Unblocking pipes: 8 effective and quick methods

If water isn't draining properly in your sink, shower, washbasin, or toilet, you're probably dealing with a clogged drain. This condition is often caused by buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, toilet paper, or food waste. Sometimes, it can also be the result of a design flaw, poor maintenance, or worn-out pipes.

A blockage in the pipes can cause major inconveniences, such as bad smells, the backup of waste water, or even risks of overflow, leakage and flooding. It is therefore crucial to act quickly to find an adequate solution and remedy the problem.

This article explores 8 methods to unclog your pipes, taking into account simplicity, environmental impact, and cost. You will discover the most suitable option for your situation to ensure the proper functioning of your pipes.

Understanding the problem of traffic jams

Identifying the cause of a blockage in the pipes is crucial before proceeding to its elimination. The location, nature, and size of the blockage influence the unblocking method to adopt. It is therefore essential to recognize the signs of a blocked pipe and determine the possible causes.

Signs of a clogged drain

Typical symptoms of a clogged drain include:

• Slow or interrupted water flow in sinks, washbasins, showers or toilets.
• Backflow of waste water into sanitary facilities, generating unpleasant odors.
• Gurgling noises in the pipes when using faucets or toilets.
• Water overflows outside your home, particularly at inspection points.

These symptoms should prompt you to intervene immediately to avoid major inconvenience affecting your comfort and safety.

What are the common causes of a traffic jam?

Blockages in pipes can occur for various reasons depending on the type of installation affected. Here are the main causes:

• The accumulation of organic waste (hair, fur, food scraps, toilet paper) gradually forms obstructions.
• The deposit of grease, soap or limescale on the walls of the pipes, reducing their diameter and hindering the flow of water.
• The presence of foreign objects (toys, wipes, tampons) accidentally or intentionally thrown in, obstructing the passage of water.
• Invasion of tree roots into underground pipes, causing damage and blockages.
• Design, construction or maintenance errors (inappropriate slope, incorrect sizing, connection problems) hindering the flow in the pipes.

It is advisable to follow certain rules to prevent blockages: avoid throwing solid waste into the pipes, clean the traps regularly, use suitable cleaning products, and have your sanitation network examined by an expert.

Manual unblocking methods

When you're faced with a clog in your drains and don't have chemicals or specialized equipment on hand, you can turn to simple manual techniques. Using common items, these methods can be effective for solving minor or easily accessible clog problems. Here are three manual drain cleaning strategies to try.

1) Use a suction cup

The suction cup remains a must for freeing pipes. It creates a suction force capable of unclogging and bringing the blockage to the surface. Here are the steps to follow to use it correctly:

• Position the suction cup over the blocked drain opening.
• Make sure the water covers the plastic of the suction cup by filling the sink, basin or bathtub sufficiently.
• Seal the overflow hole with a rag or tape.
• Use a quick, continuous back-and-forth motion with the suction cup to create suction and unclog the clog.
• Stop the movement as soon as you hear the plug passing or when the water begins to drain normally.
• Remove the suction cup and clean the pipe access.

This method is particularly suitable for blockages caused by organic residue or grease build-up. For increased effectiveness, it is possible to pour boiling water or white vinegar into the pipe before or after using the plunger.

2) Disassemble the siphon manually

The trap, that curved part under your sink, basin or bathtub, retains odors and can accumulate debris forming a blockage. To disassemble it manually:

• Place a container under the siphon to collect water and any debris.
• Unscrew the siphon by hand or with multi-grip pliers.
• Clean the siphon with soapy water or white vinegar, then examine the condition of the seals to replace them if necessary.
• Reassemble the siphon, making sure it is screwed on correctly.

This method is suitable for removing blockages of hair, fur, food remains or small objects. Handle the siphon with care and follow safety instructions.

3) The metal hanger as an improvised ferret

In the absence of a drain snake, a tool specially designed to unclog drains, a metal coat hanger can serve as a substitute. To make this improvised drain snake:

• Straighten the hanger completely and form a straight line.
• Using pliers or a pair of scissors, form a hook at one end of the hanger.
• Carefully insert the hanger into the clogged drain and push until you reach the obstruction.
• Use rotating and back-and-forth motions to catch or pierce the plug.
• Remove the hanger and plug, then flush the drain with hot water.

This trick is useful for drains blocked by objects or solid waste, but be careful not to damage the drain with the hanger.

Unblocking methods with products

If manual methods fail to solve your clogged drain problem, it is possible to resort to chemical solutions. These, although more powerful, vary in their level of respect for the environment and human health. Here are three methods using products to unclog your drains effectively.

4) The baking soda and white vinegar duo

Baking soda combined with white vinegar is an eco-friendly solution that can effectively unclog your pipes. Baking soda, an alkaline salt, reacts with the acidic white vinegar, producing carbon dioxide and water. This reaction creates an effervescence that helps dislodge the clog. To implement this method, follow these steps:

• Pour two tablespoons of baking soda down the drain.
• Add a glass of white vinegar on top.
• Let sit for about 30 minutes, then boil water.
• Pour boiling water over to rinse out the cap and any residue.

This technique is particularly suitable for pipes blocked by organic waste or grease. It is safe for the environment and your health, but may be less effective than conventional chemical products.

5) Boiling water to dissolve grease plugs

Using boiling water is a simple but effective method to dissolve grease build-up in pipes. Grease, which has solidified when exposed to cold water, can be liquefied using boiling water. To do this:

• Boil enough water.
• Pour it carefully into the drain, avoiding any risk of burns.
• Repeat if necessary until water flows without obstruction.

This method is recommended for drains clogged with grease. It is environmentally friendly and safe for health, but may be ineffective against other types of blockages.

6) Use of chemical drain unblockers

Drain cleaner chemicals contain corrosive substances such as caustic soda, sulfuric acid or bleach, which dissolve the clogs by chemical reaction. To use them safely:

• Read carefully and follow the product's instructions and precautions for use.
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
• Apply the recommended dose of product directly into the drain.
• Leave on for the suggested time before rinsing with cold water.

This method is effective against all types of blockages but can pose a danger to the environment, your health and the integrity of your pipes. Therefore, use it with caution and sparingly.

Mechanical and technological unblocking methods

When chemicals fail to unclog your drains, it’s time to consider mechanical and technological approaches. These alternatives involve more sophisticated tools that are specifically designed to tackle stubborn or deep-seated clogs. While these methods are often more complex and may require expert help, here are two techniques you can try.

7) Using a professional ferret

The professional snake, equipped with a flexible metal cable and a rotating head at its end, is perfect for removing blockages by drilling, cutting or scraping. To use it correctly, you must:

• Select a snake that is suitable for the diameter and length of your pipe.
• Connect your ferret to a power source, either electric or battery.
• Insert the snake into the clogged pipe and advance it to the blockage.
• Activate the ferret so that the rotating head breaks up and removes the clog.
• Remove the snake and clean the pipe with water.

This method is effective on all types of blockages, including the most resistant or remote ones. However, it can be dangerous if the snake is used incorrectly or if the pipe is damaged.

8) Using a high-pressure cleaner

The high-pressure cleaner, thanks to its extremely powerful water jet, is able to unclog pipes by expelling plugs. Its use requires:

• Choosing a model with a hose and nozzle designed for unblocking.
• Connecting the cleaner to a water and electricity source.
• Insert the hose into the pipe until it reaches the blockage.
• Activating the cleaner to spray the plug with water pressure.
• Removal of the hose and final cleaning of the pipeline with water.

This technique, although effective on all types of blockages, even the most stubborn or deep-seated, can be noisy, messy and expensive.

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to unclog your pipes. You are aware of the warning signs and main causes of a blockage, and you know the various techniques to solve it. Depending on the nature, location and size of the blockage, as well as your preferences in terms of ecology, safety and budget, you are able to select the most appropriate method. You have the choice between manual, chemical, or technological and mechanical solutions, depending on the complexity of the problem.

It is important to intervene without waiting for a blockage to get worse and cause more serious damage. Take action as soon as you notice slow water flow, sewage backup, gurgling noises or overflows. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, or if you have doubts about the condition of your sanitation system, do not hesitate to consult a drain unblocking expert. This professional will be able to offer you sound advice and a quick and effective intervention.

FAQ

How to unclog a very clogged pipe?

To effectively unblock a pipe, you have several options:

• Mix baking soda, white vinegar, salt, and hot water. Pour into the drain, let sit for a few minutes, then repeat if necessary.
• Use a suction cup to create a pressure effect that helps dislodge the clog.
• Use a plumbing snake to reach deep into the clog and destroy it.

What is the most effective product for unblocking pipes?

The choice of product depends on the nature of the obstruction:

• Baking soda: ideal against grease, limescale or hair blockages. Pour and rinse with hot water.
• Hydrochloric acid: effective on stubborn blockages such as tartar or toilet paper. Dilute, pour, leave to act, then rinse thoroughly.

How to clear a blockage in a pipe?

The method depends on the nature and location of the blockage:

• For organic or limescale blockages, pour a mixture of boiling water with bicarbonate or white vinegar into the pipe.
• If the clog is accessible, a plumbing snake or a straightened coat hanger can be used to remove it manually.

How does a plumber unblock a pipe?

A plumber uses various tools and methods:

• Suction cup, to create pressure that pushes the cork.
• Ferret, a flexible rod for piercing or removing the plug.
• Boiling water, to dissolve grease and soaps.
• Mix baking soda, white vinegar and salt for a cleaning chemical reaction.