Can Bleach Clear Blocked Drains?

Bleach, otherwise known as Sodium Hypochlorite, is a household chemical that has a multitude of uses. A quick stop by the Clorox website will give you advice on how to use bleach to do anything from disinfecting a bathtub to getting rid of traces of poison ivy off surfaces, through to cleaning your computer screen. As there are undoubtably a plethora of uses for bleach, you may be wondering does bleach unblock drains?

Will Bleach Dissolve a Clogged Drain?

Bleach is a disinfectant and does a great job of sanitising surfaces, but can bleach unblock a drain? There are different ideas around the usefulness of bleach for unblocking drains. What we know for sure is that it is NOT listed as one of the uses of bleach on the Clorox website. Does bleach unblock drains? Not really. It may be used to keep the sink, shower, or toilet clean and sanitised which may help to prevent clogs and blockages forming, but when it is all said and done, a clogged drain requires more than a disinfectant to dissolve it.

Should You Use Bleach to Unblock a Drain?

It is possible to use bleach to clean and disinfect a drain that’s blocked, but if you are determined to try bleach to unclog the drain, you should keep the following precautions in mind:

1. Use protective gloves and googles to ensure the bleach does not splash on your skin or eyes.
2. Use only a diluted solution of bleach and allow no more than 15 minutes to pass before washing the drain with hot water. This is because bleach has a corrosive action which rather than dissolving a clog in the drain, could corrode the pipe and any adhesives used in the pipes. While bleach may help clear a partly clogged drain that is simply narrowed by an accumulation of fats, it is likely the hot water that you follow the bleach with that has the most effect.

Does bleach unblock drains? While these safety points may help reduce risk in using bleach, it is certainly not one of the best options available, particularly if the drain has an accumulation of debris, be it hair, sanitary products, or build-up of grease.

What Is the Best Way to Clear a Clogged Drain?

Having answered no to the question can bleach unblock a drain, what is the best way to clear a clogged drain? There are several chemical and manual options available to clear a blocked drain. Which is the best option will depend on the nature of the blockage, the location of the blockage, and the size of it. Below are a few popular methods of clearing a blocked drain that do not include bleach.

1. A combination of bicarb soda followed by vinegar is one of the best ways to clear a clogged drain. With these simple products most of us have in our kitchen cupboards, it is possible to clear blockages in many household drains. Pour half a box of bicarb soda down the drain, add a cup of vinegar and you will notice the fizzing begin as the two products combine. This fizzing works to dissolve a build-up of fats and other debris that often accumulates in our household drains.
2. Depending on what has caused the blockage, at times removing the drain cover (in the shower) or the P-Trap (under the sink) and checking for hair or other items and manually removing them may be the best way to clear a clogged drain.
3. Using a plunger to plunge out the toilet or sink area can be effective in unclogging a drain. The seal that forms with the plunger and the mechanical action that follows can dislodge whatever is clogging the drain and allow water to flow freely once more.

If these strategies are not effective in clearing your clogged drain, it may be wisest to call a professional for assistance. A water and drains specialist will have more suitable equipment to properly examine and dislodge a blockage and will be able to diagnose where the blockage is and the tools required to fix it, and offer advice to minimise further blockages.

Finding a Reliable Water and Drains Specialist to Clear Blocked Drains

Contact Watermains and Drains UK today for emergency assistance or general advice on blocked drains at your home or commercial property. You can be assured of competence and professionalism knowing the team at Watermains and Drains UK are WaterSafe accredited and Water Industry Approved Products and Services (WIAPS) accredited.