How do I unblock a drain without chemicals?

Use a plunger for most blockages, a hand auger/drain snake for deeper clogs, or a baking soda and vinegar flush for mild buildup. Avoid chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes and are harmful to the environment.

When should I call a plumber for a blocked drain?

Call a plumber if: the blockage keeps returning, multiple drains are blocked at once, you smell sewage, water is backing up into other fixtures, or you see water pooling in your yard. These indicate a deeper issue like tree root intrusion or a collapsed pipe.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?

Chemical drain cleaners can corrode pipes (especially older metal pipes common in Brisbane homes), harm septic systems, and are toxic to the environment. Mechanical methods like plunging and snaking are safer and more effective for most blockages.

How to Unblock a Drain Without Chemicals

Safe, mechanical methods you can try at home before calling a plumber. No harsh chemicals, no pipe damage.

Safety First

Never mix chemical drain cleaners — toxic fumes can be deadly
Don't use boiling water on PVC pipes — it softens joints and causes leaks
Never insert objects into sewer cleanout points — leave this to professionals
Wear gloves and eye protection when working with drains

5 Chemical-Free Methods

1. Plunger (Cup or Flange)

Easy

Works for: Toilets, sinks, showers

1Block the overflow hole with a wet cloth (sinks only)
2Fill the basin/bowl with enough water to cover the plunger cup
3Place the plunger over the drain opening and ensure a tight seal
4Push and pull firmly 15–20 times, maintaining the seal
5Remove the plunger sharply — water should drain freely
6Repeat 2–3 times if needed

💡 Tip: Use a flange plunger for toilets and a cup plunger for sinks. A good plunger is the most effective DIY tool you can own.

2. Drain Snake / Hand Auger

Moderate

Works for: Sinks, showers, bath drains

1Remove the drain cover or plug
2Feed the snake slowly into the drain, turning the handle clockwise
3When you feel resistance, you've hit the blockage
4Continue turning to break through or hook the debris
5Pull the snake out slowly, bringing the blockage with it
6Run hot water for 2 minutes to flush remaining debris

💡 Tip: Hand augers (available from Bunnings for $20–$40) can reach 3–5 metres into pipes. Never force the snake — you can damage pipes.

3. Boiling Water Flush

Easy

Works for: Kitchen sinks (grease buildup)

1Boil a full kettle of water
2Pour directly into the drain in 2–3 stages
3Wait 5 seconds between each pour to let heat work on grease
4Follow with cold water to flush loosened debris

💡 Tip: Only use on metal pipes. Do NOT pour boiling water into PVC pipes — it can soften joints. Most Brisbane homes built after 1990 use PVC, so check first.

4. Baking Soda & Vinegar

Easy

Works for: Mild blockages, odour removal

1Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain
2Follow with ½ cup of white vinegar
3Cover the drain and wait 30 minutes
4Flush with warm (not boiling) water for 2 minutes

💡 Tip: This is a gentle, chemical-free method that works best on minor buildup and drain odours. It won't clear serious blockages.

5. Wet & Dry Vacuum

Moderate

Works for: Hard blockages near drain opening

1Set your wet/dry vac to the 'liquids' setting
2Create a tight seal over the drain with the hose nozzle
3Turn on to maximum suction
4The vacuum can dislodge and pull out blockages near the drain opening

💡 Tip: This works surprisingly well for hair clogs and small objects stuck in shower drains. Don't use a regular household vacuum.

When to Call a Professional

DIY methods work for simple, localised blockages. Call a licensed plumber if you notice any of these signs:

Water backs up into other fixtures (e.g., flushing the toilet fills the shower)

Sewage smell from multiple drains throughout the house

Water pooling in the yard near sewer lines

Multiple drains blocked at the same time

Gurgling sounds from drains when you haven't used water

Blockage returns within days of clearing it

These symptoms often indicate tree root intrusion, a collapsed pipe, or a main sewer blockage — problems that require professional equipment like CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetters.

Drain Still Blocked?

Our team uses CCTV inspection and high-pressure jetting to clear even the toughest blockages across Brisbane.