Blocked drain? Don't panic! 4 easy ways to unblock it yourself before paying a plumber

Tackling a blocked drain with things you already have at home

Bathroom or kitchen-sink drains blocking until water overflows is one of the problems that always gives homeowners a headache. But before you rush to call a plumber and spend a thousand baht or more, check and fix it yourself with these simple basic methods.

4 drain-unblocking methods that really work

Start with the gentlest method and work up to specialist tools:

• Baking soda and vinegar: pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar, and leave for 15-20 minutes so the fizzing breaks down grease, then flush with hot water
• Use a plunger: seat the plunger tightly over the drain opening, add enough water to just cover the rubber cup, then pump up and down hard and rhythmically to create air pressure that pushes the blockage out
• Use a drain snake or small steel auger: feed the steel snake slowly into the pipe and turn the handle to hook and pull out hair or dirt stuck deep inside
• Remove and clean the P-trap: for a washbasin or kitchen sink, put a bowl under the pipe, unscrew the P-trap and scrape out food scraps and grease

Safety precautions while you work

Unblocking drains yourself comes with important precautions about chemicals and tools that you must not overlook, for your own safety and that of the pipes

• Avoid caustic soda or harsh chemicals: strong acid-type chemicals can melt and deform PVC pipes, and can cause serious injury if they splash into your eyes or onto your skin
• Always wear protective equipment: wear rubber gloves and safety glasses every time you handle dirt or cleaning products

When should you stop and call a specialist?

If you've tried the basic steps and water still wells up, or water is coming up from several places at once, the blockage is in the house's main drain. Also, if water is leaking into the wall structure, or the blockage is close to wiring or a water pump, stop immediately and call a plumbing specialist, for the safety of the house and everyone in it.