The Easiest Way to Clear Blocked Drains: A Step-by-Step Guide

Blocked drain, now what? It’s an already annoying issue that can quickly turn into a big headache. The good news is that you don’t always need to call in a professional plumber straight away. In fact, most minor blockages can be tackled using simple tools and ingredients you probably already have at home!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top tips and techniques to clear your drains and get things flowing smoothly again, before you reach for the phone to book a plumber.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with simple methods: boiling water dissolves grease clogs, while baking soda and vinegar create a natural fizzing action to break up organic blockages safely.
• Use the right tools for each situation: cup plungers for sinks, flange plungers for toilets, and drain snakes for deeper clogs that plungers can’t reach.
• Match your method to your pipes: avoid boiling water on PVC pipes as it can cause warping, but it’s safe for metal pipes and highly effective on grease.
• Recognise when to call professionals: multiple fixtures backing up, recurring clogs, or sewage odours indicate serious main line issues requiring specialised equipment.
• Prevent future blockages through regular maintenance: monthly enzyme treatments and avoiding grease, hair, and non-flushable items keep drains flowing smoothly.

The Basics of Blockages

Most drain blockages happen when everyday household waste doesn’t quite make it down the drain. When toilets are flushed or sinks filled with debris, pipes can become clogged, causing wastewater to back up into your home, yard, or even local waterways.

In fact, Sydney water authorities spend up to $27 million each year clearing around 20,000 blockages from the city’s wastewater system!

• Toilets: Most clogs come from too much toilet paper, non-flushable items, or objects accidentally dropped in. Non-flushable wet wipes are a major offender, making up a majority of all blockages.
• Showers and Bathtubs: Hair, soap residue, and dirt quickly build up here. Chemicals hard water react with the soap, resulting in a sticky residue that results in clogs.
• Kitchen Sinks: Grease, fat, and food particles cling to the walls of the pipes in your kitchen. As they cool, they harden and combine with other debris to form what plumbers call “fatbergs”; nasty, solid clogs that are tough to remove.
• Main Sewer Lines: These pipes can become blocked by tree roots, collapse, or large waste buildups, affecting multiple fixtures at once.

Identifying the Signs of a Blocked Drain

• Slow drainage: Sinks, bathtubs, or toilets that empty slowly are often the first indication of a clog.
• Gurgling noises: Trapped air in pipes escaping through water (past blockages) can create unusual sounds.
• Foul odours: Smells coming from drains usually mean organic matter is stuck inside.
• Unusual water levels: Toilets may sit too high or too low, signalling a developing blockage.
• Backups or overflows: Serious clogs can cause wastewater to return to other fixtures or outdoor drains. Multiple slow-draining fixtures often point to a main sewer line blockage rather than an isolated pipe.

Understanding Your Plumbing System

The more you know about your home’s plumbing system, the easier it is to deal with blocked drains. How your pipes are laid out, and what they’re made of, has a big impact on how clogs form and how you should tackle them. A little knowledge goes a long way in choosing the right fix and preventing future problems.

Types of Pipes and Materials

Most homes have a mix of plumbing pipes, and each type reacts differently to blockages:

• PVC: Common in most homes, PVC pipes are affordable, lightweight, and resistant to rust. They’re excellent for wastewater and storm drainage but can warp if exposed to water hotter than 60°C, making them unsuitable for certain hot water applications.
• Copper: Copper pipes are durable, lasting up to 70 years with proper care. They resist corrosion, work well with both hot and cold water, and naturally inhibit bacteria, making them ideal for drinking water lines.
• Galvanised Steel: Found mostly in homes built before the 1970s, galvanized pipes were strong in their day but tend to rust internally over time. This leads to poor water pressure, clogs, and a lifespan of only 20–50 years, meaning many are now due for replacement.
• Clay and Terracotta: Often used in older sewer and drainage systems, these pipes are heavy and long-lasting but brittle. They are prone to cracking or breaking under ground movement, and roots can easily penetrate joints, causing blockages. Repairing or replacing these pipes can be more complicated and usually requires professional help.

How Drain Layouts Affect Blockages

The design of your plumbing system also plays a major role in how often clogs appear:

• Pipe Slope: Pipes need the right downward angle to keep water moving. Flat pipes slow water flow, allowing solids to settle and create blockages.
• Pipe Diameter: Smaller pipes restrict flow and clog more easily. For example, a bathroom with a smaller drainpipe is far more likely to block than one fitted with the correct size.
• Bends and Turns: Sharp 90-degree bends interrupt water flow and create perfect catch points for hair, grease, and debris. Long, sweeping bends are better because they allow waste to flow smoothly.
• Fixture Positioning: The further a sink, shower, or toilet is from the main sewer line, the more prone it is to clogs due to long horizontal runs where debris can settle.

Tools You’ll Need to Clear a Blockage

Having the right tools on hand makes tackling blocked drains much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Plunger: Your First Line of Defence

A plunger is often all you need to tackle the most common clogs. There are two main types:

• Cup Plungers: The standard red rubber cup with a wooden handle works best on flat surfaces like sinks and bathtubs.
• Flange Plungers: These have an extended rubber piece designed to fit toilet drains, creating a tighter seal.

For best results, make sure the cup is fully submerged in water. Push and pull firmly to create pressure that loosens or dislodges the blockage.

Drain Snake or Auger

If a plunger can’t do the job, a drain snake can reach deeper into your pipes to break up or pull out stubborn clogs:

• Manual Snakes: Usually 3–50 feet long, these handle most household blockages.
• Electric Augers: Motorised power makes light work of tough clogs.
• Toilet Augers: Coated to prevent scratching porcelain, these are perfect for toilet blockages.

Insert the snake until you feel resistance, then turn the handle to break up or grab the clog.

Wet/Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum is great for clearing blockages when water has already backed up. Switch it to liquid vacuum mode, create a tight seal around the drain, and suck out the debris causing the blockage.

Protective Gloves and Safety Precautions

Safety should always come first when dealing with drains. Even a simple blockage can expose you to bacteria, chemicals, and potential injury if you’re not careful. Make sure to:

• Wear Rubber Gloves: Your hands can come into contact with bacteria, mould, and leftover food waste, not to mention harsh chemical cleaners. A sturdy pair of rubber gloves protects your skin and gives you a better grip on tools and slippery surfaces. Consider gloves that extend past your wrists for extra protection, especially when reaching into deep sinks or toilets.
• Use Eye Protection: Splashes of water, chemicals, or debris can cause serious eye irritation or injury. Safety goggles or glasses shield your eyes from unexpected sprays when plunging, snaking, or using chemical solutions.
• Consider a Face Mask: Strong smells from drains or chemical cleaners can be unpleasant or even harmful if inhaled over time. Wearing a simple mask can help reduce irritation and make it easier to breathe while working.
• Keep a Bucket Nearby: Drains can overflow or spill during the clearing process. Having a bucket handy allows you to catch excess water quickly, preventing messes and protecting your floors.
• Ensure Good Ventilation: Open windows or doors when using chemical cleaners or working in confined spaces. Proper airflow helps reduce fumes and keeps the work area safer and more comfortable.
• Handle Tools Carefully: Whether you’re using a plunger, snake, or wet/dry vacuum, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid forcing tools too aggressively, as this can damage pipes or cause injury.
• Know When to Stop: If a blockage feels too stubborn or you encounter unusual resistance, unusual smells, or signs of damage, it’s safer to call a professional plumber rather than risk injury or making the problem worse.

Step-By-Step DIY Methods For Clearing Blocked Drains

Clearing a blocked drain doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, a little patience, and some household items, you can tackle most clogs safely and effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the most effective DIY methods:

1. Using Boiling Water

Boiling water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to clear grease-based blockages. The intense heat melts fat, oil, and soap residue that has built up inside your pipes, helping them flow freely again.

1. Boil the water: Use a kettle, large pot, or saucepan to bring water to a rolling boil. For tougher grease buildups, you may need several litres.
2. Pour in small batches: Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain in stages rather than all at once. This ensures that the heat has time to work on the clog and prevents potential splashing.
3. Allow it to work: After each batch, wait a few moments to let the water melt and push through the grease. You can repeat this process several times if needed.
4. Target the right drains: Kitchen sinks are the ideal spot for this method, as grease and fat from cooking are common blockages here. Bathroom sinks, tubs, and toilets usually respond better to other methods, as the clogs tend to be hair or soap-based rather than grease-based.
5. Combine with other methods: For stubborn grease clogs, boiling water can be even more effective when combined with dish soap. Squirt a few tablespoons of grease-cutting dish soap down the drain first, then follow with boiling water to help dissolve the residue faster.

Important Safety Notes:

• Pipe type matters: Boiling water is safe for metal or ceramic pipes but can warp or damage PVC pipes, which are common in modern plumbing. Always check your plumbing systems before using this method.
• Protect yourself: Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns. Pour slowly, use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, and keep children and pets away from the area.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

The baking soda and vinegar method is a classic, natural approach to clearing blocked drains. It’s especially effective for organic clogs caused by hair, soap scum, and food debris, and it’s gentle on your plumbing, making it safe for regular maintenance.

1. Add the baking soda: Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the clogged drain. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline, which helps loosen debris and neutralise odours. Always ensure the drain is clear of standing water before starting, as excess water can dilute the reaction and reduce effectiveness.
2. Pour in the vinegar: Immediately follow with ½ cup of white vinegar. The acidic vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating a fizzy, bubbling action that agitates and breaks apart the clog.
3. Contain the reaction: Cover the drain with a plug or a damp cloth to keep the fizzing action concentrated inside the pipe. This allows the carbon dioxide bubbles to work more effectively on the blockage.
4. Wait for it to work: Let the mixture sit for 30–60 minutes. For stubborn clogs, you can leave it for up to an hour or even overnight. The reaction softens and loosens the grime, making it easier to flush away.
5. Flush with hot water: After the waiting period, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. The hot water washes away the loosened debris, leaving your pipes clear and fresh.
6. Repeat if necessary: Some blockages may require a second application. Repeat the process if you notice slow drainage or lingering odours.

💡Pro tip: Use this method regularly as a preventative measure to keep drains flowing smoothly. Monthly applications can help prevent serious blockages before they form.

3. Manual Removal with a Drain Snake

When plungers or natural solutions can’t clear a stubborn clog, a drain snake is your go-to tool. Also called a plumber’s auger, this flexible coil can reach deep into your pipes to break up or retrieve blockages that are too far down for other methods.

1. Insert the snake: Feed the end of the snake into the drain opening. For sinks, remove the drain stopper first to give the snake full access. Toilets require a specialised toilet auger with a protective coating to avoid scratching porcelain.
2. Advance carefully: Turn the handle clockwise as you push the coil deeper into the pipe. Keep a steady pace and maintain gentle pressure. You’ll feel resistance when you reach the clog.
3. Break up or grab the blockage: Once the snake hits the obstruction, continue rotating the handle. This either breaks up the clog or allows the coil to hook onto debris for removal. Patience is key. Forcing the snake too quickly can damage pipes or push the blockage further down.
4. Remove the debris: Slowly pull the snake out while continuing to rotate the handle. This motion helps bring the debris out without leaving fragments behind. Empty and clean the snake between attempts if necessary.
5. Test the drain: Run hot water to see if the clog has cleared. Repeat the process if the water is still draining slowly or if residual debris remains.

Don’t have a drain snake? A bent wire coat hanger can sometimes be used for minor clogs in sinks or tubs. Straighten the hanger as much as possible, then create a small hook at one end to fish out hair, soap scum, or other debris.

4. Using a Plunger Correctly

A plunger is one of the simplest and most effective tools (and one you’ll likely already have!) for clearing many common household clogs. Creating suction and pressure helps dislodge blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets. While it may seem straightforward, using a plunger properly ensures better results and prevents making the clog worse.

1. Seal overflow openings: For sinks or bathtubs, cover any overflow openings with a damp rag. This prevents air from escaping and ensures that the pressure you create is focused on the clog, not leaking out through other channels.
2. Choose the right plunger: Cup plungers are best for flat surfaces like sinks and bathtubs. Flange plungers have an extended rubber lip designed to fit toilet drains snugly, creating a tighter seal. Using the correct plunger type makes a big difference in effectiveness.
3. Position the plunger: Place the rubber cup directly over the drain so that it fully covers the opening. Make sure there is enough water in the sink, tub, or toilet to cover the cup, as it helps create a strong vacuum and pressure when you plunge.
4. Plunge with proper technique: Push down firmly, then pull up quickly, maintaining the seal at all times. Avoid lifting the plunger completely out of the drain, as this breaks the suction. Repeat this motion for 20–30 seconds, or longer if needed. This forces water into the clog and helps break it apart.
5. Check the results: After a few pumps, lift the plunger carefully and see if water drains freely. If the clog remains, reposition the plunger and repeat. You may need multiple attempts for stubborn blockages.

5. Chemical Drain Cleaners (With Caution)

Chemical drain cleaners can be a quick solution for stubborn blockages, but they come with significant risks. Used incorrectly, harsh chemicals can corrode pipes, damage septic systems, and even pose safety hazards in your home.

Because of these risks, chemical cleaners should always be considered a last resort, used only after gentler methods such as plunging, baking soda and vinegar, or a drain snake have failed.

Safety First

• Wear protective gear: Always use rubber gloves, safety goggles, and, if necessary, a face mask to protect against splashes, fumes, and accidental contact.
• Follow instructions precisely: Read the product label carefully. Each cleaner is formulated differently, and using the wrong amount or combining products can cause dangerous chemical reactions. Never mix different types of cleaners.
• Ventilation is key: Open windows or run an exhaust fan to reduce fumes in your work area. Chemical vapours can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs.
• Limit use on old plumbing: Older pipes, especially galvanised steel, PVC, or brittle clay pipes, are more vulnerable to chemical damage. Excessive or repeated use can weaken pipes and lead to leaks or costly repairs.

Types of Chemical Drain Cleaners

• Caustic Cleaners contain ingredients like lye or potash and work by generating heat that dissolves grease and fat clogs effectively. They are best for kitchen sink blockages caused by fatty deposits. But the high heat and chemical action can damage older or fragile pipes if used frequently.
• Oxidising Cleaners contain bleach, peroxides, or similar compounds. They target clogs caused by hair, food particles, and organic matter. They can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system; they may damage certain types of pipes if used improperly.
• Enzyme-Based Cleaners contain live bacteria that produce enzymes to naturally break down organic matter over time. They are safe for pipes and septic systems, but work more slowly than chemical options, often taking several hours or overnight to fully clear a blockage. That makes them better for ongoing drain care and prevention rather than emergency unclogging.

6. Combining Methods for Tough Blockages

Sometimes, a stubborn clog won’t respond to a single technique. In these cases, combining multiple methods can give you the best chance of success. Approaching blockages step by step allows you to loosen, break up, and remove debris efficiently, while minimising the risk of pipe damage.

1. Start with natural solutions: Begin with the baking soda and vinegar method to chemically loosen debris. The fizzing reaction helps break down organic matter, making the clog easier to tackle physically.
2. Use manual tools next: Once the clog is softened, use a plunger to create pressure and push the debris through the pipe. If the blockage persists, follow up with a drain snake to reach deeper clogs that the plunger can’t reach. This combination of chemical and physical action often clears even the most stubborn obstructions.
3. Target greasy kitchen clogs: For sinks clogged with grease or fat, a few drops of dish soap followed by boiling water can help dissolve sticky residues. Using this after softening the clog with baking soda and vinegar ensures the blockage is fully removed.
4. Test the drain: After each attempt, run hot water to check if the blockage has cleared. If drainage remains slow, repeat the process or try a different combination of methods.

Safety Tips When Combining Methods:

• Protect yourself: Always wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and consider a face mask if you’re using chemical cleaners.
• Maintain good ventilation: Open windows or use fans when chemicals are involved to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Prepare for overflow: Keep a bucket or container nearby to catch water that may back up during plunging or snaking.

When to Call Professional Plumbers

While DIY methods can tackle many minor drain blockages, some situations require the expertise of a professional plumber (like Hardie and Co!). Knowing when to call in the experts can save you time, stress, and costly repairs down the line.

• Multiple fixtures backing up: If several sinks, toilets, or showers drain slowly at the same time, the problem may lie in your main sewer line, which requires specialised attention and care.
• Unusual noises or smells: Gurgling sounds, sewage odours, or bubbling toilets indicate that water and waste aren’t flowing correctly, often pointing to a serious blockage or pipe damage.
• Persistent or recurring clogs: If a drain keeps clogging even after repeated DIY attempts, it could signal deeper issues like pipe collapse, tree root intrusion, or solid obstructions that standard household tools can’t handle.
• Sewage backups or pooling water: Any situation where sewage enters your home or water accumulates around floor drains is an emergency. Immediate professional intervention is required to prevent property damage and health risks.

Professional plumbers have access to tools and techniques that aren’t often available to homeowners. For example, Drain cameras allow the precise location of blockages without digging up your pipes, and hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to clear even the toughest buildups, including grease, sludge, and mineral deposits.

Additionally, in Australia, licensed plumbers or drainers are required to work on sewer drains to comply with health and building regulations. Attempting serious repairs yourself can not only put your home at risk but also violate local laws.

While professional intervention might seem like a bigger upfront investment, it often saves you from costly repairs and repeated DIY attempts that can make the problem worse.

Why Choose Hardie & Co Plumbing?

When it comes to blocked drains, experience and expertise make all the difference. With over 12 years in the plumbing industry, Hardie & Co Plumbing has built a reputation for solving every type of drain problem. Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or stubborn blockages – you name it, we’ve cleared it.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Thorough Assessment: Every effective solution starts with understanding the problem. We begin with a detailed assessment of your plumbing system to pinpoint the nature and extent of the blockage. By identifying the root cause, we can recommend the most effective and long-lasting solution.
2. Camera Inspection: Using advanced diagnostic and imaging technology, we can see inside your pipes without unnecessary digging or disruption. This lets us locate blockages precisely and determine if there are hidden issues like pipe cracks, root intrusions, or buildup that could cause future problems.
3. Effective Clearing & Drainage: Once the blockage is identified, we use the latest tools and techniques to clear your drains quickly and efficiently. From high-pressure hydrojetting to specialised augers, our equipment handles even the toughest blockages, restoring your plumbing to peak performance.
4. Expert Insight & Advice: We don’t just fix the immediate problem; we work to prevent future issues, too. Our team provides practical advice and expert tips on drain maintenance, ensuring your plumbing system stays in top condition long after the blockage is cleared.

Blocked Drains? Take Control with DIY Tips and Expert Solutions

Blocked drains don’t have to be a nightmare. With the right knowledge, tools, and preventive habits, you can tackle most minor clogs yourself using simple DIY methods like plunging, baking soda and vinegar, or boiling water.

Matching your approach to your plumbing type and regular maintenance keeps your pipes healthy and reduces the risk of costly blockages.

At the same time, knowing when to call in the professionals is just as important. Choosing Hardie & Co Plumbing means choosing peace of mind, expert solutions, and a team committed to keeping your drains flowing smoothly. Whether it’s a minor clog or a major sewer line issue, we have the skills, technology, and experience to get the job done right the first time.