From Will at Flowtec Plumbing & Gas, Adelaide
Blocked drains—yep, we’ve all been there. They’re like the common cold of plumbing. Some are a minor inconvenience, others completely throw your day off. Whether it’s a slow sink or a full-on backup, one thing’s for sure: if you’ve got drains, you’ll eventually have to unblock one.
Here are my go-to tips to help you handle it before you need to call in the pros (aka us).
1. Start with Prevention
I always say prevention is cheaper than the callout fee. The kitchen sink cops a lot—food scraps, coffee grounds, even the odd bit of steel wool or broken glass. A drain sieve is your best mate here. Same goes for the bathroom: grab that hair out of the shower drain before it turns into a furball. And please, don’t flush dental floss, wipes, or your kid’s action figure. A small bin next to the toilet can save you a world of pain.
2. Try Hot Water
Hot water can do wonders for loosening up greasy kitchen gunk. Just pour it (carefully!) down the sink. It won’t fix major clogs, but it might get things moving. And don’t burn yourself—let’s not turn a plumbing issue into a hospital trip.
3. Plunge It Out
Old-school plungers still get the job done. Every household should have one. Give it a few solid pumps over the drain—sometimes that’s all it takes to shift a blockage. Pro tip: Do this before you add any chemicals. Mixing a mystery cocktail in your pipes is never a good idea.
4. Bicarb & Vinegar Hack
This is the classic DIY trick. Pour a cup of bicarb soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz away for a few minutes, then flush it with hot (not boiling) water. It’s simple, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective for mild blockages.
5. Use a Drain Auger (If You’re Handy)
Also known as a plumber’s snake or electric eel, this is the tool we use to dig deep. It’s great for breaking up stubborn clogs and scraping out build-up. But be warned—if you’re not confident with tools, this one can get messy fast. Call us instead, and we’ll bring the proper gear.
6. Tackle the U-Bend
If you’re okay getting your hands dirty, the U-bend (under the sink) is a common trouble spot. Pop a bucket underneath, unscrew the pipe, and check for trapped gunk. It’s not the most glamorous job, but it’s often where the blockage is hiding. Don’t wear your best threads for this one.
Bonus Round: Using Chemicals Like Drano
Products like Drano, caustic soda or hydrochloric acid can be effective—but they’re not toys. Always follow the instructions, use gloves, and never mix chemicals or add boiling water. And make sure they’re kept far away from kids and pets. If in doubt, leave this one to us
Still Blocked?
If none of the above does the trick, that’s where we come in. At Flowtec Plumbing & Gas, we’re available 24/7 across Adelaide. Whether it’s an emergency or you just want it sorted quickly and properly, give us a call.
📞 Call Will at Flowtec: 0488 097 697
