The Easy Way to Clear a Blocked Sewer Pipe

A blocked sewer pipe is different from a blocked sink. Wastewater backs up, drains gurgle, and a plunger at the bathroom end does nothing for a blockage out in the yard or under the house. For minor clogs close to a fixture, try boiling water, plunging, vinegar and bicarb, or a quick U-bend clean. Soap, grease and loose gunk don’t stand a chance against those. When they fail, or when more than one fixture backs up at once, the blockage is in the main line. That needs a plumber with a camera and a hydro jetter. Chemical drain cleaners are not the answer either way.

What you can try at home

Boiling water

Soap and grease from the bathroom or kitchen sink cause most minor blockages, and boiling water can sometimes shift them. Simply pour a potful down the drain. A few rounds may be enough to dislodge it.

Plunge

Something more solid, like organic matter, stuck in the piping? Hot water won’t have much effect. That’s when you break out the plunger. Certainly worth a go if the blockage is within reach.

Natural enzymes

Lots of people swear by vinegar and bicarb, and there’s something to it. The enzymes in these substances can work wonders on stubborn soap and grease blocks. It’s non-toxic, so it’s easy on your plumbing and the environment.

U-bend

Most sinks sit above ground, which means the piping can be dismantled for a clean. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, this can be very effective. Fair warning though, it’s unlikely to be a pretty sight.  If you’ve tried all of the above and the blockage is still there, reaching for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner is tempting. Don’t. These products are highly toxic, and they’re not a sound choice for your health or the environment. 

When to call a plumber

If nothing above has cleared it, call in a professional plumber. That’s the safest and quickest way to get a sewer blockage sorted. A qualified drainage technician understands how to unblock the drain at the source, and has the right equipment for the job. That includes:

Hydro jetting

These high pressure water jets are extremely effective in dislodging even the most heavy duty blockages, without the need for invasive excavations or toxic chemicals.

Camera inspection

CCTV camera technology gives an inside view of your pipes, so technicians can pinpoint the exact location of the blockage and see what’s causing it. Once the location is known, the fix is targeted instead of guesswork. That saves you time and money.

No guesswork, no wasted effort. That’s how a sewer blockage gets fixed properly.

Give us a call

Book a reliable emergency plumber with the know-how to unblock a sewage drain properly. The friendly team at Drainpro is ready to help you get to the bottom of your plumbing problems, no matter how big or small. Give us a call on 1300 303 247 or fill out our online quote request form.