How to Unblock a Drain Yourself | tradie.au
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How to Unblock a Drain Yourself

5 methods from easiest to last resort. Start at the top and work your way down. Most blocked drains are fixed by method 2.

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Boiling water Bicarb and vinegar Plunger Drain snake Chemical cleaner When to call a plumber

Most blocked drains are caused by hair, grease, soap scum or food buildup. All of the methods below tackle these. Work through them in order start free and simple, escalate if needed. If none of them work, scroll to the bottom.

The methods
01 Easy Free
Boiling Water

The first thing to try. Dissolves grease and soap scum with zero effort. Works on slow drains and minor blockages.

You need A kettle
  1. Boil a full kettle
  2. Pour slowly and directly into the drain in two or three stages
  3. Wait 30 seconds between each pour
  4. Run the tap if it drains freely, you're done
  5. Repeat once more if still slow
Important Do not use boiling water on PVC pipes it can warp the joins. Use the hottest water from your tap instead.
Pouring boiling water into a blocked sink drain
02 Easy Free
Bicarb Soda and Vinegar

A chemical reaction that breaks down organic buildup without damaging your pipes. This fixes the majority of blocked drains.

You need Half a cup of bicarb soda, half a cup of white vinegar, a plug or cloth
  1. Pour the bicarb soda directly down the drain
  2. Follow immediately with the white vinegar
  3. Cover the drain with a plug or damp cloth to keep the reaction inside the pipe
  4. Leave for at least 30 minutes overnight is better
  5. Flush through with hot water
Pro tip Do this last thing at night. The longer you leave it undisturbed, the better it works.
Bicarb soda and white vinegar for unblocking a drain
03 Easy Under $10
The Plunger (Done Properly)

Most people use a plunger wrong. A proper seal and sharp strokes will dislodge most blockages in under a minute.

You need A cup plunger (sinks and tubs) or flange plunger (toilets), a damp cloth
  1. Make sure there is enough water to cover the cup of the plunger
  2. Block the overflow hole with a damp cloth this forces pressure down, not up
  3. Place the plunger cup firmly over the drain and get a solid seal
  4. Push down and pull up sharply 10 to 15 times without breaking the seal
  5. Pull off sharply on the final upstroke to release pressure
  6. Run water to check flow
Right tool matters Cup plunger for sinks and tubs. Flange plunger for toilets. They are not interchangeable the wrong one won't create a seal.
Using a plunger to unblock a kitchen sink
04 Medium Under $20
Drain Snake or Wire Hanger

For blockages further down the pipe that the plunger can't reach. A wire coat hanger works for shallow blockages a drain snake for anything deeper.

You need A drain snake (from any hardware store) or a wire coat hanger, rubber gloves
  1. Put on rubber gloves
  2. Remove the drain cover if possible
  3. Feed the snake or hanger slowly into the drain don't force it
  4. When you feel resistance, rotate and push gently to break up or hook the blockage
  5. Pull out slowly you may pull the blockage with it
  6. Flush with hot water to clear any remaining debris
Wire hanger tip Bend the end into a small hook rather than a spiral. It grabs hair blockages much more effectively.
Using a drain snake to unblock a pipe
05 Last resort $10 to $20
Chemical Drain Cleaner

They work, but they come with real risks to your pipes, to yourself, and to the environment. Use sparingly and follow the instructions exactly.

You need A chemical drain cleaner (Drano or similar), rubber gloves, eye protection
  1. Put on rubber gloves and eye protection before opening the bottle
  2. Pour the recommended amount directly into the drain do not exceed it
  3. Leave for the time stated on the label usually 15 to 30 minutes
  4. Flush thoroughly with cold water for at least one full minute
Watch out Do not use chemical cleaners in toilets or on blocked drains that are completely standing still the chemical will sit on the blockage and can crack older pipes. Never mix with other cleaning products.
Chemical drain cleaner for blocked drains
When to call a plumber
5 signs to stop DIYing

If you've worked through the methods above and the drain is still blocked or any of these apply it's time to call a professional. Pushing on can turn a $200 job into a $2,000 one.

  • Multiple drains are blocked at the same time If more than one drain is slow or blocked, the problem is likely in the main sewer line not something you can fix yourself.
  • Water is backing up into other fixtures If flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the shower, that's a main drain blockage. Stop using water and call immediately.
  • There is a persistent bad smell A sulphur or sewage smell that doesn't go away after clearing the drain can indicate a broken pipe or blockage deep in the system.
  • You have tried all 5 methods and nothing has worked At this point the blockage is likely too deep, too solid, or caused by something that can only be cleared with professional equipment.
  • There is water pooling under sinks or around pipes A leaking joint or cracked pipe needs a licensed plumber. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.

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