How to Unblock a Drain

Blocked drains always pick the worst time to show up—usually when you’re running late, expecting guests, or halfway through doing the dishes. Whether it’s a slow sink, a gurgling toilet, or water pooling around your shower drain, knowing how to unblock a drain can save you time, stress, and a potential mess.

Let’s walk through the most common signs, causes, and DIY drain clearing methods. We’ll also explain when it’s time to stop tinkering and call a professional plumber.

Warning Signs That Your Drain Is Blocked

Not all blockages start with a dramatic flood. Most send out small red flags first. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action:

• Water draining more slowly than usual
• A foul smell near your sink or bathroom
• Gurgling noises from your pipes
• Toilets that won’t flush properly
• Water rising in one drain when using another

If more than one drain is acting up, there may be a sewer pipe blockage—something deeper that needs urgent attention.

What Causes Drain Blockages?

If you’ve ever wondered why your drain keeps clogging, the answer usually lies in what’s going down it. Common causes include:

• Hair and soap in the bathroom
• Oil and food scraps in the kitchen
• Wet wipes and tissues flushed down the toilet
• Tree roots breaking into underground pipes
• Foreign objects—like cotton buds, toys, or sanitary items

Over time, these materials build up inside your pipes, creating a blockage that no amount of water can push through.

How to Unblock Drains Using DIY Methods

Before you call in a plumber, you can try a few proven home remedies for clearing blocked drains. Just be prepared to get your hands a little dirty.

1. Hot Water and Dish Soap

This trick works best for greasy blockages. Boil a kettle of water and mix in a tablespoon of dish soap. Slowly pour the mixture down the affected drain in stages. The hot water helps melt grease, while the soap helps carry it away.

Avoid using boiling water on PVC pipes—stick with hot (not boiling) water to prevent damage.

2. Use a Plunger

A plunger is a classic for a reason. Make sure there’s enough water in the basin to cover the plunger’s head. Place it over the drain and pump up and down firmly. The pressure helps dislodge whatever’s causing the blockage.

It’s a simple way to unblock a drain without special tools or chemicals.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Plug the drain immediately and wait 15–20 minutes. Then rinse with hot water.

This method is chemical-free and safe for most pipes, making it a favorite for those learning how to clean a blocked drain naturally.

4. Try a Drain Snake

Also called a drain auger, this flexible tool can reach deeper into pipes to break up tougher clogs. Push it in, twist it around, and either pull the gunk out or push it through. Wear gloves—this gets messy.

A must-have if you regularly deal with pipe blockage or blocked bathroom drains.

Clearing Sewer Pipes and PVC Pipe Blockages

Some blockages go beyond your standard sink or toilet clog. That’s when things get serious.

How to Unblock a Sewer Pipe

When your toilet backs up and your shower won’t drain, you may have a blocked sewer pipe. Try a long drain snake if you have one, but for deeper issues, sewer jetting or camera inspections are usually needed.

These tools are best handled by licenced plumbers. DIY mistakes here can make things worse.

How to Clear PVC Pipe Blockage

Modern homes often have PVC plumbing. It’s durable but sensitive to heat. So skip boiling water and stick to safer options like:

• Baking soda and vinegar
• Manual drain snakes
• Low-pressure hose flushing

Don’t force anything—PVC can crack or bend if handled roughly.

The Best Way to Unblock Drain Problems for Good

Fixing a clog is one thing. Keeping it from happening again? That’s the real win.

Try these habits to reduce your chances of future blockages:

• Use a sink strainer in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Never pour oil, fat, or coffee grounds down the drain.
• Only flush toilet paper—no wipes, no tissues.
• Rinse kitchen drains with hot water after every use.
• Do a monthly clean using baking soda and vinegar.

If you live in an older home or tree-heavy area in Perth, Brisbane, or Adelaide, your pipes may be more prone to root invasions or wear and tear. Regular checks by a plumber can help avoid surprise issues.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried everything and your drain is still blocked, it’s time to get help. Here’s when to stop DIYing:

• Your DIY methods don’t work.
• The blockage keeps returning.
• Multiple drains are blocked at once.
• You smell sewage around your home.
• You’re dealing with a suspected sewer issue.

Same Day Trades offers fast, professional drain unblocking services in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Our plumbers use tools like CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure jetters to locate and remove even the toughest clogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to unblock a drain?

Try boiling water and dish soap for minor grease clogs. Plungers are also effective for bathroom drains.

How do I know if I have a blocked pipe?

Watch for slow drainage, bad smells, gurgling pipes, and water backing up into sinks or toilets.

Can I use boiling water on all pipes?

No—boiling water can damage PVC pipes. Use warm or hot water instead.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe?

Not always. They can eat away at pipes and harm the environment. Natural methods are safer and often just as effective.

What causes pipe blockage most often?

Hair, oil, food scraps, wet wipes, and roots are common culprits behind drain blockages.

When should I call a plumber?

If DIY methods fail, the problem keeps coming back, or you suspect a sewer blockage, call a professional.

What’s a drain snake and how does it work?

It’s a flexible tool that reaches deep into pipes to dislodge or pull out blockages.

How can I clear a blocked drain without chemicals?

Use baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. It's safe and works well for many blockages.

How do I prevent drain clogs?

Avoid pouring grease, use strainers, flush only toilet paper, and clean monthly with baking soda and vinegar.

Where can I find a plumber nearby?

Same Day Trades offers same-day plumbing services in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, including emergency drain clearing.