Plumbing expert reveals genius £1 trick to declog drains without a plunger

While fats, oils, and grease are some of the main culprits behind these clogs, a surprising 69% of respondents in the UK Drainage Habits Survey admitted to pouring these materials down their drains

Blocked drains are a common household nuisance, with 53% of homeowners in the UK having experienced one that required professional help, according to recent data.

While fats, oils, and grease are some of the main culprits behind these clogs, a surprising 69% of respondents in the UK Drainage Habits Survey admitted to pouring these materials down their drains. With this in mind, Ryan McNicholl, an expert from plumbing suppliers Spares Direct , shares some valuable tips on how to properly dispose of these items and an easy, £1 method to quickly solve minor blockages.

McNicholl says: "Instead of letting food scraps and oil wash down the drain, compost them or simply throw them in the bin. These substances solidify in your pipes, creating stubborn blockages over time. To avoid this, let cooking oils and fats cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of them in the bin."

Another regular aggravator is hair which can cause blocked drains, especially in showers and sinks. McNicholl said: "use a hair catcher to prevent it from entering the drain, and dispose of any hair in the bin.”

Easy, Natural Method to Unblock Drains

“Unpleasant smells, strange gurgling sounds, or slow-draining water are clear signs your drain is clogging up,” McNicholl explains. “Before reaching for harsh chemicals or calling a plumber, try this natural and cost-effective solution using baking soda and vinegar. This method can cost as little as £1, with baking soda priced around 65p and vinegar around 35p.”

Here’s how to do it:

• Baking soda: Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• White vinegar: Immediately follow with the same amount of white vinegar. This creates a fizzing reaction that helps break down the clog.
• Wait: Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
• Boiling water: Slowly pour boiling water down the drain. The heat will help dislodge any remaining blockage.

“This simple chemical reaction works wonders for minor blockages and is gentler on your pipes and the environment compared to chemical drain cleaners. If the baking soda and vinegar method doesn’t work, you may need to use a drain snake for tougher clogs.”

Using a Drain Snake for Stubborn Blockages

“A drain snake is particularly effective for hair blockages,” McNicholl adds. “To use, insert the tip of the snake into the drain and rotate the handle while gently pushing it deeper. Resistance usually indicates you’ve reached the clog.”

Once you’ve found the blockage, twist and push: Rotate the snake to break up the clog while pushing it further into the drain. Once dislodged, remove the snake and flush the drain with hot water to ensure the blockage is gone. “Always wear gloves and take care when using a drain snake to avoid injury,” McNicholl advises.