repeat 15 to 20 times if necessary.
• Run some water and see if any rises, if it does then the clog is still present.

Drain auger

If the mass still won’t budge, consider purchasing a drain auger, which is a handheld version of a plumber’s snake and is especially useful for a blocked sink.

Once you feel you’ve reached the blockage, gently rotate the auger to embed it within the clump. This should give you enough grip to tug it out and have a successful blockage removal.

Caustic cleaners

Most hardware stores sell caustic cleaners that are a stronger drain cleaning method for tackling tougher blockages, where hot water and natural products aren’t working.

We’ve left this option till last as it must be used with caution:

• Be mindful that these products can be extremely corrosive and harmful to the environment. Only use when absolutely necessary.
• Ventilate the room before starting.
• Protect yourself; wear rubber gloves and a mask.
• Closely follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Flush the drains afterwards with cold water (hot water might react) to reduce chemical residue.

Calling in an expert for blocked drains

When boiling water and all the other methods just aren’t cutting the mustard, then it’s time to call in professional plumbing services.

An experienced plumber will be able to provide fast service and prevent further damage.

Services your local plumber can provide for blocked drains:

Plumber’s snake

A plumber’s snake or drain snake is an advanced tool that only a licenced plumber should use. They work by delving further into your pipes to remove blockages that DIY methods can’t tackle.

CCTV Camera Inspections

A specialised CCTV camera can be used to accurately locate severe blockages. This is one of the best ways to determine the cause of a persistently blocked drain so you can take the appropriate steps to rectify it.

If excavation ends up being required, a CCTV camera also helps to minimise collateral damage by determining the precise location to dig.

High-pressure Water jetters

High-pressure water jetters are the most efficient way to clear blocked drains. The water pressure from the jet literally blasts tree roots and other blockages out of the way.

PIPE replacement and Pipe relining

In some cases, the damage caused by drain blockages can result in major cracks and damage. In these cases, excavation and replacement of the specific portion of damaged pipe is required.

This is a last resort due to the increased workload & cost, but it will prevent further damage to the rest of your pipework, saving you a lot of trouble (and money) in the long term.

Alternatively, pipe relining is an increasingly popular option as no excavation is required. This is particularly useful if the pipe in question is beneath things such as paved areas and driveways.

Essentially, the process involves creating a new pipe inside the existing one, consequently sealing off cracks and restoring the flow of water.

Wagga Blocked Drain Specialists

At Pete’s Plumbing Solutions, we understand the importance of clearing a blocked drain quickly.

As experienced plumbing professionals, we are committed to providing our clients with value for money, amazing service, and 100% satisfaction.

So if you have a blocked drain, make your first phone call to Pete’s Plumbing Solutions on 0428 269 286.

Blocked Drain FAQs

What are the charges for clearing Blocked drains?

We charge a flat fee of $250.

9 times out of 10 the drain is successfully unblocked and that is all you will pay. In the rare event that the blockage is severe and requires more work, our ongoing rate is $110/hr. There will be a discussion before things go any further.

Do you offer guarantees that it won’t block again?

Unfortunately no. We have no control over what enters your drainage system. We are however happy to discuss preventative measures and DIY options to extend the times between call-outs as much as possible.

Do you provide same-day service or 24/7 emergency services?

Our normal working hours are Mon-Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm. We attempt to help our clients with urgent services outside these hours when possible. If unable, we’re more than happy to refer you to another highly recommended, Wagga Plumber.