A blocked drain can feel like a major problem. A toilet that won’t flush, a horrid smell from a plughole or water rising in the bath – it’s easy to panic and it’s tempting to grab the phone and call a drainage engineer at once.

However, it may be far less serious than you think, and some simple steps can help you assess and even solve the problem. This is what you should look out for.

1. Assess the Situation – Look for Clues

• Is it just one area – the toilet or bath, for example?
• Do you have standing water, or is it draining a little?
• Are there any nasty smells from a plughole or gurgling noises?

If the problem is in one location, this indicates a local blockage (within your property). If several fixtures are blocked (bath, kitchen sink, toilet, for example), a problem with the main pipe is more likely, and you’ll need a professional drainage engineer.

2. Stop Running Water in the Problem Area

Don’t use taps or appliances in areas where you have a blockage. This easily leads to flooding and creates even bigger problems.

3. Can You See an Obstruction in the Problem Area?

The problem may be right in front of you.

• Toilets – wet wipes, sanitary products, small objects such as kids’ toys (always wear suitable protective gloves if inspecting the toilet).
• Bathrooms – hair, scum from soap or shower gel are often responsible here.
• Kitchen sink – cooking oil, bits of food or fat easily become trapped.

The blockage may be clearly visible, so always check the area carefully.

4. Unblocking Kitchen Sinks with Boiling Water

This is a common problem area in many households, and this easy solution is often effective.

• Remove any standing water.
• Boil a kettle and carefully pour the water down the plughole in small stages – allow around 20 seconds between each pour.
• This is good for softening grease buildups, which then rinse away. You may need to repeat this several times.

NOTE: Boiling water can damage plastic pipes and ceramic toilets, so don’t use this method if you’re unsure about your pipes.   

5. Plunger – Use the Correct Method

For sinks, basins and baths, use a cup plunger. Ensure all other drains (the ones you’re not plunging) are blocked with damp clothes before you begin. This makes the plunging more effective.

• Place the plunger over the drain and make sure it forms a seal.
• Gently push the handle down and up for around 30 seconds.
• Repeat if this doesn’t work.

For toilets, use a flange plunger and the same method. If a plunger doesn’t clear the blockage, you need a professional drain engineer.

6. Don’t Use Chemical Unblockers

These may work, but they’re dangerous. Chemicals can damage pipes and people if there are any splashes, so it’s best to avoid them.

7. Can You Assess the Outside Drain?

If you have a manhole outside, lift the cover and check the interior cavity. If there’s nothing to see and the cavity is clear, it’s likely the problem lies within your home.

If it’s full of water or you see some other blockage, the issue is probably in the main sewer. This is a job for drainage experts, so don’t try to access the sewer yourself.

Call in Mega Rod, the Drainage Professionals

If none of these methods work, talk to the friendly team at Mega-Rod. We look after homes and businesses in Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Don’t battle with stressful drainage problems yourself.

Contact us today on 01225 422980 or email admin@mega-rod.co.uk