Clearing a blocked drain, sink or toilet is always a tough task and a headache. If DIY is your way to go, you’ll find this article – a useful home plumbing how to. As with all DIY projects you need to consider all of the alternatives and weigh up the alternatives. It’s always worth trying these useful tips before calling Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr. Plumber Sydney or Mr. Plumber Perth

1. The Hot Water Way

If its just soap or fat you could try to unblock it with boiling hot water, but be careful not to burn yourself or melt the sink seal. Using natural enzymes is also a good place to begin, so in the following order try putting 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup bi-carb, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup hot water. This method is perfectly harmless for you, the sink, pipes and the environment and can be repeated as often as needed. However, it will have limited affect on severe drain blockages. Alternatively, your local health food stores or chemist may stock the bacteria based enzyme cleaners, which are also quite successful at unblocking drains, and they often smell quite pleasant too.

2. The Plunger Way

You can’t go past the good old fashion plunger to force the blocked drain from clearing. It’s the force of the push that forces air through the drainpipe to clear the blockage. Before plunging, cover the overflow with a semi damp cloth to ensure a drain seal and force the air out through the drain blockage. If you have a double kitchen sink make sure you seal the second drain to ensure good pressure. Try this quite a few times before you throw your hands in the air. Many home DIY handyman report this to be one of the most successful methods to unblock a blocked drain.

3. The Snake Way

You can hire a Drain Auger (AKA Plumber’s Snake or Electric Eel) from most rental places, however be aware that these require a bit of skill and can be quite dangerous if not used in the right way. These will unblock almost anything, including tree roots. Ensure you wear protective clothing and practice good hygiene after coming in contact with drain fluids. The snake does have the potential to scratch ceramic surfaces of drain plumbing fixtures.

4. The Chemical Way

Many of us have been convinced that you need a full arsenal of chemicals to clear a blocked drain. Drain-O, Hydrochloric Acid or Caustic Soda are commonly used and are available at most hardware stores over the counter. You generally poor the substance down the affected drain, leave for 20-30 minutes (check the instructions), and follow with cold water afterwards. Do not put hot water down immediately after the chemicals as it may spray back up in your face and you will sustain an injury. Follow instructions carefully, and always wear gloves and a breathing mask for safety.

5. No Dangerous Back

A piece of C4 explosive down the blocked drain is guaranteed to remove all blockages, but with some obvious dangerous side effects. You will require some pipe repair.

6. The Quick & Easy Way

Contact a Plumber such as Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr. Plumber Sydney or Mr. Plumber Perth