7 DIY Hacks That Won’t Help You Un Block A Drain

Blocked drains are one of the most frustrating issues a homeowner can face. Whether it's a slowly draining sink or a fully backed-up toilet, the temptation to fix it yourself is real. A quick search online will flood you with DIY solutions claiming to save time and money. But here’s the truth: not all of them work—and some can even make things worse.

In this blog, we’ll uncover 7 common DIY hacks that simply won’t help you un block a drain, and why you should consider calling a professional drain company instead. We’ll also explore how modern tools like CCTV surveys are essential for accurate diagnosis and drain repair.

1. Pouring Boiling Water Down the Drain

It might seem harmless, but pouring boiling water down your sink rarely solves the problem. It may slightly melt a bit of grease, but it won’t make a dent in serious block drains caused by hair, food particles, or tree roots. Worse still, it can crack PVC pipes or joints if they’re already under pressure.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar “Volcano”

This classic kitchen chemistry trick is often hailed as a miracle fix for all types of drain issues. While it may fizz impressively, its actual cleaning power is minimal. In most cases, the blockage remains untouched. If you’re trying to genuinely un block a drain, this method is more myth than magic.

3. Using Wire Hangers

Bending a coat hanger and fishing around inside your drain might sound like a clever hack, but it can do more harm than good. You’re likely to push the blockage further down or even damage the pipe’s interior. Any reputable drain company would strongly advise against this amateur technique.

4. Bleach and Harsh Chemicals

Many off-the-shelf cleaners claim to dissolve everything from soap scum to hair. However, repeated use of these corrosive agents can weaken your pipework and pose health risks, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. They don’t fix the root of the issue, and certainly won’t help in cases where you need a professional drain repair.

5. Plungers on Everything

Plungers are great—for minor toilet clogs. But people often use them incorrectly on kitchen sinks, baths, or showers. They can dislodge air pockets, but not the real obstruction. Plus, repeated plunging without success could actually worsen the seal and spread contaminated water.

6. Using a Vacuum Cleaner to Suck Out the Blockage

Some DIY forums suggest using a wet-dry vacuum to suck out the clog. In reality, this is more likely to cause a mess than clear the pipes. Without knowing what’s causing the obstruction—be it roots, debris, or a collapsed pipe—you’re wasting time. This is when a CCTV drain inspection becomes essential to pinpoint the problem.

7. Ignoring It and Hoping It’ll Fix Itself

This one might be the most dangerous of all. A slow drain is a red flag, not a minor inconvenience. Ignoring it can lead to complete backups, pipe bursts, or even water damage. Instead of waiting for disaster, it's smarter to contact a trusted drain company that uses advanced tools to inspect and resolve the issue promptly.

Why Professional Help Matters

There’s no shame in trying to solve small problems yourself, but drains are complex systems. By the time you realise your hack isn’t working, the blockage could have worsened significantly.

Professional drain companies offer a full range of services including high-pressure water jetting, root removal, and long-lasting drain repair. They also use advanced CCTV surveys to look deep inside your pipes and identify the exact location and cause of the blockage—something no DIY method can match.

When to Call the Experts

You should contact a professional drain company if:

• Your DIY methods have failed

• Multiple fixtures are draining slowly

• There’s a bad smell coming from the pipes

• You hear gurgling noises from sinks or toilets

• There are signs of water backing up into your home

These are clear indications that a standard DIY fix isn’t going to cut it. You’ll need professional intervention before the situation escalates.

Conclusion

DIY drain hacks may seem tempting, especially when you're in a hurry or trying to save money. But as we've seen, many of these so-called solutions can either do nothing or make the problem worse. If you’re serious about solving block drains, don’t gamble with makeshift methods. Trust a professional team who can properly un block a drain using precise tools like CCTV and provide long-lasting drain repair.