9 Alternatives For Unblocking Drains In Your Brisbane Home

A blocked drain in your Brisbane home can be a real nuisance. It’s not only an inconvenience, it can also cause more serious problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many effective alternatives you can use to unblock drains and keep them flowing freely before calling a plumber Brisbane North. 

This article discusses some of the most popular options for unblocking drains in Brisbane homes. From chemical-based solutions to DIY approaches, there is something for everyone. Read on to find out which solution is right for you!  With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to quickly and easily get your drain running smoothly again.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is an effective DIY solution that can help dissolve clogs and clear your drains. All you need is baking soda and vinegar, which you should mix in equal parts before pouring them down the drain. Allow the solution to sit for a few hours before flushing with hot water.

Boiling Water

Boiling water can often be enough to dislodge the blockage and allow it to pass through the pipes. Be careful not to pour boiling water directly onto your hands, however; always pour it into a container first before releasing it slowly and carefully down the drain. The heat from the boiling water should help break up any tough buildup of grime in your pipes that could be causing a clog. 

Cable Auger

Also known as a plumber's snake or electric eel, this device consists of a flexible cable that has an auger at one end which is inserted down the drain pipe to clear any blockages. It should only be used by experienced professionals due to the risk of damaging pipes if not done properly. 

Pressure Washer

If you have access to a pressure washer then this can be used to blast away any blockages in your pipes quickly and easily without having to disassemble them first, making it perfect for those hard-to-reach places inside walls or under floors where plumbing may be difficult to access manually. 

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is similar to pressure washing but uses high-pressure streams of hot water instead of air pressure blasts to break up stubborn clogs in your pipes quickly and efficiently.

Fizzing Tablets/Crystals

If you're looking for an effective alternative that won't require any special tools, then fizzing tablets or crystals may just do the trick! Just drop one tablet into each drain followed by several cups of boiling water and allow it time to work its magic – usually about 30 minutes - before rinsing off with cold water afterwards for added protection against further blockages.

Sewer Rods and Plungers

Sewer rods, sometimes referred to as 'drain sticks,' are long metal rods designed specifically for clearing away debris from blocked drains easily. A plunger can also be used alongside these rods if necessary. Just make sure you place something like newspaper over both ends first so as not to cause further damage when pushing down on them. 

Drain Vacuum/Drain Sucker

These heavy-duty vacuums are perfect for larger clogs that may need more power than what other methods provide; they suck out debris from within blocked drains. They do however require an experienced professional for use. Do not try to operate one yourself unless you are fully qualified to do so. 

Manual Removal Of Debris

Although manual removal is not recommended due to safety concerns involved when taking apart pipes yourself, this option remains open if all else fails. Simply take apart sections of piping near each other until you find where the blockage lies (being careful not to damage anything whilst doing so) and then remove whatever needs removing. Gloves must be worn during this process, as bacteria living within such areas can become harmful upon contact. 

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to make sure your drains are regularly maintained and inspected by a professional. This will help ensure any minor blockages can be quickly identified and cleared before they become major problems.  With the right approach and these tips, you'll be able to unblock and keep your drains flowing freely again.