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

A blocked bath drain is a problem that sooner or later we will all encounter. It not only makes everyday personal hygiene difficult, and sometimes downright impossible, but it often also leads to unpleasant odours in the bathroom. Worse still, a blocked drain can even cause damage to the plumbing. How to deal with this problem? It’s worth knowing effective methods — below we present tried-and-tested ways to unblock a bath drain. Find out!

Blocked bath drain: the most common causes

Have you noticed that once you remove the plug, the water drains more and more slowly? That’s the main sign of a blocked bath drain. This problem is quite common 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 the pipes form as a result of hair, soap residue and other cosmetic products (especially oils or other greasy substances) which, over time, compact more tightly, narrowing the passage for water. On top of that, limescale deposits from hard water often add to the problem.

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

How to unblock a bath drain?

There are several ways to deal with a blocked bath drain. First, try to clear the blockage with home methods — these are often sufficient to improve the flow of water in the pipes. If they don’t work, more robust measures will be needed. What options do you have exactly?

Blocked bath drain: home remedies to tackle the problem

If you’re struggling with a blocked bath drain, there are several home remedies that can help. Where to start? First and foremost, remove any visible debris at first glance. Pull out the hair from the drain, which often collects around its outer part. 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 satisfied? The dirt is probably deeper down. One of the most eco-friendly and pipe-safe methods is to use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Pour about half a cup of bicarbonate of soda directly into the drain, then add a cup of vinegar. The reaction between them will create a foam that helps loosen blockages. After about 30 minutes, rinse the bath drain with hot water, and the residue should wash away.

Another method is to use vinegar together with hot water. Make a 1:1 solution and pour it directly into the bath drain. It helps remove limescale deposits in particular. But remember, the water mustn’t 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 methods, there are also other effective ways to deal with a blocked bath drain. For example, you can use ready-made, specialist chemical drain cleaners, available in most household goods shops.

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

Another solution is to use professional plumbing tools such as a drain snake. You can easily find one in DIY stores. A snake allows you to mechanically remove tougher blockages, even those deep within the pipes. And if even that doesn’t help, it’s worth calling in a professional – a plumber, who, thanks to experience and specialist equipment, will quickly and effectively solve the problem of a blocked drain.

A blocked bath drain is a nuisance, so it’s definitely better to prevent such situations. Try to clean the drain regularly of visible debris, and from time to time remove the build-up deeper down as well.