10 tips To Clear Any Blocked Drain

10 Tips To Clear Any Blocked Drain – Adelaide’s Experts Explain

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced by Adelaide homeowners. Whether it’s a slow-draining shower, a smelly kitchen sink, or a completely backed-up toilet, the frustration is real. Fortunately, many blockages can be resolved before they escalate into expensive repairs.

At Deadshort Services, we’ve been clearing Adelaide’s drains for over 35 years. Backed by our qualified plumbing team and state-of-the-art technology, we help keep homes flowing freely. But before you pick up the phone, here are 10 tried-and-tested drain unblocking tips—from simple home remedies to when to call in the pros.

10 Tips To Clear Any Blocked Drain

1. Watch for Early Warning Signs

Knowing what to look for can save you a major headache. Common signs of a blocked drain include:

• Foul odours – Often a sign of rotting debris or sewage backup

• Slow draining – Water pooling in the sink or shower is a red flag

• Gurgling sounds – Indicates air trapped by water pushing past a blockage

• Overflowing drains – A sign of a deeper or more serious obstruction

Early action prevents property damage, plumbing failure, and potential health risks.

2. Understand What Causes Blocked Drains

Identifying the cause helps determine the best way to fix it. Common culprits include:

• Hair and soap scum – Especially in bathroom sinks and showers

• Cooking oil and grease – Solidifies and traps food scraps in kitchen drains

• Food debris – Particularly coffee grounds, pasta, and rice

• Foreign objects – Kids’ toys, nappies, and sanitary products don’t belong in the pipes

• Tree roots – Invasive roots can breach underground pipes and cause major backups

• Mineral build-up – Hard water deposits (e.g. calcium) restrict flow over time

• Outdoor debris – Leaves, dirt, and twigs often clog stormwater drains

• Cat litter – It expands in water and creates stubborn, solid blockages

3. Use Boiling Water First

Grease and soap-based blockages can often be cleared with a simple kettle of boiling water. Pour it slowly down the drain in stages, allowing a few seconds between pours. This can soften or melt the blockage—especially if caused by oil or conditioner.

4. Try a Natural Cleaning Solution

Bicarb and vinegar aren’t just for baking—they’re also a gentle but effective DIY drain cleaner:

• Pour a cup of bicarb soda down the drain

• Follow with a cup of white vinegar

• Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with boiling water

Repeat as needed for stubborn gunk in bathroom or kitchen sinks.

5. Use a Plunger Correctly

A good cup plunger can create a vacuum that dislodges soft blockages. Make sure the plunger forms a tight seal over the drain, then plunge firmly several times. For toilets, use a flange plunger designed for curved pipes.

6. Make a DIY Drain Snake

Got a wire coat hanger? Straighten it out and bend a small hook at one end. Use it to fish out hair and soap scum from the shower or bathroom basin. This simple hack can restore flow in minutes—just don’t push the blockage deeper.

7. Avoid Overusing Chemical Cleaners

Off-the-shelf caustic drain cleaners can help in a pinch, but frequent use may corrode your pipes—especially in older homes. Always follow instructions, wear gloves, and ventilate the room.

8. Know When to Call a Professional

If home methods don’t work, it’s time to call Deadshort Services. We use professional tools including:

• Plumber’s electric drain snakes – Reaches deep into your drainage system

• CCTV pipe inspections – To locate and diagnose the blockage

• Hydro-jet machines – Clears stubborn grease, tree roots, and solid debris using high-pressure water

• Excavation & Pipe Relining – For collapsed or heavily damaged pipes

Our plumbers are trained to fix not just the symptom, but the source.

9. Prevent Future Blockages

Avoid repeat blockages with a few easy habits:

• Use sink strainers to catch food and hair

• Dispose of oil in the bin, not the sink

• Flush only toilet paper—no wipes, nappies, or hygiene products

• Schedule regular maintenance if you live near trees or in older homes

Our team offers programmed drain cleaning for long-term peace of mind.

10. Leverage the Multi-Trade Advantage

When it comes to blocked drains, the issue doesn’t always stop at plumbing. That’s where Deadshort Services brings added value with our multi-trade expertise:

• Roof plumbers to repair faulty downpipes or blocked stormwater

• Electricians if pumps or connected appliances are affected

• General building team for excavation or restoring damaged surfaces

• Gas plumbers to check for leaks in shared trench services

• Air conditioning for all air con needs

• Fence and Garden to advise on improved water flow and landscaping

You’re not just hiring a plumber—you’re hiring an entire team of trades, working together under one roof to fix your issue thoroughly.