Sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms stand a chance of getting blocked at some stage with the high frequency of use. This often happens at the worst time possible. Usually this occurs when you are entertaining guests! However, there is no need to worry. Help is right under your nose in your own home.

What you will need

• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Plunger
• Hot water

If possible, the first thing to do is find the reason for the blockage. There is usually a good reason for a blockage and hopefully this isn’t hard for you to find. By locating the blockage, you have done most the work required to unblock it.

However, if you cant find out where the blockage is occurring, then you need to keep reading on.

Usually when there is a blocked drain in your home you are able to unblock the drain yourself by using a plunger. In this case, no plumber will be required thus saving you money! Should a plunger not do the job, then you will need to use other methods and materials in your home to unblock the blockage.

Other than a plunger, vinegar and soda serve as a great tool and is extremely effective to unblock drains. Most people store vinegar and baking soda in their kitchen cupboards.  Follow the steps below to try unblocking the drain:

1. Boil water on the stove
2. Pour approximately 1 cup of baking soda down the drain
3. Pour approximately 1 cup of vinegar down the drain
4. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to settle for 10-15 minutes. This should hopefully dissolve whatever is causing the blockage.
5. Pour the pot of boiling water down the drain to remove any debris that may still exist.

It’s important that you start practicing preventive measures to stop your drain for blocking again. Many people perform the baking soda and vinegar routine once a month as a precautionary measure. Be sure that after washing your hair, you remove any hair that is lodged into the drain to prevent blockages from occurring. At all times, use a strainer in the sink to prevent food and other debris from clogging up your drain.

If none of the above techniques work, you may have a more serious problem in your drain. You will need to contact a Melbourne plumber to help you rectify the issue.

If none of the above techniques work, you may have a more serious problem in your drain. You will need to contact a Melbourne plumber to help you rectify the issue. A plumber will be able to identify the problem and perform whatever maintenace is required to rectify the issue. Be sure to use a plumber that is licensed and carrier the appropriate public liablility insurance.

Please keep reading below to:

1. Identify a drain with a blockage.
2. Clear out a blocked drain.
3. Prevent blockages in the future.
4. Know your responsibility for unblocking public and private drains.

Find out the initial steps you’ll need to take if you face a blocked drain.

1. Locate the problem
   If the water in your bath or toilet is not draining away properly, this is likely to be the result of a blocked drain.
2. Do not use the drain
   It may seem obvious, but don’t put any more water into the drain! This will only make the problem more severe and more difficult to resolve.

1. Safety is a priority
   Before tackling the blocked drain, make sure you stay safe by wearing full protective clothing (this includes gloves, goggles and overalls). Always remember to remove and clean your protective clothing after you’ve finished work.

Before you begin, make sure you have a set of drain rods, which can be hired or purchased at most hardware stores. Once you have placed on your protective clothing, follow the steps below:

1. Clear the cover
   Firstly remove the inspection cover on the drain. If the cover is rusted shut, use a screwdriver to scrape away the rust and then lift the cover off. If your drain cover has a useable handle, tie some string or wire to it, then pull the cover open.
2. Remove the obstruction
   Use a rod with a plunger attachment to remove the blockage – this may take several minutes of elbow grease by twisting and turning. Alternatively, you may want to try using a standard kitchen mop handle although this is unlikely to be as flexible as a purpose-made drain rod.
3. Flush with water after removal
   Once you’ve removed the blockage; flush the drain thoroughly with water to remove any remaining debris.

Unblocking a drain can be a difficult process, which is best avoided in the first place. Here are a few tips for preventing future drain blockages:

• Regularly monitor your drains
  By checking your drains on a regular basis; you should be able to catch the start of any minor blockages before they get worse.
• Dispose of waste in the right way
  Remember to dispose of rubbish in the right manner. Never flush away items such as face wipes, nappies or cotton wool, as these are likely to block your drains on a regular basis.
• Keep your drains clear of plants and roots
  If possible, try to keep drains clear of roots and plants. If your garden is particularly leafy, try fitting drain guards to help prevent plant matter from falling in and causing blockages.
• Rinse plates before loading your dishwasher
  Always rinse your plates and cutlery before loading your dishwasher. Any excess food will end up in your drains and could build up to cause an unwanted blockage.

Find out your responsibilities as a homeowner or renter and who to contact if you experience a problem with a public drain or sewer.

• Drain Responsibility
  Homeowners and renters are generally responsible for their property’s drains, up to the property boundary. Your home insurance may or may not cover you for some drainage problems.
• Sewer Responsibility
  Public and private sewers are the responsibility of waste and sewerage companies – not private homeowners or renters. You should immediately contact your water company if you encounter a problem.
• Reporting a blocked drain to the authorities
  If a neighbour’s drain is overflowing and the water has leaked onto your home, contact your local council who’ll advise you on what action to take.