Blocked Drains? 5 Old-School Fixes
(And When to Call a Plumber)

Let’s be honest, blocked drains always strike at the worst possible time. The shower floods just as you’re heading out. The toilet gurgles like it’s possessed. The kitchen sink refuses to cooperate right when dinner’s on.

We’ve been clearing blocked drains across Canberra, Newcastle, the Central Coast and the Hunter for decades, and here’s the truth:
 ➜ Some blockages can be handled at home.
 ➜ Others will only get worse if you keep poking at them.

Below are five tried-and-true, old-fashioned methods that actually work, plus clear advice on when DIY stops being smart.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains (What We Actually See on Call-Outs)

Blocked Drains Caused by Hair, Soap Scum, and Food Scraps

Blocked drains don’t just “happen.” There’s always a culprit.

Here’s what we find most often in Aussie homes:

  • Hair, soap scum & food scraps – the slow build-up that sneaks up on you
  • Grease and fat – pours down hot, hardens cold (classic kitchen killer)
  • Wet wipes & hygiene products – even the “flushable” ones (they’re lying)
  • Tree roots – the number one cause in older suburbs and clay pipes
  • Ageing or collapsed pipes – common in homes 30+ years old

We see tree root intrusions weekly, especially in Canberra and leafy areas of NSW. That’s where old-school fixes usually hit a wall.

Signs You’ve Got a Blocked Drain (Don’t Ignore These)

Use your senses—look, smell, listen.

You likely have a blockage if you notice:

  • Water draining slowly from sinks, showers, or baths
  • Toilets that won’t flush properly or keep refilling
  • Foul smells coming from drains
  • Gurgling or bubbling sounds in pipes
  • Water backing up or pooling around drains

If more than one fixture is affected, that’s a red flag. The blockage is usually deeper in the system.

5 Old-School Ways to Clear Blocked Drains

These methods have been around forever for a reason. They work—until they don’t.
Plunger to Unblock the Drains

1. The Trusty Plunger (Still a Legend)

Every home should have one.

  • Make sure there’s enough water to cover the rubber cup
  • Seal overflow holes for better pressure
  • Use strong, consistent plunges
  • For double sinks, plug one side while plunging the other

This works best for minor clogs near the surface. If you’re plunging every week, though, something else is going on.

Wire Coat Hanger

2. The Wire Coat Hanger Trick

Straighten it. Bend the end like a hook. Fish gently.

Perfect for:

  • Hair
  • Soap residue
  • Food scraps

Don’t force it. If you hit resistance, stop. Pushing debris deeper can turn a small issue into a full blockage.

Pour a Kettle of Boiling Water Inside the Sink

3. Boiling Water (Use With Care)

Pour a kettle of boiling water in stages, not all at once.

Best for:

  • Grease and soap build-up
  • Metal or copper pipes only

Avoid plastic pipes—heat can damage joints.

Vinegar & Baking Soda

4. Baking Soda & Vinegar (The Classic Combo)

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • Flush with hot water after fizzing
Good for:
  • Grease
  • Grime
  • Mild organic build-up
Wear gloves and eye protection. Natural doesn’t mean harmless.
Why Does My Plumber Clear Blocked Drains Better Than Yours?

5. Clean the U-Bend (Get Your Hands Dirty)

That U-shaped pipe under the sink? That’s a debris magnet.

  • Place a bucket underneath
  • Unscrew the fittings
  • Clean thoroughly
  • Refit tightly

Messy, but effective for kitchen sinks.

When Old-Fashioned Fixes WON’T Work

This is where many DIY jobs go wrong.

Stop and call a professional if:

  • The drain keeps blocking again
  • Multiple drains are affected
  • You suspect tree roots
  • Water is backing up outside
  • You hear constant gurgling
  • The property has old or clay pipes

We see it all the time: well-intentioned DIY turning a simple blockage into a collapsed pipe. That’s when costs blow out.

Why Regular Drain Inspections Matter

A professional drain inspection can:

  • Detect root intrusion early
  • Identify cracked or sagging pipes
  • Prevent emergency call-outs
  • Save thousands in avoidable repairs

It’s not overkill, it’s preventative medicine for your plumbing.

Eco-Friendly Drain Habits (That Actually Help)

  • Use vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals
  • Scrape food into the bin, not the sink
  • Never pour fats or oils down drains
  • Install water-efficient fixtures
  • Dispose of chemicals responsibly

Small habits. Big difference.

plumbers

Still Blocked? That’s When We Step In

If you’ve tried the old-school methods and the drain’s still playing up, it’s time to bring in the pros.

At The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor, we use:

  • High-pressure water jetting
  • Drain cameras
  • Long-term fixes—not band-aids

Call 13 10 91
Servicing Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens.

Blocked drains don’t fix themselves, and neither should you have to fight them alone.

THE DOCTOR GETS IT DONE

• Licensed & Local • Fast, Reliable Service • 24/7 Emergency

Speak to a Plumber – 13 10 91

General Plumbing & Electrical | Hot Water Systems | Blocked Drains | Gas Fitting & more. .