Blocked drains can often be cleared with a 69p item found in most kitchens: washing-up liquid. Experts recommend this simple method over chemical cleaners, which can damage pipes and fail to address the root cause.
Washing-up liquid and hot water for kitchen sinks
Ross Bilben, sales director at Bathroom Spare Parts, said: "My first recommendation is washing-up liquid and hot water. This is particularly effective for kitchen sinks where grease, fat and food residue are often responsible for slow-draining water."
He advised pouring a generous squirt down the plughole, leaving it for 10-15 minutes, then flushing with hot water. "The washing-up liquid helps loosen greasy deposits, while the hot water helps move them through the pipework. Avoid boiling water if you have plastic waste pipes, as excessive heat can damage some fittings."
Cable tie trick for bathroom drains
For bathroom drains blocked by hair, James Roberts, director at Sanctuary Bathrooms, suggested a different approach. "A surprisingly useful trick for a hair-blocked bathroom drain is a long, sturdy cable tie. With a few small notches cut into its edges, it becomes a miniature tool for hooking out the hair trapped just below the plughole."
He explained: "Carefully snip shallow, angled notches along the sides near the pointed end, creating little teeth. Don't cut deeply enough to weaken the plastic. Wearing gloves, hold the chunky head firmly and gently feed the pointed end into the plughole, wiggle it and slowly withdraw it. The teeth can catch the hair and bring the tangled build-up out with them. Put everything you pull out straight into the bin."
He added: "It's not glamorous, but removing that clump can make an immediate difference if it's what's stopping the water flowing. Once the drain is running, rinse with warm water."
Plunger as a backup and avoiding chemical cleaners
If these methods fail, a plunger remains a reliable option. Steve Chambers, managing director of Metro Rod, said: "It sounds simple, but try a Plunger. For small blockages, a plunger can sometimes dislodge the debris."
He also warned: "Whatever you do, avoid chemical drain cleaners. These can damage pipes and often don't solve the root problem."
Prevention tips from experts
To prevent blockages, experts advise keeping waste out of the drain, especially oil-based items. Anna Thunstrom, head of home insurance at Saga, noted: "Coffee grounds have always been a drain clogger, but more people have taken to brewing coffee at home since the pandemic. It means more coffee grounds are going down the sink, which can clump together and cause blockages."
For toilets, Jacob Larkin, spokesperson for Unblocktober, said: "Our number one piece of advice is to stick to the three Ps rule when it comes to flushing waste. Only flush pee, poo, and paper."
