Clogged drains are a frustrating problem to have. They can create all sorts of issues from unpleasant smells to even the improper drainage of toilets and baths.

However, depending on the problem, clogged drains can be quite easy to fix if you have the right tools for the job and know-how.

Take a look at our handy guide below on how to unblock a clogged drain for the best way to fix any problems which might occur.

1. Purchase the right tools

When unblocking a drain, the first thing you need to do is collect the right tools for the job. Without the correct tools, unblocking your drain can be a tricky process, and near impossible without a few key items.

What you will need:

• Drain rods
• Pair of long rubber gloves
• Strong garden spade
• Hose
• Disinfectant
• Watering can
• Ideally, a pressure hose (if you have one)

Drain rods are one of the most important tools you will need from this list as they will enable you to clean away any debris blocking your drains which is out of reach and potentially out of sight too.

2. Find the source of the blockage

Finding out where the blockage is coming from is a crucial step to unblocking your drain.

Use the garden spade to lift up the manhole cover and inspect inside the hole. Usually, blockages are near the surface, however, they can be out of sight too.

Spend some time making sure that your assessment is correct before moving onto the next step.

3. Clearing the blockage

Begin clearing any blockages that you can see. This part can be quite messy, so make sure you have your gloves on and remove the debris that you can see from the hole.

Ensure that the debris is all well and truly cleaned out before clearing blockages which may be out of sight.

Now, this is where your drainage rods come in. Insert the drainage rod into the sludge – it should go through easily, but depending on the blockage, this could require some pressure.

Using the metal end of the rod, move it around and break apart the blockage from the drain as best you can.
Take your time as this can be quite a lengthy process, however, it should shift the blockage eventually.

Remember, if you twist your drainage rods, make sure to twist clockwise as twisting anti-clockwise can result in the joints of the rods becoming unscrewed.

When you are able to easily move the drainage rods, the blockage should start to drain away.

4. Use a hose pipe or pressure hose

Even though you may be satisfied that the blockage has been drained, applying a quick blast of water down the drain from a hose pipe or even from a pressure hose will ensure that it is fully drained away.

Alternatively, you can always fill both the bath and sink at the same time and release them in one gush to make sure that the blockage is fully drained away.

5. Cleaning up

Even though this may seem like an obvious step, it’s actually very important to complete this step thoroughly to prevent the drain from blocking up again.

Clearing up any debris created during the cleaning process not only leaves a neat space outside, but removing the debris also reduces the chances of the drain getting blocked again quickly which will undo all of your previous work.

Using a pressure hose for this step will ensure that the debris is fully cleared away, however, if you don’t have a pressure hose, any hose will do.

6. This hasn’t worked, what do I do now?

If you have tried unblocking your drain yourself using the steps above and it still hasn’t worked out for you, the best thing to do would be to hire a professional.

Sometimes, drainage problems can be much more complex than they initially seem and will require a specialist in order to fix them.

Remember, professionals will know what they are doing when it comes to unblocking your clogged drain, however, if you attempt to fix it yourself, this could result in the potential for irreversible damage to your drains, so if you are unsure or need any help please feel free to give us a call on 020 8088 1195