DIY Drain Unblocking Guide

There is no need to call a professional when it comes to cleaning your drains. The availability of high-quality drain rods means that you can easily purchase a drain rod set and go about the task yourself. In this post, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to unblock your drains.

The first thing you need to do is locate the blockage. To do this, you will need to lift the manhole covers. You should be able to do this using a strong garden spade. Take a look at the chamber that is closest to the main drain, cesspool, or septic tank, as opposed to the gully or overflowing chamber. If the chamber is empty, it means that the blockage is located in the drain flanked by this chamber and the gully or the higher chamber. If it is full, you should take a look at the chamber that is the closest to the septic tank or the main drain. If this is full, the blockage is between the main drain and this chamber. If the last chamber is full, and your drain directs to a septic tank, you should empty the tank. Now that you know where the blockage is, the next step is to use drain rods to clear it. It is important to buy a professional drain rod set. Don’t cut corners with a cheap alternative, as you may end up with bigger problems on your hands.

To clear the blockage, you will need to insert one of the drainage rods with a plunger attached to it, into the chamber at one end of the blockage. It does not matter what end you choose. You will have to probe with the plunger to find the mouth if you work from the full chamber. You will see where the mouth of the pipe is if it is the empty chamber you choose. You will need to add more drainage rods as needed in order to work the plunger along towards the blockage. As you work, turn the rods clockwise. You may unscrew the rods if you turn them anti-clockwise, and this can create an even bigger blockage. Continue to push against the blockage, and then withdraw, and repeat. If you are not having any luck, you should remove the rods and put on the corkscrew attachment instead of the plunger. This should break up the obstruction. Once you are done, make sure you hose down the rods and use disinfectant to clean them thoroughly so that they can be used again in the future.

There is no denying that a blocked drain can be a massive inconvenience. However, there is no need to spend a fortune on a professional plumber. Instead, you can attempt to remove the blockage yourself with the right drain rods. It may take a little bit of trial and error, but you should get there in the end.

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