How To Unclog The Drain

How to unclog the kitchen sink or the shower drain.

Don’t call an expensive plumber, read HYBR’s 4 quick-fixes so you can solve your issues on your own!

1. Pour boiling water

First step, you need to loosen the blockage.

• Use the kettle or bring about a litre of water to boil on your stove to heat the water.
• Pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening.
• Turn on the tap to see if the water drains normally. If it's still draining slowly or standing still in the s
• ink, give the water time to cool and repeat the process.

Important note: Don't try this method if your drain is attached to PVC pipes, as the boiling water could melt or damage the plastic.

If this has not solved the issue then it is time to move to phase 2.

 2. Attack with salt and boiling water

• Remove the standing water from the sink using a cup or bowl, pour about ½ cup of table salt down the drain and pour in the boiling water.
• Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush it down with hot water from the kettle to clear the mixture.

OR

3. Add baking soda and vinegar

This is a natural alternative to using chemical drain cleaners on clogged drains, which can sometimes cause more harm than good.  

• Grab one cup of baking soda and pour down the drain, if necessary use a spoon to push the powder down the drain.
• Grab one cup of white vinegar and pour down the drain opening.
• Now cover the drain to seal the opening.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Remove the cover and run hot tap water down the drain.

Add in boiling water to break it up if it is an intense clog and repeat the process after you have completed the steps if you think it’s making slow progress.

Or

4. Use a plunger to un-clog

You can use the toilet plunger but a flat-bottomed one is meant to be the best.

• Fill the sink with hot water (not boiling) until it's about halfway full and creates a seal around the drain.
• Place the plunger over the drain and begin pumping quickly and repeatedly.
• Remove the plunger and wait to see if the water drains.
• Repeat the process until the water drains without issue.

Or you can use a coat hanger! By inserting it into the kitchen drain but be careful not to scratch your sink with the wire…

How to prevent future clogs

Always make sure you run plenty of water down the drain after each use and refrain from disposing these items down the drain:

• Grease, fats and oils.
• Meat.
• Coffee grounds.
• Egg shells.
• Starchy foods, such as pasta, rice or bread.
• Fruit peels, pits and stickers.
• Gum.
• Paint.
• Paper products, such as paper towels or food wrappers.

Use compost piles instead :)

Find your dream home.

If you are stressed out by the upcoming rental season that is fast approaching then don't worry, the HYBR team are here to help. Get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. We can guide you through the process and ensure you don't go through it alone.