Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Top 5 DIY Remedies For Blocked Drains

  • Written by Samantha Ball

Gurgle. Gurgle. Pop!

You watch the bubbles slowly rise out of the drain in your clogged sink. Fixing a blocked drain was definitely not what you planned on doing today.

Before you get too frustrated, though, read this list! There are a number of easy DIY ways to clear a blocked drain. Here are some of the best ideas.


1. Baking Soda and Salt

Call on your inner chemist and whip up some DIY drain cleaner to clear out the clog. It’s easier than you think and super cheap!

Simply mix equal parts baking soda and salt together. Stir this mixture into four parts boiling water and dump it down the drain. You can let it fizz overnight then flush the drain with hot water in the morning.


2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda is your friend when it comes to clearing a blocked drain. Another great home remedy is to mix it with vinegar.

It’s likely you’ve seen those cool homemade volcanoes using baking soda and vinegar. Put that fizzing action to good use down in the drain. Like the first mixture, you can let it sit in the drain overnight and flush with hot water in the morning.


3. Boiling Water

A common cause of blockages in kitchen sinks is a buildup of grease or oil in the drainpipe. It was in liquid form when it went in, but has since cooled and caught other bits of debris to form a clog.

If you can heat the grease and make it liquid again, the clog will break apart and be flushed away.

It’s easy to do this by boiling a pot of water and pouring it down the sink. Take care to avoid splashing boiling water on your arms.


4. Liquid Soap

If the boiling water by itself wasn’t enough, try filling the drain with liquid dish soap first. Pour in a generous amount and chase it with boiling water.

The great thing about this method is it will leave your drain both clear and smelling fresh — important when the clog has been there a while.


5. Plunger

So far, we’ve talked about blockages that you can clear by pouring something the drain. Sometimes drains are so stopped up that the water stays sitting in the sink for hours.

Your first try in that case should be with a plunger. Put the suction end over the drain and vigorously pump the handle up and down for a few seconds to loosen the clog. Rinse with water.

If none of these tips does the trick, you can call a licenced plumber for help. The professionals have other tools and methods at their disposal to quickly clear your drain.


No More Blocked Drains!

Don’t despair when looking down your stopped-up drain. There are plenty of ways to clear a blocked drain. It’s just a matter of finding the right one.

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

Top Services Offered by Diesel Mechanics in Brisbane

Keeping a diesel vehicle running at its best takes more than the occasional oil change. When you invest in regular specialist care, you protect the ...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne ...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, mana...

Types of Catering You Should Consider for Your Next Event

Choosing the right type of catering service can elevate your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate func...

Understanding the Benefits of Split System Installation for Your Home

Climate control is essential to maintaining comfort in your home, especially during the extreme temperatures that many regions face. Whether you’r...

Best Aluminium Window Sliding Designs for Natural Light and Airflow

Bringing natural light and airflow into a space is one of the most efficient ways to create a healthy and comfortable home. In Sydney and across Aus...

Maximising Operational Efficiency: Electric Winch Hire Australia and Hydraulic Power Pack Hire Solutions

Image by jcomp on Freepik From urban construction sites and remote mining operations to coastal maritime facilities, specialised equipment solutio...

Navigating the System: Your Guide to Support Finding Work with a Disability Around Melbourne

Image by freepik Finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're also navigating life with a ...

Say Goodbye to Draughts and Hello to Savings: Your Guide to Perth Window Replacement

Image by prostooleh on Freepik Are your windows looking worse for wear? Are you paying a hefty power bill due to sneaky draughts and poor insulation...

How to Choose the Right Horse Trailer for Your Riding Needs

Many horse owners travel long distances for riding lessons, competitions, or to move horses between properties. Having a safe and reliable trailer i...

Sydney Turf Installer for Instant Green Lawns and Long-Term Performance

Having a green lawn at home makes everything look better. Whether it’s the front yard, backyard, or a small patch beside the driveway, people in S...

Designing Better Living Spaces: Why New Kitchens in the Blue Mountains Are in High Demand

The Blue Mountains region is seeing a steady rise in home upgrades. According to recent housing data, kitchen renovations remain one of the most req...

The Role of Packaging Manufacturers in Reducing Supply Chain Costs

In today’s fast-paced logistics and distribution landscape, businesses are under constant pressure to optimise operations and reduce expenses. One...

Customising Roller Shutters for Warehouses, Factories, and Logistics Hubs

In today’s fast-paced industrial and commercial environments, security, functionality, and efficiency are paramount. Whether you manage a busy log...

Top Fire Hazards in Commercial Buildings and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to protecting lives, assets, and business continuity, fire safety should be at the forefront of every commercial property owner’s ri...