FAQ’s

Drains usually block because something's going down them that shouldn't be which builds up over time, like hair, grease, food particles, and soap scum.

To Unblock a drain:

Hot Water:

• This is the simplest first step and can often clear minor blockages caused by grease or soap build-up.

• Carefully pour a kettle full of hot water directly down the drain in stages, allowing the hot water to work for a few seconds between pours.

Baking Soda and Vinegar (The Fizzing Action):

• Pour about ½ cup of baking soda down the drain then 1 cup of white vinegar.

• The mixture will fizz – let it work for about 30 minutes (or even a few hours for tougher clogs). You can cover the drain with a plug to keep the fizzing action contained.

• Flush with plenty of hot water.

The Trusty Plunger:

• For sinks with an overflow hole, seal it with a wet cloth to create better suction.

• Place the plunger firmly over the drain opening, ensuring a good seal.

• Push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously for several minutes.

• Remove the plunger to see if the water drains. Repeat the process if necessary.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners:

• While they might seem like a quick fix, they can be corrosive and damage your pipes over time, potentially leading to leaks or bursts.

• They are also bad for the environment, consider safer, more natural alternatives.

Call in the professionals:

If this doesn’t help or you’re experience recurring blockages, it’s time to contact us, we can inspect your drainage system and identify and repair underlying issues like poor installation, major blockages or tree root intrusion.

Drains that smell are usually a sign of a blockage or stagnant water lying in the pipe.

To clear a minor blockage see our “How to unblock a drain?”

Dealing with blocked drains is a real hassle! Thankfully, there are several things you can do to significantly reduce the chances of them occurring.

In the kitchen:

• Never pour fats, oils, and grease down the sink.

• Avoid rinsing food scraps down the drain.

• Wipe down greasy dishes and pans with paper towels before washing them.

In the Bathroomr:

• Hair is notorious for causing clogs in showers and sinks. Use drain protectors or hair catchers.

• Brush your hair before showering.

• Toilet - Only flush the “three P’s” pee, poo, and toilet paper.

If your drains block regularly there maybe a larger blockage or fault in the pipe. We can use our high pressure water jetter to clear stubborn blockages or our CCTV camera to find any underlying issues.

• Install Drain Guards: Use them in all your sinks, showers, and even outdoor drains to catch debris like leaves and prevent them from entering the pipes. Clean these guards regularly.

• Regularly Rinse Drains:

  • Flush with hot water regularly, especially after using the kitchen sink, to help wash away any small build-up of grease or food particles. Be cautious with boiling water on older or weaker pipes.

  • Consider a monthly flush with a natural drain cleaner like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water. The fizzing action can help break down minor build-up and deodorize the drain.

  • Soda crystals dissolved in boiling water can also help keep drains clear of fats, oils, and grease.

• Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners: While they might seem like a quick fix, they can be corrosive and damage your pipes over time, potentially leading to leaks or bursts.

  They are also bad for the environment, consider safer, more natural alternatives.

Hot Water:

• Carefully pour a kettle full of hot water directly down the drain in stages, allowing the hot water to work for a few seconds between pours.

Add Hot Water and Baking Soda:

• Pour about ½ cup of baking soda down the drain then 1 cup of white vinegar.

• The mixture will fizz – let it work for about 30 minutes (or even a few hours for tougher clogs). You can cover the drain with a plug to keep the fizzing action contained.

• Flush with plenty of hot water.

Use a Plunger:

• Place the plunger into the bowl to cause a seal.

• Plunge forcefully up and down 10–15 times, keeping the seal intact.

• Flush to check if the blockage has cleared. Repeat if necessary.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners:

• While they might seem like a quick fix, they can be corrosive and damage your pipes over time, potentially leading to leaks or bursts.

• They are also bad for the environment, consider safer, more natural alternatives

Call in the professionals:

If this doesn’t help or you’re experience recurring blockages, it’s time to contact us, we can inspect your drainage system and identify and repair underlying issues like poor installation or major blockages.

Hot Water:

• Carefully pour a kettle full of hot water directly down the drain in stages, allowing the hot water to work for a few seconds between pours.

Baking Soda and Vinegar (The Fizzing Action):

• Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the bowl.

• Followed by 2-3 litres of hot water with half a cup of vinegar.

• The mixture will fizz – let it work for about 30 minutes (or even a few hours for tougher clogs). You can cover the drain with a plug to keep the fizzing action contained.

Use a Plunger:

• Place the plunger into the bowl to cause a seal.

• Plunge forcefully up and down 10–15 times, keeping the seal intact.

• Flush to check if the blockage has cleared. Repeat if necessary.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners:

• While they might seem like a quick fix, they can be corrosive and damage your pipes over time, potentially leading to leaks or bursts.

• They are also bad for the environment, consider safer, more natural alternatives

Call in the professionals:

If this doesn’t help or you’re experience recurring blockages, it’s time to contact us, we can inspect your drainage system and identify and repair underlying issues like poor installation or major blockages.