Blocked Drains – DIY Or Call In The Experts?

A blocked drain is something that happens to every householder occasionally. For us it is often caused by hair from all of the girls living here, or little beads and toys that end up getting washed away with the bath water! Whatever it is though, it is usually massively inconvenient and can at times produce a foul smell that can upset everyone in close proximity. Whilst there are some blockages, like the aforementioned, that can often be cleared relatively easily by yourself, some jobs are best left to the professionals.

Here are a number of DIY methods that we have used before to clear a blocked drain, that I hope might be useful. But, in the event of an emergency you will need to call the experts. Many of the experts out there can be called upon at any time, but see below for a few of the most common methods for clearing a minor drain blockage cheaply and easily. *Remember -If you don’t feel comfortable using the DIY approach, contact your local drain clearance company for assistance.

DIY Blocked Drain Solutions

Boiling Water – Good for: Removing grease or food build up.
This is by far the quickest and easiest way to clear a blocked drain. Always try this method before you begin dismantling anything or using any chemical solutions. It’s important to only use this method on ceramic or metal pipes as the boiling water could damage the plastic pipework. 

Homemade Natural Cleaner – Good for: Removing grease or food build up.
Using a solution of white vinegar and baking soda is a natural yet effective solution for drain clearance. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar produces oxygen which clears the pipes. Be sure to flush the pipes out with hot water afterwards to remove residue. Good for: Removing grease or food build up.

Caustic Soda – Good for: Removing grease, food, hair and more.
Chemical drain cleaners are readily available in supermarkets and local DIY stores and can be used for removing food, grease, hair and more. Care should be taken when using these types of drain cleaner; gloves, goggles and face mask are recommended. It is also worth bearing in mind the environmental consequences of using such chemicals.

Plunger – Good for: Solid blockages.
The good old-fashioned plunger is effective in removing many blockages using minimal effort. Recommended for solid blockages rather than grease or food build ups. 

Professional Drain Clearance Services

When the blockage is too serious to clear yourself, or these methods haven’t been successful, then you will need to call in a specialist company such as the blocked drain Southampton expert 24/7 Drainage Solutions. You can approach any drain expert in your area, but look for one that has advanced services which include (but are not limited to):

Plumbers Snake – Although you can buy these from DIY stores, it’s a tool best used by the professionals. A rotating coil at the end of the cable turns rapidly and essentially chips away at the blockage. These tools can damage pipework, hence the need for the professionals.

Hydro-Jet – As the name suggests, the hydro-jet forces a powerful stream of water through the pipes, forcing the blockage through the pipes. Not effective for solid blockages as a rule, but good for everything else.

Excavation – This method is used for serious blockages and involves digging out the earth to identify and rectify the problem.

By all means I would suggest you attempt to unblock a drain yourself but if you are in any doubt or limited on time, then contact the professionals, particularly for serious or emergency cases. They will be more than happy to come to your aid, and get your pipes working again! 

This article is published in collaboration with Mediabuzzer