Blocked Drain – What to Do? Step-by-Step Guide

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: Cooking grease, oil and food scraps. Grease 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

1. Remove visible debris: Remove the drain strainer or stopper, and clear away hair and debris.
2. Hot water: For grease deposits in the kitchen, pour in a pot of hot water. Do not use boiling water with plastic pipes.
3. Plunger: Seal the overflow with a wet cloth, place the plunger over the drain, and pump vigorously several times.
4. 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.
5. Clean the trap: Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap, rinse it out, and reassemble.
6. Drain snake: For blockages further back in the pipe.
7. Professional service: If the drain remains blocked or multiple drains are affected, the problem is usually deeper in the pipework.

How to use pipe cleaner safely and correctly

• Never mix with other cleaners – especially not acidic or chlorine-based products. If you have used a different product before, rinse thoroughly with water first.
• Wear protective gloves and safety goggles: Liquid drain cleaners are usually highly alkaline and can cause severe skin and eye damage.
• Pour 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 loosen solid hair and grease clogs. Important: do not use home remedies immediately before or after a chemical drain cleaner.