How to unclog a blocked drain

An easy way to keep a drain clean is to use a strainer. The drain strainer prevents hair, food and dirt from being washed down the drain and causing blockages. The dirt and hair collected in the strainer can then be thrown in the rubbish bin. To clean the strainer, spray on a cleaning detergent, let it work its magic for a short time, and then wipe the strainer clean with a wet cloth.

Important! Check the drain regularly even if you’re using a strainer so you can catch the first signs of a blocked drain. The more blocked a drain gets, the more difficult it is to unclog.

While cleaning the shower, did you notice that the drain is blocked? You might already know that cleaning gel is a good solution. For slight blockages caused by grease deposits, for example, a simple household detergent can also work. Bring about 1.5 litres of water to the boil. Squirt a bit of detergent into the blocked drain and then slowly pour the boiling water in afterward. Always fill it up to the edge of the drain and then wait until it has drained away. Repeat the process until the blockage is cleared.

If you have a severely blocked drain, you probably need a plunger. Place the plunger over the center of the drain and press it down firmly. Then let enough water run into the shower tray to cover the entire suction cup. Alternately, move the plunger up and down to create a vacuum and extra pressure that should clear the blockage. If the plunger does not help, a drain cleaning spiral could be the solution. Only use the spiral if you really know what you're doing so that you don’t damage the pipe. If you would rather not risk it, we recommend that you hire a professional plumber.

If the water is still taking ages to drain away, online sources claim that there are some household products you can try that might help to remove the blockage and clean the drain. Put four tablespoons of baking soda and then about half a cup of vinegar into the drain. When the two household products mix, you will hear a bubbling sound. When this subsides, rinse out the drain with hot water. The blockage should now be cleared.

Online sources claim household products such as vinegar and baking powder have the advantage of being environmentally friendly and you usually already happen to have them at home. However, these alternatives are sometimes not enough to dissolve stubborn fat and dirt deposits. Many detergents contain chemicals that can easily get into the sewage system and pollute the sewage water, especially if you use them in the kitchen sink, bathroom, and shower. We therefore recommend recommended products that contain up to 99.9% natural ingredients. This keeps your shower hygienically clean and your conscience clear.

We hope you have found this article on how to unclog a blocked drain informative. For more useful tips and trick on how to unblock a toilet, how to unblock a sink and gutter cleaning made easy browse through our DIY and cleaning sections.