Tuesday, December 29, 2015

5 DIY Ways to Unblock a Drain


  1. The Hot Water Way

If its just soap or fat you could try to unblock it with boiling hot water, but be careful not to burn yourself or melt the sink seal. Using natural enzymes is also a good place to begin, so in the following order try putting 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup bi-carb, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup hot water. This method is perfectly harmless for you, the sink, pipes and the environment and can be repeated as often as needed. However, it will have limited affect on severe drain blockages. Alternatively, your local health food stores or chemist may stock the bacteria based enzyme cleaners, which are also quite successful at unblocking drains, and they often smell quite pleasant too. 
  1. The Plunger Way

You can’t go past the good old fashion plunger to force the blocked drain from clearing. It’s the force of the push that forces air through the drainpipe to clear the blockage. Before plunging, cover the overflow with a semi damp cloth to ensure a drain seal and force the air out through the drain blockage. If you have a double kitchen sink make sure you seal the second drain to ensure good pressure. Try this quite a few times before you throw your hands in the air. Many home DIY handyman report this to be one of the most successful methods to unblock a blocked drain. 
  1. The Snake Way

You can hire a Drain Auger (AKA Plumber’s Snake or Electric Eel) from most rental places, however be aware that these require a bit of skill and can be quite dangerous if not used in the right way. These will unblock almost anything, including tree roots. Ensure you wear protective clothing and practice good hygiene after coming in contact with drain fluids. The snake does have the potential to scratch ceramic surfaces of drain plumbing fixtures. 
  1. The Chemical Way

Many of us have been convinced that you need a full arsenal of chemicals to clear a blocked drain. Drain-O, Hydrochloric Acid or Caustic Soda are commonly used and are available at most hardware stores over the counter. You generally poor the substance down the affected drain, leave for 20-30 minutes (check the instructions), and follow with cold water afterwards. Do not put hot water down immediately after the chemicals as it may spray back up in your face and you will sustain an injury. Follow instructions carefully, and always wear gloves and a breathing mask for safety. 
  1. The Quick & Easy Way 

Contact a Plumber such as Local Plumber Brisbane 

If you have an issue with a blocked drain brisbane or hot water system brisbane, then you need a 24 hour plumber brisbane or an emergency plumber brisbane to service you. You might also reach out to a gas plumber brisbane to help you. Its important that you have a plumber brisbane or a brisbane Plumber you can trust. A drain camera Brisbane plumber can also be important to you. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, you will also need Carbon Monoxide Testing Brisbaneor plumbing Brisbane.