Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, messy, and even stressful. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a gurgling toilet, or water backing up into your home, the best solution is to call in the professionals. But if you’ve never used a drain unblocking service before, you might be wondering—what actually happens during the process?

Here’s what you can expect when you hire a professional drainage service to handle your blocked drain.

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

When the drainage expert arrives, they’ll start with a thorough assessment of the problem. This typically involves:

• Asking about the symptoms you’ve noticed (slow drainage, bad smells, overflowing water, etc.).
• Checking multiple drains to see if the issue is localised or affecting the entire system.
• Performing a visual inspection to identify any obvious blockages.

In many cases, they’ll use specialised equipment, such as a CCTV drain camera, to get a closer look inside your pipes. This helps pinpoint the exact location and severity of the blockage, allowing them to choose the best method for clearing it. Click here to find out more about professional services.

Choosing the Right Unblocking Method

Once the cause of the blockage is identified, the professional will decide on the most effective way to clear it. Common methods include:

• High-Pressure Water Jetting: A powerful jet of water is used to break up and flush out stubborn blockages, such as grease, food debris, and tree roots.
• Drain Snaking or Rodding: A flexible rod or mechanical drain snake is inserted into the pipe to dislodge the blockage and restore water flow.
• Electro-Mechanical Cleaning: For more severe clogs, rotating cutting tools are used to remove built-up debris, scale, or hardened grease.
• Drain Excavation (in rare cases): If the blockage is caused by a collapsed or severely damaged pipe, excavation may be required to replace the affected section.

The method used will depend on the type of blockage, the condition of your pipes, and the location of the issue.

Clearing the Blockage and Restoring Flow

Once the best approach is selected, the specialist will get to work clearing the blockage. Most drain unblocking jobs can be completed within an hour, though more severe blockages may take longer.

After the blockage is removed, they’ll test your drainage system by running water through the pipes to ensure everything is flowing smoothly again. If necessary, they may perform a second camera inspection to confirm that the problem is fully resolved.

The Chemicals You Do Not Want to Put Down the Drain

You may have already heard that harsh chemicals aren’t safe for the drain. In particular, many of those contained in unblocking products can actually cause more harm than good. But what chemicals are we talking about, and what are the ones you want to avoid? Let’s take a look at some common culprits that can cause damage to your drainage system.

Bleach

A cleaner that many people have in their households is bleach. This is known for getting rid of bad odours and for cleaning surfaces. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for going down drains. It can cause damage to PVC piping, and it can be dangerous when combined with other chemicals. For example, it can release chlorine gas, which can be toxic. You also have to release that bleach won’t be able to break down grease or large blockages.

Sodium Hydroxide

When you’re looking at a drain cleaner, you need to watch out for sodium hydroxide. This is a common chemical, but this doesn’t mean that it’s a good one. In particular, it can corrode metal and PVC pipes when it’s used as a drain unblocker. This could lead to expensive repairs. What’s more, it can be dangerous for this substance to get on your skin, causing bad burns.

Sulfuric Acid

Many drain cleaners will include sulfuric acid in their chemical list. It’s said to be good for breaking down grease, hair and food waste. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s going to be safe to use on the pipes. In fact, it can generate heat, which can lead to corrosive behaviour. In particular, it can badly damage metal and PVC pipes. There’s also the possibility of toxic fumes in your home.

Final Thoughts

A blocked drain might seem like a minor nuisance at first, but if ignored, it can turn into a major issue. Calling a professional drain unblocking service ensures your pipes are cleared efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption.

Whether you’re dealing with slow drainage, foul smells, or full-on water backup, don’t wait until it’s too late—get expert help and keep your home’s plumbing in top condition.