Nothing ruins your day faster than a blocked drain. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a flooded patio, clogged pipes can turn your Mitcham home into a messy nightmare. But don’t panic—there are quick and effective ways to clear blockages before they become major disasters.

Why Do Drains Get Blocked? 

Before fixing the problem, it helps to know what’s causing it. Here are the most common culprits behind blocked drains in Mitcham:

1. Hair & Soap Scum 

Showers and bathroom sinks often clog due to hair tangling with soap residue, forming a sticky blockage.

2. Food Waste & Grease 

Kitchen sinks suffer when oil, coffee grounds, and food scraps build up inside pipes.

3. Tree Roots 

Older properties with outdoor drains may face root intrusion, which cracks pipes and traps debris.

4. Foreign Objects 

Kids’ toys, wet wipes, and even small household items can accidentally get flushed, causing major jams.

5. Mineral Buildup 

Hard water leaves limescale deposits that narrow pipes over time, reducing water flow.

Knowing the cause helps you choose the best unblocking method—let’s explore your options.

5 Fast Ways to Unblock a Drain 

1. Boiling Water Flush 

For mild grease or soap clogs, boiling water can naturally dissolve blockages.

• How to do it: Pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain in two stages (wait 30 seconds between pours).
• Best for: Kitchen sinks with grease buildup.

2. Baking Soda & Vinegar 

This fizzy combo breaks down organic blockages without harsh chemicals.

• How to do it:
  1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
  2. Follow with 1 cup of vinegar.
  3. Cover the drain and wait 15-20 mins.
  4. Flush with hot water.
• Best for: Sinks and showers with food or soap buildup.

3. Plunger Power 

A trusty plunger creates suction to dislodge shallow clogs.

• How to do it:
  • Seal the drain completely.
  • Push and pull vigorously 10-15 times.
  • Check if water drains faster.
• Best for: Toilets and sinks with trapped debris.

4. Drain Snake or Wire Hook 

For deeper clogs, a drain snake (or straightened wire coat hanger) can pull out hair and gunk.

• How to do it:
  • Insert the tool into the drain.
  • Twist and push until you feel resistance.
  • Pull out the trapped debris.
• Best for: Stubborn hair blockages in showers.

5. High-Pressure Water Blast 

A garden hose or pressure jet can force out blockages in outdoor drains.

• How to do it:
  • Attach a hose nozzle for extra pressure.
  • Insert into the drain and blast water in short bursts.
• Best for: Patio drains clogged with leaves and dirt.

How to Prevent Future Blockages 

Stop clogs before they start with these easy habits:

Use Drain Guards

 Catch hair and food scraps with sink strainers.

Avoid Pouring Grease Down Sinks

Let the oil solidify in a jar before binning it.

Flush Drains Weekly

Run hot water down the sinks to prevent buildup.

Schedule Annual Drain Checks

A plumber can spot early warning signs.

When to Call a Professional Plumber 

While DIY methods are effective for minor clogs, some blockages require expert assistance. Call a Mitcham plumber if:

Water backs up in multiple drains (could indicate a sewer line issue).
DIY fixes don’t work after 2-3 attempts.
You notice foul sewage smells (possible pipe damage).
Tree roots are invading outdoor drains.
The blockage keeps returning (sign of a deeper problem).

A professional drain inspection with CCTV can locate hidden issues before they cause flooding. A blocked drain in Mitcham might seem like a small issue, but ignoring it can lead to flooding, pipe damage, and costly repairs. With the right approach—whether DIY or professional, you can get your Mitcham drains running smoothly in no time.