How to Unblock a Drain: DIY Methods That Actually Work

Quick answer

Try these in order, escalating only if the previous step fails:

1. Boiling water + dish soap — clears 70% of basin and shower blockages
2. Plunger — for stronger blockages (cup plunger for basins, flange plunger for toilets)
3. Remove and clean the trap (U-bend under the basin) — for blockages right at the fitting
4. Drain snake / hand auger — for blockages deeper in the pipe
5. Call a plumber — for main-line blockages, recurring problems, or anything in the toilet

DO NOT use caustic soda repeatedly — it damages pipes and burns skin.

Method 1: Boiling water + dish soap

Works on grease, soap scum and hair-grease combinations.

1. Boil 2 litres of water
2. Add 2 tablespoons of dish soap
3. Pour SLOWLY down the drain in stages over 1–2 minutes
4. Wait 5 minutes
5. Run the hot tap to flush

Don't use boiling water on PVC drain pipes if the basin is full — let the basin drain first.

Method 2: Plunger

The trick most people miss: cover the overflow with a wet cloth before plunging. Otherwise air escapes and you get no suction.

1. Cover the overflow (small hole near the top of the basin)
2. Run enough water to cover the plunger cup
3. Plunge with firm, even strokes — 15–20 plunges
4. Lift to check if water drains

Method 3: Clean the trap

The trap is the U-shaped pipe under the basin. Most basin blockages sit here.

1. Put a bucket under the trap
2. Unscrew the two big plastic nuts (hand-tight; or use channel-lock pliers gently)
3. Lower the trap into the bucket — expect grim water and hair
4. Clean it out (toothbrush in soapy water)
5. Reassemble — finger-tight is enough; over-tightening cracks the threads

Method 4: Drain snake

A R150 hand snake from Builders reaches 3–5 metres into the pipe.

1. Feed the snake into the drain until you hit resistance
2. Turn the handle clockwise to grip or break up the blockage
3. Pull back slowly — the muck should come with it
4. Flush with hot water

What NOT to do

• Don't use caustic soda repeatedly — it eats PVC pipes, especially older brittle ones, and is dangerous on skin
• Don't pour cooking oil "to lubricate" — that's literally how blockages form
• Don't keep plunging a toilet that's about to overflow — stop and call a plumber
• Don't try to snake through a toilet trap — easy to crack the porcelain

When to call a plumber

• Blockage in the main drain (multiple fixtures backed up)
• Sewage coming up through the lowest drain
• Water draining slowly throughout the house
• You've tried the steps above and it's still blocked
• Recurring blockage at the same spot (usually a pipe defect or root intrusion)

Costs if you do call

• Basin / shower unblock: R600–R1,200
• Toilet unblock: R700–R1,400
• Main drain rod: R1,200–R2,500
• Drain jetting (high-pressure): R2,500–R4,500
• CCTV camera inspection: R1,500–R3,500

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