There are many chemicals available today which are designed to deal with blocked drains. However, these chemicals are often corrosive or toxic which means they can cause serious damage to the environment. You can help to protect the environment by unblocking your drains manually. You will probably not require a plumber to clear a blocked drain. It is often a DIY task which can be carried out with a few basic household tools. Below is a guide to how you can manually unclog your drains without the use of harsh chemicals.

Establish the layout of your drainage system

Every drain within your property will connect a horizontal pipe with a vertical section which is known as the stack. The top of the stack acts as an air vent, while the horizontal pipes transport waste water out of your home. Before you begin work, you should establish the layout of the pipes within your home, as this will allow you to easily locate the source of the blockage.

Commonly blocked areas

Blockages will often occur in the curved sections of pipes which are located beneath the shower, bath or sink within your home. Drainpipes and toilet waste pipes are also areas which are frequently blocked due to the waste matter which travels down them. The easiest way to test a pipe is to run water down it. If the water drains very slowly or begins to back up, you can be certain that the drain is clogged.

Unblocking a pipe

These are the steps you should take to unblock a pipe.

• Turn off the water supply: It is very important that you isolate the water supply to the pipe you are trying to unblock. If you fail to do this, you could flood your home when you finally remove the blockage.
• Unscrew the valves on the pipe: The majority of modern pipe values are made of plastic which means you won't need tools to disconnect them.
• Carry out a visual inspection of the pipe: Once the pipe is removed, you should visually inspect the pipe for signs of a blockage. If you find any dirt or debris, you should remove it.
• Reattach the pipe: Once the pipe is clear, you can wipe it down and firmly reattach it in place.

If you cannot find any dirt of debris, or if you clear the blockage and the water still won't flow, it is time to call in a professional plumbing contractor.