A blocked drain is one of the most common home emergencies. Before the plumber arrives (you may wait an hour or more), you can reduce damage โ€” or make it worse if you do the wrong thing.

Do immediately

  • Stop using water on that line โ€” don't run the washing machine or sink
  • If the toilet bowl is full, don't flush again โ€” it may overflow
  • Place towels around any leak
  • Open windows if there's a bad smell

What you can try (safely)

  • **Minor sink clog**: block the overflow hole with cloth, use a plunger with repeated pressure
  • **Shower drain**: lift the cover and remove hair buildup โ€” common cause of slow drainage
  • **Hot water + baking soda**: cup of baking soda + cup of vinegar then boiling water โ€” for light grease clogs only

Don't do

  • Don't use strong chemicals then plunge โ€” may splash on your face
  • Don't insert sharp wire into old pipes โ€” may puncture them
  • Don't open sewage tank cover yourself if you don't know the system

When to call a plumber immediately

  • Sewage smell at more than one point
  • Water backing up from one sink to another
  • Recurring clog more than twice a month
  • Gurgling in pipes on every floor

Unblocking cost

Drain unblocking: 350โ€“550 โ‚ช depending on difficulty and time.

Information that helps the plumber

  • How long has it been blocked?
  • Did it happen after an event (heavy rain, intensive cooking)?
  • Is the home on municipal network or private septic?
  • Photo or video of the problem

Preventing recurring clogs

Don't pour oil down the sink โ€” it solidifies in pipes. Use a kitchen strainer. Clean shower drain monthly. In old homes, clogging every six months may mean narrow pipes or roots โ€” don't rely on temporary fixes.

Useful tools at home

Plunger and drain snake โ€” 50 โ‚ช investment. Don't throw food scraps in the sink. In kitchen, strain oil before washing dishes.

Clogs in apartment buildings

Sometimes the problem is from a neighbor above โ€” coordinate with building management before calling a plumber on your dime.

Night emergency

Emergency plumber may charge 50โ€“100% extra. If it's not flooding, waiting until morning may save money.

After the repair

Ask: what caused the clog? How to prevent it? A good plumber explains โ€” doesn't just open and leave.

Bottom line

Simple steps may clear a surface clog. But recurring blockage means a deeper problem โ€” don't settle for temporary fixes. A plumber with equipment (camera) finds the root cause.