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Home Solutions - Dealing with Blockages the Natural Way

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Blocked drains can be a real hassle and may require the help of a professional plumber. Blocked drain clearing however can be performed without the need for harsh chemicals and can reduce the need of calling someone out to deal with the problem. Follow these useful tips to enable you to clear drain blockages in an environmentally friendly way. 

Boiling Water - The Simple Solution

Boiling water is the simplest method for unblocking a drain. Simply boil a full kettle and pour the water down over multiple stages. This works well if your sink has been blocked due to excess fat being poured down, often from frying pans. The water should melt the fat and help it to move through the system in it's liquid state, at least until it is far enough down in the pipe system for it not to cause an issue. The problem with grease and fat is that it solidifies when it comes into contact with cold water. By pouring the water down in stages, you can break up the fat and keep a relatively constant flow of warm water moving in the pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are great for unblocking drains. When mixed together and poured down the sink it should settle on any debris that is causing the blockage, however this alone won't work. To activate the mixture to produce a chemical reaction, pour warm water down the sink and let it get to work. The warm will create carbon dioxide bubbles and foam that will help to dislodge food. 

Coat Hangers

Quite often hair gets caught up in the sink, which can collect grease and other debris. Putting you fingers down the plughole is often impossible due to the plug cover. However if you take an old wire coat hanger and straighten it out you can insert it into the sink and use the hook to retrieve any waste. The wire coat hanger will also flex around the pipe and allow you to get at hair that is trapped beyond the u-bend. 

Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid acts as a lubricant and can be very effective at removing debris from the toilet. Pour about 125ml of soap down the toilet and allow that to lubricate the bowl. Then pour as much hot water as you can down the toilet to break apart any particles before flushing it all away.

For assistance with blocked drains, talk to a pro


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