The Best Ways to Unclog a Drain
The drains of the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom can be prone to clogging, as much as the external drains, which can make it handy to know how to quickly and efficiently unblock a drain.
Obstruction Type
Check the clogged drain to determine what type of obstruction is causing the problem; this will dictate the method to be used to remove it. In many cases, the blockage will be caused by a build-up of grease and foodstuffs, but can also be as a result of an errant foreign object. Initially attempt to clear the blockage by unscrewing the U-bend pipe after placing a bucket beneath the pipe work.
Chemical Cleaners
It is best to act when water no longer flows freely down the plughole, as this is a sign of a pending blockage. In superficial cases, a mixture of carbonate of soda and vinegar can dissolve grease and fat, but a caustic soda solution is effective for more stubborn cases as prepared products available from DIY stores. Where the instructions allow, leave the solution to work overnight and make sure it is flushed away thoroughly.
Drain Clearing Tools
Tools may be necessary for some blockages and depend on where the problem lies. Plungers can be useful to force air down sink plugholes and toilets with the sudden pressure often being sufficient to remove the clog. Alternatively, a drain snake – or an auger – can be worked into both internal and external pipes to scrape any waste build-up from the walls of the drain, which can be lifted free or flushed down.