How to Unblock a Drain: Expert Tips and When to Call the Professionals

Blocked drains are one of those problems that always seem to happen at the worst possible time. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a gurgling toilet, or a complete blockage outside, it can quickly disrupt your day. The good news? Some minor blockages can be tackled yourself with a few simple methods. But when things get serious, that’s when our 24-hour drain unblocking service is here to step in.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Before diving into solutions, it helps to know what usually causes the problem:

• Grease and fat build-up – particularly in kitchen sinks.

• Hair and soap scum – the usual culprits in bathroom drains.

• Foreign objects – wipes, sanitary products, or too much toilet paper.

• Tree roots and debris – common in outdoor drains.

Quick DIY Ways to Unblock a Drain

1. Boiling Water

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Pouring boiling water slowly down the drain can help dissolve grease and soap build-up. Repeat a couple of times if needed.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural and effective method:

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.

2. Add a cup of vinegar.

3. Cover the drain and leave for 5–10 minutes.

4. Flush with boiling water.

3. Plunger Power

A plunger can often shift stubborn blockages. Create a tight seal around the drain and plunge vigorously to dislodge the obstruction.

4. Drain Snake or Wire

For hair or deeper blockages, a drain snake (or even a straightened wire coat hanger) can be fed down the drain to hook out the debris.

When to Call the Experts

While DIY tricks can work for small issues, they won’t solve more serious problems like collapsed pipes, tree root intrusions, or full-system blockages. If:

• Your drains keep blocking repeatedly,

• There’s a foul smell that won’t go away,

• Multiple drains are backing up at once,

• Or water is overflowing outside…

…it’s time to call in the professionals.

That’s where we come in. At [Your Company Name], we offer 24/7 emergency drain unblocking with a fast response time. Our engineers are fully equipped with specialist tools such as high-pressure jetting and CCTV drain surveys to find and fix the problem quickly — and we’ll also give you advice on preventing future blockages.

Final Thoughts

Unblocking a drain doesn’t always mean reaching for harsh chemicals. Simple household methods often do the trick. But if the problem persists, don’t wait — blockages can quickly turn into costly damage. With our 24-hour emergency service, help is always just a call away.