There are plenty of products on the market that promise “professional strength”, “total blockage clearing” when it comes to a blocked drain in your home. We love a clean drain as much as the next person but we don’t like empty promises. Unfortunately, that’s just what you’ll get with 99% of at home drain cleaning products.
Why?
While it’s true that some minor blockages may be cleared using liquid chemicals, any blockage that is large enough for you to notice you have a blockage, will not be cleared by these chemical “plumbers”. These products often cause more damage than they are worth.
The chemicals in these agents can eat away at PVC pipes very quickly and corrode even metal piping over time if the blockage isn’t cleared you risk having these dangerous chemicals sitting inside your pipes eating away and causing greater damage.
What Can You Try Instead?
In some instances, it’s ok to try some DIY methods before calling a professional, if you’re feeling up to it here are the safest methods to try on a small blockage:
- Plunger- The old fashioned way, $4.90 and a trip to Bunnings might be all you need. Be sure to cover the entire drain opening for best results or try a flange plunger for toilet blockages.
- Boiling water- Depending on what has caused the blockage flushing 1 kettle of boiling or hot water can help dissolve or push the blockage through the pipes WARNING DO NOT USE ON PVC PIPES.
- Baking soda and vinegar- A much softer approach to chemical cleaners, mix ⅓ cup baking soda and ⅓ cup vinegar. Pour down the drain as it fizzes then flush with water.
- Unblock U-Bend- This is one of the parts of the piping directly under your sink. It is easily recognisable by its U shape and relatively easy to remove to check for blockages. Place a bucket beneath the bend to catch any water and loosen with a wrench until you can remove. Check for any food or small objects that may be stopping the flow of water at this point.
What Will Work For Sure?
The best (and only 100% effective!) way to deal with a blocked drain is to call a licensed plumber in Beecroft and surrounding areas, at Service Today we offer fixed pricing and same day service, so if you ever get STUCK, book online or give us a call on 1300 725 760.
