The Dos and Don'ts of Drain Cleaning

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney on 25 Jan 2026

Drains are an essential component in every home or business. They can also become blocked if not properly maintained. If you notice that your drains are clogged, it’s important to act immediately and clear them out. But what are the right ways to go about it and what are the most common mistakes to avoid in cleaning drainpipes? In this post we’ll look at the best practices and do’s of drain cleaning.

Key Takeaways

Dos:

  • Use a plunger
  • Make use of hot water. Use hot
  • Utilize natural cleaners
  • Contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for regular maintenance

Don’ts:

  • Utilize chemical drain cleaners, but do not seek consulting a professional
  • Overuse commercial cleaners
  • Put grease down the drain
  • Make use of a coat hanger, or something else that can damage pipes

Prevention is always better than repairs Make sure you schedule periodic maintenance sessions with Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney .

The Dos:

1. Do use a plunger

If you are dealing with minor blockages, a spout should be your first line of defense. Ensure that you have created a tight seal around the drain before pressing up and down gently on the plunger. This will create suction which will help to clear any obstructions.

2. Do not use cold Water

Hot water is an easy yet effective method to flush of dirt and other clogs that may cause obstructions. Bring water to a boil in the kettle or in a pot, then gradually pour it down the drain to loosen stubborn debris.

3. Do utilize natural cleaners

If plunging or hot water haven’t worked, you can try baking soda in combination with vinegar or lemon juice to dissolve the build-up naturally.

4. Do not hesitate to call Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for Regular Maintenance

Prevention is always better than repairs Therefore, plan regular maintenance in conjunction with Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney to ensure your pipes stay clean year-round.

The do’s and don’ts

1. Do not use chemical drain cleaners without professional advice

Chemical cleaners can appear to be an easy solution, however, they can cause further damage if not used correctly under professional supervision.

2. Don’t Overuse Commercial Cleaners

While strong commercial cleaning products can be useful in some situations, they can damage the metal components of pipes, which can cause leaks and various plumbing issues.

3. Do not pour Grease down the Drain

Grease can become solid once it is introduced into pipes, leading to obstructions. Instead, you should dispose of grease into the garbage or compost.

4. Don’t use a coat hanger or Anything That Could Damage Pipes

A coat hanger or any other sharp object in an attempt to clear drains may cause more harm than beneficial. They can scratch and endanger pipes, making them more vulnerable to future blockages.

Cleaning your drains should be done with care and patience, but in some cases, professional assistance is needed. If these rules and guidelines won’t clear the obstruction and increase drain flow, then trust Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for expert advice for cleaning, locating the source of problems by using CCTV drain inspections or complete pipe relining services should they be required.

Do’s Don’ts
Use a plunger Use chemical drain cleaners without professional advice
Use hot water Overuse commercial cleaners
Utilize natural cleaners Pour grease down the drain
Call company for regular maintenance Use coat hanger or anything that could damage pipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and guidelines of cleaning drains?

It is essential to keep your drains clear and flowing freely. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you avoid blockages:

  • Do employ a plunger, or plumbing snake if you are experiencing slow draining.
  • Do regularly pour boiling water into the drain to break up any accumulation.
  • Don’t pour grease, oil and fat in the toilet because it will solidify and cause blockages.
  • Do not make use of chemical drain cleaners since they could damage pipes and damage the environment.

Do I need to get my drains cleaned?

The frequency of drain cleaning is dependent on a variety of factors such as household size as well as the amount of use, the age of plumbing system, etc. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you get your drains professionally cleaned at least every two years.

How do I know when my drains are in need of cleaning?

Some signs that indicate that your drains could be blocked include gurgling sounds coming from the drain or shower, slow draining in showers or sinks, unpleasant odors emanating from your drains and water leaking out of the toilets or sinks. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time to have your drains cleaned by a professional.

Do I need to wash my drains myself or should I hire a professional?

Although you can clear your drains yourself using a plunger or other simple methods however, for more severe blockages it is best to hire an experienced plumber. Making DIY repairs could lead to further harm to your plumbing system which could end up costing the homeowner more.

How much does it cost for professional drain cleaning?

It is expensive to hire a plumber to assist with drain cleaning is contingent upon a number of variables, such as location, type and severity of the blockage, etc. On average, homeowners can expect to cost between $100-$400 on this kind of services. It’s always best to contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney for a quote specific to your situation.

Summary

Drains can be overlooked until they become blocked leading to inconvenience and expensive repairs. When it comes to cleaning your drains correctly and effectively make sure you follow these dos and don’ts to get the best results. Be aware that prevention is better than cure; schedule regular maintenance by using Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney service so you can focus on enjoying your everyday life without annoying drain problems.

Additional Information

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Sydney Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Sydney cleared today, contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

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At Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

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