🚿 How to Unblock Pipes Safely – Without Making It Worse!

Blocked pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems—and also one of the easiest to accidentally make worse. While there are a lot of quick-fix products out there, not all of them are safe for your pipes (or your plumber’s sanity!).

Here’s how to safely deal with a blockage, and why caustic soda might not be your best friend.

❌ Why You Should Avoid Caustic Soda

Caustic soda (also called sodium hydroxide) is a common DIY suggestion—but in reality, it often causes more damage than good:

• It can solidify inside the pipe, especially if there’s not enough water flow.

• It can make the blockage harder to remove manually later.

• It’s highly corrosive and dangerous to handle.

• It can damage older pipework or connections over time.

  
  

Once it hardens, it becomes a rock-like mass that might require a full removal of the pipe section.

✅ Safe Ways to Clear a Blocked Pipe

If you want to try clearing a blockage yourself before calling a professional, try these methods first:

1. Hot Water & Dish Soap

   
   

   • Boil water, add dish soap, and pour slowly down the drain.

   • Great for grease-based blockages.

     
     

2. Baking Soda & Vinegar

   
   

   • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of vinegar.

   • Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

   • Works best on mild clogs and smells.

     
     

3. Manual Plunger

   
   

   • A traditional plunger often works better than chemicals.

   • Make sure there’s enough water to cover the cup for suction.

     
     

⚠️ When to Call a Plumber

• If the blockage keeps coming back

• If you’ve tried everything and the water still won’t go down

• If water is backing up into other fixtures

  
  

💧 What Does That Mean?

This happens when a blockage is deep in your plumbing system:

• You flush the toilet, and water rises in the shower or bathtub.

• You run the washing machine, and water bubbles up in the kitchen sink.

• You use the bathroom sink, and the toilet starts gurgling.

  
  

These are signs of a more serious blockage in your main drain line. Stop using water immediately and call a plumber to avoid water damage or sewage backup.

💬 Need Help?

If you're in the North London area, we’re always happy to help with friendly, professional service—no mess, no damage. Drop us a message and we’ll get your pipes flowing again.