| How to clear a blocked drain | | | | of wire to poke the pipe clear. Once complete, |
| Tools: Bucket (that fits under the drain), rubber | | | | re-join the pipe and pour hot soapy water down |
| gloves, a torch, a plunger, old wire coat hanger or | | | | the drainage hole to ensure the blockage |
| stiff piece of wire. | | | | completely is cleared. |
| Approximate time to complete: Less than an hour. | | | | ...In the bathroom |
| Getting started | | | | Is water gurgling up into your bath from the drain |
| GENERALLY, clearing a blocked drain is a simple | | | | when the shower is being used? |
| task, and the common causes of a blockage can | | | | If so, then your waste pipe is no doubt clogged |
| be attributed to excessive disposal of cooking | | | | with hair and soap residue. Using an old wire coat |
| fats and oils, along with other domestic waste | | | | hanger, or a stiff piece of wire, make a "hook" at |
| including DIY materials such as plaster. | | | | the end and lower it into the drain. Try to fish out |
| Using a plunger to clear blockage | | | | the debris that is clogging the drain. |
| ...The kitchen sink | | | | Unblocking a clogged toilet |
| Your first possible solution to clear a drain | | | | A large plunger is usually the ideal remedy for |
| blockage is to use a plunger. Place the tool over | | | | toilets that are not flushing away waste properly. |
| the drain and ensure the rubber ring on the | | | | Place the plunger over the outlet at the bottom |
| bottom of the plunger has made an airtight seal. | | | | of the toilet pan and plunge for a few seconds. |
| Push down gently and release quickly to begin the | | | | When the blockage is cleared flush the toilet with |
| suction. Repeat for about 20 seconds, or until you | | | | a bucket of water. |
| break the clog free. If using a plunger doesn't | | | | Caution |
| prove successful, then the pipe below the sink | | | | Never plunge a drain soon after pouring drain |
| could be blocked. | | | | cleaners down it. The chemicals can be harmful if |
| If you have a double sink then place the plunger | | | | they come into contact with your skin. Drain |
| over one drain and fill the sink with a few inches | | | | cleaners should only be used if water is draining |
| of water, make sure the plunger seals around the | | | | slowly, and not when there is a complete block. |
| drain. Firmly hold a wet cloth over the other drain | | | | Avoiding blocked drains |
| opening to block it before you start plunging. Roll | | | | Don't overload your drain with foods high in starch |
| the head of the plunger into the water so you | | | | (pasta, potatoes and rice), and avoid flushing |
| force water, not air, into the drain. Start pumping | | | | bacon grease and coffee grounds down the drain |
| forcefully. On your final "plunge" pull the plunger | | | | because they solidify once settled and cooled. |
| from the drain to create extra pressure, if the | | | | Also, clear remnants of plaster and DIY waste |
| water doesn't swirl straight down the drain, | | | | from your tools before rinsing. |
| continue plunging for several minutes. | | | | Simple home remedies to clear a blocked drain |
| Clearing the pipe manually | | | | Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of |
| Carefully unscrew the portion of pipe under the | | | | white vinegar into the drain. After a few minutes |
| sink that leads to the trap, making sure you have | | | | flush with boiling water. |
| a bucket beneath the pipe to catch any spillage. | | | | Baking soda and vinegar breaks down fat residue |
| Rinse the pipe out thoroughly with hot water to | | | | and freshens your drain of unpleasant odours. |
| loosen any possible debris. If the pipe is not | | | | Using this simple remedy frequently will assist in |
| blocked, then the clog could be in the waste pipe, | | | | preventing your drains becoming blocked by |
| you'll need to check the segment between the | | | | domestic waste. |
| trap and the sink for obstruction. Use a stiff piece | | | | |