
My Pipe Is Clogged – What Should I Do?
Encountering a clogged pipe can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to drain your time or energy! While some severe pipe blockages might require professional plumbing help, many standard blocked pipes can be resolved at home with a few tools and patience. Whether you’re facing slow drainage in your kitchen sink or a bathroom pipe that’s come to a complete stop, this detailed guide will show you exactly how to clear blocked water pipes at home, safely and effectively.
Tools You May Need to Clear a Pipe Blockage
Before you start tackling the blockage, gather these essentials:
- A plunger – Creates suction to dislodge clogs.
- A drain rod or ‘snake’ – Excellent for reaching deep or stubborn obstructions.
- Drain unblocker (chemical or enzyme-based) – Helps dissolve grease, hair, and other buildup.
- Rubber gloves – Keep your hands clean and safe.
- A bucket & old towels – Protect your floors and catch spills.
Where Is the Pipe Blocked?
Finding where the pipe is clogged will make fixing it much simpler. Each area of your home has typical troublemakers:
- Bathroom drains: Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and shower products are the main culprits.
- Kitchen sinks: Often blocked by cooking grease, oil, coffee grounds, and food scraps.
- Toilets: Overusing toilet paper, wipes that aren’t flushable, or sanitary products leads to clogs.
- Outdoor drains: Leaves, dirt, mud, and garden debris are prevalent after storms.
Pro tip:
Do you hear gurgling sounds or notice multiple slow drains? These could indicate a more extensive pipe blockage deeper in your system. In that case, immediately get professional assistance.
How to Clear Blocked Water Pipes at Home
Try a Drain Unblocker
Chemical or enzyme cleaners are often your first go-to for a blocked pipe in the house:
- Carefully pour the product into the affected drain, following the label.
- Let it work for 30–60 minutes (or longer if recommended).
- Flush with hot water to help clear residual debris.
Use a Plunger to Remove a Pipe Blockage
For sinks, tubs, or even toilet clogs, a plunger often works wonders:
- Ensure the rubber cup covers the drain completely.
- Fill with enough water to submerge the plunger head.
- Push down 10-15 times in a firm, steady rhythm.
- Check if the water drains. Repeat if needed, but avoid excessive plunging to prevent loosening seals.
Use a Drain Snake or Rod
If a plunger doesn’t clear your pipe blockage, move to a snake:
- Insert the drain rod slowly until you hit resistance.
- Twist and push gently, feel it breaking through the clog.
- Withdraw the rod slowly, cleaning as you go.
- Flush with hot water.
- Repeat or follow up with a drain cleaner.
What to Do If the Pipe Is Still Clogged
If, after multiple tries, the pipe is blocked:
Manually clean the U-bend:
Place a bucket under the sink, loosen the U-bend (trap) with a wrench, remove any gunk, rinse, and reattach.
Call a professional plumber:
Some clogs go deeper than DIY can reach. Persistent blockages may signal issues further along your pipework.
Request a CCTV drain survey:
Advanced plumbing teams can inspect your pipes with cameras, finding hidden breaks or stubborn blockages without invasive digging.

Plumbing Repairs
Protect your home from leaks and water damage with our reliable one-off plumbing repairs. We’ll fix issues in your hot and cold-water pipes, helping you maintain a safe, efficient system and avoid costly sudden repairs.
Prevention Tips: Avoid Blocked Pipes in the House
Keeping your pipes clear is easier than unblocking them!
Here’s your easy checklist:
- Use plughole strainers: Catch hair, food, and debris.
- Dispose of oil & fat in a bin: Never pour grease down the sink.
- Clean hair traps weekly: Reduce shower blockages.
- Run hot water weekly: It helps melt away small grease deposits.
- Use enzyme cleaners monthly: Keeps build-up at bay.
- Avoid flushing: wipes, nappies, or sanitary products.
- Spot slow drains early: they’re often your first warning.
Quick Troubleshooting: What to Do If the Pipe Is Blocked
Symptom | Likely Cause | What to Try |
---|---|---|
Water draining slowly | Partial clog (hair/grease) | Use a drain unblocker or a plunger |
Gurgling noises | Air trapped by a blockage | Use a plunger or a snake |
Multiple fixtures slow | Deeper blockage in the main line | Call a plumber for a CCTV survey |
Water backing up | Complete blockage | Stop running water & call an expert |
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Pipe Problems
Quick action makes all the difference, whether you’re dealing with a clogged pipe, learning how to clear blocked water pipes at home, or figuring out what to do if the pipe is blocked. Most minor clogs can be fixed with the right tools, but stubborn or frequent problems are best left to experts.
Your home’s plumbing is too necessary to ignore; maintain it well, and it will serve you reliably for years.
Still stuck? Call us on 0345 3192 247, or explore our professional Plumbing Repair services for fast and friendly support.
FAQ's
How often should I clean my drains to prevent clogs?
To maintain clear drains and prevent clogs, monthly enzyme treatments are suggested. These treatments help break down organic matter and maintain a precise flow.
In addition, incorporating weekly hot water flushes can help dissolve any grease or buildup that may accumulate. This two-pronged approach creates a proactive routine that significantly reduces the risk of clogs.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
Chemical drain cleaners can be effective occasionally, particularly for tough clogs. However, they contain harsh substances that can damage your pipes over time if used excessively.
As an alternative, enzyme-based solutions offer a gentler yet effective way to clear your drains without risking pipe damage. For best results, consider using enzyme cleaners as a regular maintenance option instead of relying on chemicals.
My kitchen sink keeps clogging. What can I do?
If you’re facing recurring clogs in your kitchen sink, you can take several preventive measures. First and foremost, avoid disposing of oil, coffee grounds, or large food scraps down the drain, as these can easily lead to blockages.
Additionally, a sink strainer can catch debris before it enters the drain. After using the sink, flushing it with hot water can help clear away any leftover food particles and grease, ensuring smoother drainage.
When should I call a plumber?
It’s time to call a plumber if your attempts at DIY solutions, such as plunging or using drain snakes, fail after a couple of tries, or if multiple drains in your home seem to be affected by issues simultaneously.
Waiting too long to seek professional help can lead to more serious problems, including potential pipe damage or extensive plumbing issues. A licensed plumber can accurately diagnose the problem and implement practical solutions to prevent further complications.