Unblock Drain

[Natasha2408]

I think my outdoor drain is blocked is there any type of powder or luquid i can put down there to unblock it??

[Natasha2408]

very funny

[cartoonist]

The best thing to try first is to pour plenty of boiling water down your drain - or plughole if that is where the problem is originating from. This may dislodge the blockage because often the build up of grease or foodstuffs is the cause as these are often cleared by boiling water. If the problem is still occurring try using a plunger to dislodge the gunk.

Next you can try pouring caustic soda down the plughole. This comes in crystal form and is also known as sodium hydroxide or soda crystals. Be careful when handling caustic soda as it is highly corrosive and could damage your clothes or skin. You may wish to use goggles and plastic gloves to be on the safe side. Other specialist drain cleaners and cleaning products are highly effective. You can also use a stiff wire to help with unblocking your drain. A wire coat hanger is a useful tool which can be modified for this task.

Good luck.

[Natasha2408]

thanks cartoonist it is actually the drain out near the toilet i think well there is a horrible sewerage smell coming from the downstairs loo so im thinking it maybe the drain near that is courstic soda still a good option

[cartoonist]

Sorry Natasha - I'm a little confused now. Is the drain outdoor or inside the property? If outside, and you are renting, report it to your landlord. If you own the premises yourself, look for an outside manhole cover and lift it. You will soon know if it cover a blocked sewer!!! If so, unfortunately you will have to seek professional help as caustic soda is absolutely no good in cases like that. If the sewer is blocked, that could account for the smell. Does the water in the loo run away OK when you flush? If it fills up and then drains slowly, that indicates a blockage.

If it is any of the above, caustic soda won't work. It may need the attention of professionals.

[nonomaybe]

Before you send for the "cavalry" get a pressure washer, borrowed if you haven't got one, attach a waste-pipe cleaner which is thinner than the norm and very flexible - with a "whirling dervish" on the end that cuts through any blockage. I was successful on a heavily blocked 25ft. run - and some of the blockage was "historic"!! Persevere and you'll sort it.

[buildersmate]

Good old drain rods cost very little money to buy, can probably be hired and sort most of these issues out in 4 inch / 100m diameter sewer pipes. Far better than pressure systems.