A plumber in a blue uniform plunges a bathroom sink filled with murky water, addressing a clogged drain in a modern tiled bathroom.

How Do You Fix a Clogged Drain?

May 9, 20250

If your sink is draining slowly, your shower floor is filling up, or your toilet is gurgling, chances are you’ve got a clogged drain. It’s a common issue in Sydney homes, especially across older suburbs like those in Sutherland Shire. While some blockages are minor and can be cleared with D.I.Y methods, others require a professional plumber. In this guide, the team at SE Plumbing explains how to fix a clogged drain effectively and safely, plus how to know when it’s time to call in the experts.

What Causes Drains to Clog?

Drain blockages form when everyday materials build up in your pipes. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
  • Grease, oils, and food waste in kitchen sinks
  • Tree root intrusion in older underground pipes
  • Toilet paper build-up and non-flushable items in toilets
  • Leaves, dirt and garden debris in storm water drains

For more on what causes clogs, visit our Blocked Drains service page.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Clogged Drain at Home

1. Start with Boiling Water

Pouring boiling water down the drain can help loosen greasy build-up or soap residue.

  • Boil a full kettle of water
  • Slowly pour it down the drain in stages
  • Test drainage after each pour

This works best for kitchen or bathroom sinks, not suitable for PVC pipes or toilets.

2. Use Bicarb Soda and Vinegar

This natural combo is a powerful, chemical-free solution.

  • Pour half a cup of bicarbonate soda into the drain
  • Add one cup of vinegar
  • Cover the drain and let it fizz for 15 minutes
  • Rinse with boiling water

For maintenance tips like this, check out our blog on 9 Tips for Clearing Blocked Drains Using Household Items

3. Try Plunging the Drain

A household plunger can break up clogs in sinks, basins, and toilets.

  • Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger
  • Position the plunger over the drain and create a seal
  • Plunge rapidly for 20–30 seconds
  • Test flow and repeat if needed

Repeated blockages in your toilet? Visit our Leaking Taps and Toilets service for expert support.

4. Use a Wire Hanger or Drain Snake

To remove hair or solid build-up.

  • Straighten a wire hanger and bend a hook at the end
  • Carefully insert it into the drain
  • Pull out hair and debris, then rinse with water

If this doesn’t work, a professional plumber can use a CCTV camera to investigate. Learn more about our Leak Detection and Prevention service.

5. Clean the Sink Trap (U-Bend)

If the blockage is under the kitchen sink.

  • Place a bucket under the trap
  • Unscrew the trap and empty the contents
  • Rinse with warm water and reattach

This is a good fix for slow kitchen drainage and odours caused by food debris.

When DIY Doesn’t Work

If you’ve tried the steps above and the drain is still clogged, it’s time to get help from a licensed plumber. DIY methods can’t fix:

  • Blocked sewer lines
  • Collapsed pipes
  • Tree root intrusion
  • Overflowing stormwater systems
  • Multiple blocked fixtures at once

Call SE Plumbing for Emergency Plumbing Services in Sutherland Shire. We’re available 24/7 for urgent drainage issues.

Signs That a Blocked Drain is Getting Worse

  • Foul smells coming from sinks or grates
  • Gurgling or bubbling sounds after flushing
  • Slow drainage in multiple rooms
  • Pooling water in the yard or near outdoor drains
  • Sewage backing up into showers or basins

If you notice any of these, don’t wait. It could mean you have Broken or Damaged Pipes that need urgent repair.

Tools a Plumber Will Use to Fix a Clogged Drain

  • CCTV drain cameras to inspect pipe interiors
  • High-pressure hydro jetters to clear roots and hard sludge
  • Pipe locators to detect hidden pipe sections
  • Drain snakes or motorised augers for deep clogs

These tools allow us to resolve issues efficiently without digging.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Clogged Drain

Even a slow drain can turn into a serious issue if left untreated.

  • You may experience flooding and water damage
  • Mould and mildew can form behind walls or floors
  • Rodents and insects are attracted to stagnant water
  • Sewage backflow can lead to health hazards

We also explain this further in our blog on Why You Should Never Ignore a Blocked Drain.

Why Choose SE Plumbing to Fix Your Drains

SE Plumbing has been clearing blocked drains across Sutherland Shire for over 20 years. We understand local plumbing systems, tree root issues, and the most common causes of clogs in Sydney’s older suburbs.

  • Fast, friendly service from licensed professionals
  • Advanced equipment for non-invasive solutions
  • No hidden fees—just honest, upfront pricing
  • Long-term results and drain maintenance options

Need help? Contact us today or call 0414 651 351 to book your drain inspection.

Expert Drain Cleaning in Sutherland Shire

Knowing how to fix a clogged drain can save you time and money, but only if the issue is minor. For stubborn or recurring blockages, professional help is essential. SE Plumbing offers reliable, affordable drain-clearing services throughout Sutherland Shire, backed by years of experience and the right tools for the job. Don’t wait for water damage, get your drains flowing freely again with SE Plumbing.