6 Natural Ways To Deal With Blocked Drains

null • September 10, 2020

How To Clear Blocked Drains Naturally

Getting blocked drains is a common household problem that often causes unnecessary stress. Clogged drains usually happen in moments that homeowners least expect and even while they're doing the usual daily tasks, like washing dishes or taking a bath. It can be frustrating, and you might want to get a drain cleaner from the nearest store right away.

Luckily, you don't need to go through too much hassle to get your blocked drain fixed. There's a home remedy for clogged drains, and it's surprisingly simple. You can even find the materials in your very own kitchen.

Boiling Water

Soap and grease can often be the cause of blocked drains in your kitchen and bathroom. Its residues tend to stick in the lining until it thickens. Fortunately, an effective home ready for clogged drains with this problem is simply pouring boiling water.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When pouring, do it gradually until the water drains fast and smoothly.

Baking Soda And Salt

Pour a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of salt into the drain. Leave the mixture for about fifteen minutes. Pour boiling water to wash out the mix. This homemade drain cleaner creates an aggressive chemical reaction that removes tougher drain filth.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

This method is an oldie but a goodie. The combination of baking soda and vinegar still proves to be an effective home remedy for blocked drains. Mix one-third cup of vinegar with one-third cup of baking soda. Promptly pour the mixture into the drain and let it sit for an hour. Rinse with hot water afterwards. This mixture dissolves grease, soap, and food residue and also prevents any foul odour.

Mix It All Up

Create your own homemade drain cleaner by mixing all the ingredients mentioned above. This is one way to level up the chemical strength of this natural drain cleaner. Mix one-third cup of salt and baking soda each and then add one-third cup of white vinegar. Pour the mix in the drain and leave it for an hour. Rinse the entire mixture with boiling water.

Yeast

With just two packages of yeast, you can solve your blocked drain problem. First, let the yeast flow down the drain. Pour a half cup of salt and a cup of boiling water. Leave the mixture for forty-five minutes and rinse with another cup of hot water.

Wire Hanger

When dealing with solid clogs on your drain, you can use one of your wire hangers. See this method as something similar to fishing. Bend and twist the hook of your wire hanger to make it fit the drain. Lower your “hook” and see if you can get the blocks out.

Liquid Dish washing Soap

Grease or soap residue may have been the blockage cause, but a liquid dish washing soap can also be a home remedy for clogged drains. Pour in a lot of liquid dish washing soap into the drain, followed by boiling water. This doesn't only remove the grease but also prevents bad smell.

Reliable Home Remedies for Blocked Drains

Without much fuss, you can deal with your clogged drains using a few cleaning products found in your home. These simple yet effective homemade drain cleaners are sure to fix mild blocked drain problems in no time. However, if your case is more complicated, there are fully licensed plumbers in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle who are just a call away.

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What Causes Pipes to Leak in Older Newcastle Homes?

By britor01+sp • August 4, 2026

What Causes Pipes to Leak in Older Newcastle Homes? Older homes around Newcastle have a charm that is hard to copy. But while the character of an older home is easy to see, the plumbing behind the walls can be much harder to notice. Homes that were built decades ago often have plumbing that has started to wear down over time, and small leaks can start in areas you wouldn’t usually check. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid being caught off guard by a leak or burst pipe. Here’s our list of things you should know about your plumbing. Old Pipes Can Start to Corrode Pipe corrosion is one of the main reasons older homes develop leaking pipes. Over time, minerals in your water and other substances wear down the metal inside the pipe. Once the pipe wall becomes weak, leaks can appear around joints and fittings. Corrosion can also leave sediment inside the pipe. This can slow the water flow and increase the risk of a clogged pipe. Since these issues usually build up slowly, they are more common in old plumbing systems. How to Minimise Damage: Unfortunately, once pipe corrosion starts, it can continue to get worse over time. As the pipe weakens, more areas become exposed to damage. What you can do is call a plumber ASAP so the affected pipe can be checked. Even Modern Pipes Will Wear Down From Years of Use Whilst pipes are intended to last for years, none of them will last forever. Modern plumbing techniques aren’t immune to the strain your pipes will go through from years of constant use. Unlike metal pipes, plastic or PVC pipework will not rust. Instead, plastic pipework can become brittle. As it becomes less flexible, it can crack more easily near fittings. Abrupt changes in temperature can also slowly add stress to your pipes. Hot water can make the pipe expand a little then it tightens again as it cools. After years of this movement, pipework can become stressed and fail. How to Minimise Damage: The good news is that you won’t have to worry about damages for quite a few years if you’re caring for your pipes adequately. At some point in the future, replacing the damaged pipe will be the best way to stop any leaks. This usually happens when the pipe has become too worn to hold another patch. Tree Roots Can Get Into Your Plumbing Do you have gorgeous, large trees around your 1930’s home? They may give nice shade, but their roots can spread underground in search of moisture. Specifically, stormwater and sewer pipes are common places for roots to get in. This is especially true when there is already a small crack or loose joint. Once they grow inside, they can put pressure on the pipe and cause leaks. Over time, your pipes can become badly damaged or even collapse, leading to burst pipes Newcastle homeowners may need to repair urgently. How to Minimise Damage: Prevention is the best way to stop roots from damaging your plumbing system. You should always plant new trees away from main water or sewer lines to help prevent any issues for future-you. In addition, aim to avoid species with aggressive roots - especially near older plumbing systems. If you already have mature trees near old plumbing lines, it is important to have them regularly checked by professionals. If roots have already moved into the pipe, call Jet Blaster Man to have them properly treated. Ground Movement Can Affect Your Pipes Over time, it is normal for homes to settle further into the ground. A little settling is normal, but too much movement caused by the weather and soil changes can strain the pipes. Wet soil expands, and then shrinks again as it dries. This back-and-forth movement can shift the foundation slightly and impact your pipes, and it’s a common plumbing issue in older homes when the pipework is already worn. How to Minimise Damage: If you’ve had a lot of storms recently and think ground movement is affecting your plumbing, a professional inspection can help put your mind at ease. With advanced leak detection methods, the affected section can be found more accurately. As such, plumbers can find hidden water leaks without digging up more than needed. There Are Downfalls To High Water Pressure High water pressure feels great when you are in the shower or trying to fill the tub fast. But if the pressure stays too high all the time, it can slowly damage the plumbing system. Many pipes are only built to work within a safe pressure range, and when water moves through the pipes too fast for too long, it can wear them down more quickly. If the problem is ignored, high pressure can even lead to a burst pipe and a much bigger repair. How to Minimise Damage: You can use a pressure gauge to see if your water pressure is too high. If you are not sure how to test it, a plumber can do this safely. Additionally, you can have a pressure regulator installed to protect the plumbing from extra stress. Things to Watch Out For Until the plumbing in your home is inspected properly, the actual source of the leak may stay hidden. If the following signs keep getting worse, we recommend giving Jet Blaster Man a call so we can send a professional plumber out. You should keep an eye out for: Unusual water marks and stains on walls A musty smell A higher water bill than normal Reduced flow when you turn on taps/showers Presence of mould in hidden corners Mildew in rarely checked spots Water sounds when no taps are running Need a Plumber for Leaking Pipes in Newcastle? Owning an older Newcastle home can be a labour of love. However, it should not leave you constantly worrying about hidden plumbing problems. By understanding the weak points that come with aging plumbing, you can address small issues and put together a list of things to do. DIY checks are a good place to start in your hunt for obvious signs of problems, but a professional can find hidden issues inside the pipework. If your home is hiding a leak, don't worry because Jet Blaster Man plumbers know how to deal with the common plumbing challenges found in older homes. Simply call us today to book your next service consultation.