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How to unblock a drain

How to unblock a drain

Don’t get bogged down unblocking drains. Learn how to unblock a drain with Sainsbury’s Bank. Let the pipes flow free and prevent potential damage from leaks today with this handy guide to unblocking drains.

Seven ways to unblock a drain

Blocked pipes lead to problems, so if your drain is overflowing it’s important to break down anything that’s backed up. 

Here are some of the easiest ways to unblock your sink drain and unpack your pipes at home.

1. Use baking soda and vinegar   

A cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda is a recipe for clear pipes. Here’s what you need to do to clear your drain with these household essentials. 

  1. Pour some boiling water into the drain.
  2. Tip the cup of baking soda into the blocked drain.
  3. Mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of water and pour that in immediately.
  4. Leave the drain for about five minutes – you can cover it with a plug too.
  5. Use more boiling water down the drain again – this should cause the solution to bubble and flush out the blockage. 

The acidic nature of the vinegar, along with the bubbling reaction of the baking soda, helps break down any materials that have overstayed their welcome in your drain.

2. Boiling water  

Boiling water is a great way to unblock a clogged sink, drain or toilet. When you add boiling water, it’s not just the temperature that helps clear blockages – it also adds pressure to the water system. That, in turn, helps to get things moving and can remove some gunk. Plus, it’s simple and you won’t need to run to the shop for any fancy gadgets or cleaning chemicals. 

3. A drain snake 

A drain snake is the name for a flexible, cork-screw shaped coil, with a circular winder and handle attached. 

  1. First, push the coil down the drain. It’s flexible enough to snake around all the bends of your pipes to reach the blockage. 
  2. Once it meets resistance, twist the handle and the coil will burrow into the blockage.
  3. When it’s locked in, give the snake a little pull and dislodge the blockage. 

It’s not as hands-off as some drain unblocking methods, but it gets the job done.

4. A plunger 

The plunger is cheap, readily available, and a household classic – and for good reason. A plunger is a stick with a rubber cup that unblocks drains by using suction and pressure. They’re easy to use too:

  1. Place the plunger over the drain to create a seal.
  2. Push down on the plunger, which creates pressure in your pipes.
  3. Pull on the plunger, which causes suction – yanking any clogs out.

You might need to repeat the process a few times. If a plunger doesn’t fully unblock your clogged drain, you can use it alongside other methods listed to make the process easier.

5. Caustic cleaners 

Got a blockage that just won’t budge? Caustic cleaners take the science behind vinegar and baking soda and crank it up a notch. These cleaners disrupt your blocked drain sink by liquifying all the fats, debris, bacteria and other gunk through chemical action.

Ensure you follow the instructions when using caustic cleaners, including any personal protective equipment (PPE) or directional usage requirements.

6. Remove the U-bend 

The U-bend, sometimes known as a trap, can really live up to its name. The U-bend is an important feature of all sinks and drains because it traps water to form a seal, preventing bad smells from the water sewage system getting into your home. However, due to the bends in the pipe, all sorts of things can get stuck. Over time, this builds up and can result in severe blockages that can be difficult to remove. 

There’s good news though, a U-bend can be removed quite easily at home. If you intend to remove it yourself, bring along a bucket to place underneath the U-bend, some gloves, and a wrench. Don’t forget to take a picture of how the U-bend is constructed so you can piece it back together afterwards.

7. Hire a professional 

When all other methods fail (or if you just don’t want to mess about anymore) it might be time to hire a professional. You can look online for plumbers in your area, or maybe ask family or friends for recommendations. If you’re worried about the cost, it’s always worth asking for an estimate quote.

Are blocked drains covered by home insurance?

Under standard home insurance policies, the cost of unblocking a drain isn’t covered. Accidental damage cover could protect your home against costs incurred by a blocked drain, but it depends on the cause of the blockage.

There are also some additional extras you could add to your policy which may provide cover for unblocking or repairing blocked drains. 

Due to the nature of blocked drains, exclusions may apply. 

Learn more about Sainsbury’s Bank Home Insurance today.

Sainsbury's Bank Home Insurance is arranged and administered by Sainsbury's Bank and is underwritten by a carefully selected range of insurers. When you get a quote we will tell you who the insurer is before you buy the policy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim for plumbing work on home insurance?

Depending on the issue, you may be able to claim for plumbing work on your home insurance. However, under most default policies, plumbing work resulting from a blocked drain won’t be covered as standard.

Who is responsible for blocked drains outside?

Responsibility for drains inside your property boundary falls to you. However, public drains are handled by your local council. If there are issues with public drains, you can report them on the government website or to your local water company.

Are underground pipes covered by home insurance?

Yes, underground pipes could be covered by home insurance, but exceptions do apply. For example, blockages often won’t be covered by a standard home insurance policy, and it may not cover you against improper use.

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