A blocked drain is one of the most common household annoyances and also one where many people either try to fix it themselves unnecessarily or call a tradesperson for something that can be resolved in five minutes. Before you reach for the phone or aggressive chemicals, it is worth trying a few simple steps that work for the vast majority of common blockages in homes. Here is an overview of what to try at home, what to leave to a professional and how to avoid blockages next time.
What to try first
- Rubber plunger , a classic for sinks, basins and toilets. Place it over the drain, fill with water to create a seal, and pump vigorously several times in succession.
- Hot water and detergent , for grease build-up in kitchen sinks, hot (not boiling) water with a little dish soap helps; let it sit for a while and then rinse with another dose.
- Baking soda and vinegar , a gentler option for minor blockages, working on a similar principle to chemical cleaners but less strongly.
Do not pour boiling water into plastic drains or old joints. The risk of damaging seals and pipes is real.
Sifon
If the plunger does not work, the next step is to check the siphon under the sink or basin. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the lower section and manually clean out any accumulated hair, grease and debris as this is where blockages most commonly occur. Before reassembling, inspect the seal to ensure the siphon does not leak once put back together.
Blocked toilet separately
The plunger works on the toilet in a similar way to the sink, but it is harder to achieve a seal around the waste outlet. Try angling it and adding more water. Do not use chemical toilet cleaners immediately after plunging or repeatedly in succession, as this will only fill the bowl with corrosive liquid that is difficult to remove. If the plunger does not work even twice, do not try forcing it further and instead call a tradesperson. The risk of damaging the waste connection is higher on a toilet than on a sink.
Washing machine or dishwasher not draining
If water is not draining from your washing machine or dishwasher, before calling a tradesperson check the drain hose to see if it is kinked or clogged with hair and fibres, and clean the appliance filter. The filter is usually at the bottom of the washing machine or on the base of the dishwasher tub. This resolves most cases. If water still does not drain after cleaning the filter, the problem is likely further down in the waste pipe behind the appliance, where a siphon or a called-in tradesperson is needed.
When to leave it to a professional
- The blockage is deeper in the system Neither a plunger nor a cleaned siphon will help, and water still does not drain.
- Blockages recur at the same spot even after cleaning. This may be due to sediment or faulty pipe gradient.
- Water overflows from another fixture For example, from the bath when you flush the toilet. This indicates a problem in the shared stack and needs urgent attention to avoid flooding your neighbour.
- Suspicion of a foreign object in the pipes A tradesperson will use an auger or camera inspection, which you do not have at home.
Prevence
- Mesh for the siphon against hair and lint. The cheapest prevention available.
- Do not pour fat into the sink Once cooled, it belongs in the bin, not down the drain.
- Flush regularly with hot water to prevent grease buildup.
- Wet wipes and hygiene products do not belong in the toilet, even if the packaging says biodegradable. In practice, they block pipes just like other items.