How to Unclog a Drain (Without Calling a Plumber)

Today, our home drainage systems are pretty robust.

But blockages still build up in pipes over time.

(Hair and soap scum can block shower drains. Ground coffee and cooking fat tend to build up in kitchen sinks. And baby wipes can quickly block toilets.)

Fixing and maintaining clear pipes is an important part of home maintenance.

Follow these simple steps to fix your drain blockages.

Important safety note: Be cautious if you decide to use chemical-based drain cleaning products. Handle them carefully and follow their instructions closely. And don’t use them too frequently. They can solidify and make the problem worse, or they cause chemical reactions that over time erode the pipes and result in water leaks.

Signs of a blocked drain

The following are clear signs of blocked drains:

• If the sink’s taking a lifetime to drain
• Water’s pooling around your feet in the shower
• There’s a bad smell coming from the kitchen.

Steps for unblocking a drain

Step 1: Clear visible blockages and use hot water

Slow-draining bathroom sinks are often caused by blockages from things like hair, soap scum and toothpaste.

The first thing to try is physically pulling out any hair you can reach from the drain. 

The more you can dispose of, the less you’ll need to push through your pipes. 

Next, put in the plug and fill your sink up with hot water. Pull out the plug and see if the water clears the blockage.

Step 2: Try an eco-friendly mix

Many companies claim they have the best sink unblocker product. 

But a mix of baking powder and vinegar can still be effective and more environmentally-friendly.

To clean your pipes:

• Pour boiling water down your sink, bathtub or shower drain
• Follow with 1 cup of baking powder
• Next add 1 cup of vinegar
• Insert the plug or cover the drain for 5-10 minutes
• Flush the drain with boiling water

Step 3: Use a plunger

Plungers are very useful for sinks and showers (as well as blocked toilets). 

Drain plungers send quick bursts of water down your pipes to hopefully clear any blockages.

Here is how you can use them, step-by-step:

• Block the overflow with an old rag
• Run your tap
• Place the plunger over the drain hole, ensuring it’s sealed
• Gently plunge up and down quickly
• Remove your plunger, fill the sink and it should now drain properly

Step 4: Snake the drain

If plunging your bathroom or kitchen sink doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake. 

This tool looks like a long coiled piece of flexible pipe and is usually about a ¼ inch thick, so it can fit easily down your drain.

• Push the end of the snake into the drain opening
• Turn the handle on the drum to feed the coiled-up snake down your drain
• Keep going until you feel resistance (this should mean you’ve found the blockage)
• Twist the snake until it moves more freely (it will either attach itself to the clog or breakthrough it)
• Carefully pull out the snake and the blockage will come with it

(If you don’t have a drain snake to hand, you could try unbending a wire coat hanger and using that instead.)

Step 5: Check the U-bend

You can try all of the methods above to unblock your kitchen sink, but if all else fails, you’re probably going to need to take it apart. 

Grab a pair of rubber gloves and a bucket – you’ll thank us later!

• Place a small bucket under your sink’s U-bend (this is the first bend after the plughole)
• Carefully unscrew the U-bend pipe and water will begin to drain out
• Have a look and see if you can locate the blockage, grab it with your fingers and pull out as much as you can
• Clean the pipe with a cloth, screw the pipe back into place, and run water to see if you have a clear drain.

Preventing blocked drains

If your drains are constantly getting clogged, chances are you’re not using them properly. 

Before you grab your tools, it is worth looking into the common causes of clogged drains so you can stop them from happening in the first place.

Use sink strainers

You should use small metal, mesh, or silicone sieves in both your kitchen and bathroom. 

They catch food waste in the kitchen, and things like hair and beauty product residue in the bathroom. 

(Remember to measure your plugs before buying them, and pull them out to clean them regularly!)

Don’t pour oil or grease down your drains

Cooking fat slips easily down the plughole, but it sets within the pipes to create a solid blockage that catches other debris. 

In worst-case scenarios, oil and grease can even block up underground neighbourhood sewers.

Be careful what you flush

Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, but flushing thicker items can quickly lead to blockages. 

Never flush baby wipes or sanitary towels—always dispose of these in a bin. If you use luxury, multi-ply toilet paper, try to use fewer sheets at a time to prevent clogs.

Keep areas around outdoor drains clear

Sometimes the problem doesn’t start inside your home. 

Leaves and garden debris can easily wash into your outdoor drains and cause major obstructions, so keep your garden tidy and sweep away leaves.

Rather leave it to the experts?

If your drains are constantly getting clogged, chances are you’re not using them properly. 

If you’ve tried all these methods and still can’t clear the blockage, it may be that the clog is hard to locate or requires special tools to remove it. 

Plumbers can use sophisticated technology like inspection cameras and millers to locate and repair deep blockages. 

They can even help you evaluate whether it is time to repair or completely replace your drain lines.

Get covered & peace of mind

Our comprehensive plumbing and drainage cover can protect your drains and give you peace of mind.

Hometree offers home care plans you can trust, with quick and convenient call-outs and a 24/7 UK helpline.

What’s more, we don’t put caps on claims!