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Itโ€™s always in the back of our mindsย that blocked drains are a real headache, and the problem just never seems to end.ย But hey, itโ€™s not the end. Weโ€™ll try to figure out what the safe things you can pour down the drain are when plumbing emergencies come in unexpected ways.

Blocked drains are a common household problem, but they donโ€™t always need a plumber straight away. Knowing what you can pour down a drain to unblock itย could save you time, money, and stress.ย Letโ€™s get that water flowing again!

What Causes Drains to Block in the First Place?

Blocked drains are often caused by everyday habits.ย Over time, these things build up and restrict water flow, causing smells, slow drainage, and even flooding. Here are the usual suspects:

  • Grease and oilย coming from the kitchen sinks
  • Hair and soap scumย in bathroom drains
  • Food scrapsย and coffee grounds
  • Foreign objectsย like cotton tips, wipes, or small toys
  • Tree rootsย in outdoor or older pipes

6 Safe Things You Can Pour Down Your Drain to Unblock It

DIY is not that bad when emergencies strike. Before you reach for a harshย chemical cleaner, which can damage pipes, try these tried-and-tested home remedies.

1. Boiling Water

Simple but powerful. Pouring a full kettle of hot water down the drain can melt greasy build-up and flush out minor blockages. Just avoid this if you have PVC pipes.

2. Baking Soda & Vinegar

The classic comboย to unblock drains!ย Great for soap, food, and mild clogs,ย and itโ€™s all-natural.ย Hereโ€™s how:

  • Pour ยฝ cup of baking soda into the drain.
  • Add ยฝ cup of white vinegar.
  • Cover the drain and let it fizz for 15โ€“30 minutes.
  • Lastly, rinse it with hot water.

3. Salt and Hot Water

A safe thing you can pour to unblock drains is to use salt and hot water. Just mix ยฝ cup of table salt with hot water and pour it down. The salt acts as a scrub, while the hot water helps loosen grime.

4. Soft Drink (Coke or Pepsi)

Believe it or not, fizzy soft drinks can help! Their acidity breaks down gunk in drains. Let it sit for an hour, then flush with hot water.

5. Enzyme Cleaners

You can find these products atย supermarkets or hardware stores; enzyme-based cleaners are safe and eco-friendly. They digest organic matter like food or hairย over time. Perfect for monthly maintenance.

6. Baking Soda and Salt Overnight Soak

Good for slow-draining sinks.ย Mix equal parts baking soda and salt, pour it in, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, rinse with boiling water.

When You Need More Than a Quick Fix

If none of these work, the blockage is likely deeper in the system. Call our local tradesmanย to fix everything from drain cleaning, inspection, repair, unclogging, and water backups in Adelaide. Here are some signs that you need a professional license plumbers:

  • Recurring blockages
  • Foul smells
  • Gurgling noises
  • Multiple fixtures blocked
  • Water backing up from drains

Hey! Donโ€™t stressย itโ€™s not always a big job, but it does call for expert tools and experience.ย You can trust our local Adelaide plumbersย to diagnose and repair drain blockages immediately, serving residential and commercial properties.

Fix It Yourselfย Or Call Our Plumbingย Experts

A blocked drain doesnโ€™t always mean disaster. With the right approach, you can often solve it yourself using natural ingredients and a bit of patience.ย But when itโ€™s not working, donโ€™t wait for it to get worse. Your Local Tradesman is here with 24/7 emergency plumbing, cutting-edge tools, and the friendliest plumbers in Adelaide.

Contact our reliable blocked drain services now.ย Just one call away and weโ€™ll get there!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best thing to put down a clogged drain?

Hot water for grease, baking soda and vinegar for mild clogs, or enzyme cleaners for safe long-term maintenance.

What will dissolve a blocked drain?

Hot water, vinegar, soft drinks, or enzyme-based cleaners can help dissolve soft blockages. For tougher clogs, a pro might use jetting or a snake.

What is the quickest way to unblock a drain?

Use a plunger first. If that fails, try boiling water or baking soda and vinegar. If itโ€™s still blocked, call a plumber.

How do I unclog my drain naturally?

Use hot water, baking soda, vinegar, and salt. These methods are effective, safe, and eco-friendly.

Can I leave baking soda and vinegar in the drain overnight?

Absolutely! It gives the mixture more time to break down grime. Rinse with hot water in the morning.

25 June 2025

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