In short: For minor blockages, hot water or a plunger is often enough. If the clog is more stubborn, liquid drain cleaner dissolves grease, hair and soap residue – depending on the blockage, in 15 to 30 minutes or overnight. Important: never mix different cleaners.
What causes the blockage?
- Kitchen: Frying fat, oil and food scraps. Fat is liquid, but solidifies in the pipe.
- Shower and bathtub: Hair combined with soap and shampoo residue.
- Washbasin: Toothpaste, soap, hair and limescale.
Step-by-step to a free-flowing drain
- Remove visible debris: Remove the drain strainer or stopper and clear away hair and residue.
- Hot water: For grease deposits in the kitchen, pour in a pot of hot water. Do not use boiling water with plastic pipes.
- Plunger: Seal the overflow with a wet cloth, place the plunger over the drain and pump vigorously several times.
- Drain cleaner: Remove standing water, pour 100 to 250 ml of liquid drain cleaner directly into the drain and leave to work for 15 to 30 minutes. For stubborn cases, apply in the evening and leave to work overnight. Then rinse thoroughly with plenty of hot water.
- Clean the trap: Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap, rinse it out and reassemble.
- Drain snake: For blockages further back in the pipe.
- Professional service: If the drain remains blocked or several drains are affected, the problem is usually deeper in the pipe.
Use drain cleaner correctly and safely
- Never mix with other cleaners – especially not acidic or chlorine-based products. If you have used something else before, rinse thoroughly with water first.
- Wear protective gloves and safety goggles: Liquid drain cleaners are usually highly alkaline and can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes.
- Pour in slowly and do not lean over the drain.
- Wipe up splashes on fixtures, enamel and metal immediately.
- Store out of reach of children and pets.
Home remedies – how effective are they?
Hot water and dishwashing liquid help with minor grease deposits. While baking soda and vinegar fizz impressively, they often only superficially dissolve solid hair and grease clogs. Important: do not use home remedies immediately before or after a chemical drain cleaner.
How to prevent blockages
- Do not pour frying fat down the sink; let it cool and dispose of it with other household waste.
- Use hair strainers in the shower and washbasin.
- Rinse drains regularly with hot water.
- Do not put food scraps, coffee grounds or wet wipes down the drain or toilet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should drain cleaner be left to work?
Liquid drain cleaner usually works for 15 to 30 minutes. For stubborn blockages, it can be left overnight. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Can I use two drain cleaners one after the other?
Only if you rinse very thoroughly with water in between. Different cleaners must never come into contact in the pipe, as dangerous reactions are possible.
Does drain cleaner also work on hair?
Yes. Liquid drain cleaners dissolve hair, soap residue and grease. Remove large clumps of hair from the strainer mechanically beforehand.
When should I call a professional service?
If the drain remains blocked after using a plunger, drain cleaner and cleaning the trap, if several drains are affected at the same time, or if water backs up elsewhere.
