How to unblock a drain (and when to call a plumber)

A slow or blocked drain is one of the most common plumbing problems. Many are easy to clear yourself; others are a sign of something deeper that needs a professional.

Try these first

• Boiling water: for grease and soap build-up in a kitchen sink, pour boiling water down in stages.
• Plunger: cover the overflow, then plunge firmly a dozen times over the plughole.
• Remove and clean the trap: the U-bend under the sink often holds the blockage — place a bucket underneath, unscrew it and clear it out.
• Baking soda and vinegar: a gentler alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage older Prague pipework.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Chemical drain cleaners can corrode older pipes and are only a temporary fix. Skip them if your building is old or the blockage keeps coming back.

When to call a plumber

Call a professional if several drains are slow at once, if water backs up into another fixture, if there is a bad smell, or if the blockage returns quickly. These point to a blockage deep in the stack or the main drain, which needs proper equipment to clear.

We clear blocked drains across Prague with professional tools and leave the area clean.