How to clean pipe blockages

Stop your drains from smelling and allow for proper drainage in your home by following this simple guide.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Gloves
• Garden hose
• Wrench
• Old newspaper/rag
• Auger wire
• Power auger

The steps to follow

1. To clean a pipe blockage, you can try flushing the pipe with a garden hose. Attach the hose onto a faucet and feed the hose into the drain.
2. Jam the hose opening with rags and turn the water on and flush the pipe out.
3. If you find the clog in the drainpipe, locate where the drain leaves the house. Unscrew the clean-out plug with a wrench.
4. Let the water flow out and insert an auger wire to unclog the drain.
5. If the pipe is still clogged, try unclogging the soil pipe.
6. Lay old newspaper and rags around the area before opening the soil pipe.
7. Insert the auger wire in the house trap to clean the pipe.
8. If water starts to seep out of the house trap and you still can't unclog the pipe, it's best to call in a professional to help you clean the pipe.
9. Use a power auger for more severe blockages. The power auger will cut away any debris.
10. Insert the power auger into the pipe.
11. Stop the power auger when the pipe is unclogged.
12. Flush the pipe to clear away the debris.

Related articles

• How to fix a blocked loo
• How to make joints in waste pipes
• Sealing a leaky iron soil pipe

Don't want to DIY? Get recommended drainage specialists for your home improvement job.