How to unblock a blocked bath drain? Ways worth knowing!

A blocked drain in the bath is a problem each of us will face sooner or later. Not only does it make daily personal hygiene difficult — sometimes even impossible — but it often leads to unpleasant odours in the bathroom. Worse still, a blocked drain can even damage the plumbing. How do you deal with this problem? It’s worth knowing effective methods — below we present tried-and-tested ways to unblock a bath drain. Have a look!

Blocked bath drain: the most common causes

Have you noticed that after you pull the plug, the water is draining more and more slowly? This is the main sign of a blocked bath drain. It’s quite a common issue and occurs in many households, so don’t worry — you’re not the only one! What’s the most common cause?

A blocked drain can be caused by several different factors. Most often, blockages in pipes form due to a build-up of hair, soap residue, and other cosmetic products (especially oils or other greasy substances), which compact over time and restrict the flow of water. Limescale deposits from hard water often add to the problem.

Regularly cleaning the drain and being mindful in how you use cosmetics can significantly reduce the risk of such blockages. But what if it’s already happened?

How to clear a blocked bath drain?

There are a few ways to deal with a blocked bath drain. First, try unblocking it with home remedies — they’re often enough to improve water flow in the pipes. If they don’t bring results, you’ll need to take more serious measures. What exactly are your options?

Blocked bath drain: home remedies to tackle the problem

If you’re dealing with a blocked bath drain, there are a few home remedies that can help. Where to start? First and foremost, remove the debris that’s visible at first glance. Pull out the hair that often collects on the outer part of the drain. You can use, for example, a toothpick to help you reach all the nooks and crannies.

Cleaned the outer part of the drain but still not happy with the result? Some of the debris is probably deeper down. One of the most eco-friendly and pipe-safe methods is to use baking soda and vinegar. Pour about half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain, then add a cup of vinegar. The reaction between them will create foam that helps loosen blockages. After about 30 minutes, flush the bath drain with hot water and the residue should wash away.

Another method is using vinegar with hot water. Make a 1:1 solution and pour it directly into the bath drain. It’s especially helpful for removing limescale deposits. But remember, the water must not be boiling! A solution that’s too hot could damage the waste pipes.

What else can you use to clear a blocked bath drain? Bring out the big guns!

Besides home remedies, there are other effective ways to deal with a blocked bath drain. You can, for example, use ready-made specialist chemical drain cleaners, available in most homeware stores.

These products, often based on strong chemicals, are designed to dissolve greasy and organic blockages, so use them strictly as directed — incorrect use can damage the plumbing and may even be hazardous to the health of household members.

Another option is to use professional plumbing tools such as a drain snake (plumber’s snake). You’ll easily find one in builders’ merchants, for instance. A snake allows you to mechanically remove tougher blockages, even those deep inside the pipes. And if even that doesn’t help, it’s worth calling in a professional — a plumber who, with experience and specialist equipment, will quickly and effectively solve the blocked-drain problem.

A blocked bath drain is a nuisance, so it’s definitely better to prevent this kind of situation. Try to systematically clean the drain of visible debris, and from time to time tackle the build-up that forms deeper down as well.