Let’s face it—blocked drains are gross. One minute your shower’s flowing like a dream, the next it’s backing up like a stormwater pit in a Sydney deluge.
But before you hit the panic button,
The Plumbing Paramedics are here with some fast, effective Drain First Aid.

We’re trained in Drain CPR, but you might be able to revive your pipes before we arrive. So roll up those sleeves, don your metaphorical stethoscope, and let’s try to get that water flowing again.

Step 1: Put The Kettle On!

Best for: Grease, soap scum, mild grime
The easiest fix for a minor blockage is boiling water.
Put the kettle on — not for tea, but for your drain. Carefully pour boiling water down the blocked drain to help melt grease, soap, and grime
that might be causing the blockage.
It’s eco-friendly (no harsh chemicals) and perfect for small, pesky blockages.
Got PVC pipes? Let the water cool slightly before pouring to avoid heat stress.
For older metal pipes, full steam ahead.

Step 2: Plunge Like a Pro

Best for: Sinks, showers, slow toilets – it’s the defibrillator of drain tools
Sometimes you’ve gotta bring out the big guns and you need to reach for the trusty plunger,it’s the defibrillator of drain tools.
Block the overflow hole with a wet rag (builds better pressure), then plunge in short, sharp pumps. Ten to fifteen solid plunges should do it.
( Make sure all onlookers are “Clear” before you start plunging)
If you hear a satisfying gurgle? You just brought that drain back from the brink.

Step 3: The Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano (Natural Drain
Cleaner)

Best for: Funky smells, minor organic clogs
Pour ½ cup of baking soda, then a cup of white vinegar into the drain.
Cover with a plug or damp cloth and let the chemical reaction do its fizzy magic.
Wait 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
It’s like CPR and deodorant in one eco-friendly combo.

Step 4: Drain Surgery Like MacGyver (With a Wire Hanger)

Best for: Hairballs, soap build-up, mystery gunk
No drain snake or Jetter? No worries! Straighten out a wire coat hanger and bend one end into a small hook.
Feed it gently into the drain and fish out any gunk, hair, or mystery objects. It’s
gross but strangely satisfying.
Be gentle — don’t scratch your pipes!
(Gloves highly recommended unless you like mystery goo.)

Step 5: Check the U-Bend (a.k.a. The Trap Under the Sink)

Best for: Kitchen sink blockages that won’t budge
Place a bucket underneath to catch water.
Unscrew the pipe carefully using a wrench.
Clear out the sludge or food scraps.
Screw it back on tight and test and Voilà — minor plumbing surgery complete!

When to Call The Plumbing Paramedics

Like any good first responder knows, there’s a time to stabilise and a time to escalate.
Call us if:

• Your toilet gurgles when the sink drains
• You’ve got multiple slow fixtures
• There’s sewage smell or outdoor overflow
• DIY hasn’t worked and you’re out of ideas
• You’re in a strata or acreage property and the blockage might be shared

We bring the real tools—jet blasters, CCTV diagnostics, and if needed, trenchless surgery (pipe relining).

Pro Tip: Know When to Stop

DIY is great until it’s not. If you try chemical drain cleaners (which we don’t recommend), skip boiling water straight after, it can cause chemical steam burns. If you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing? That’s your sign.
Sydney sewer lines can be complex. Call in your local drain paramedics before your pipe arrest turns critical.

Bonus: Keep Your Drains Happy and Flowing

• Scrape plates into the bin—not the sink
• Use hair catchers in showers
• Only flush the 3 Ps: pee, poo and paper
• Treat your drains to a weekly boiling water flush
• Never pour fat, grease or oil down the drain

Read more about blocked drain prevention

Emergency Blocked Drain Response in Sydney

The Plumbing Paramedics are standing by across Sydney, The Hills District, Blacktown, and surrounding suburbs.
Whether it’s a backed-up toilet or a stormwater line throwing a tantrum—we’ll have it cleared, camera-checked and flowing again.

📞 Call 0430 054 007
We bring the gear. We bring the experience. We bring the calm in your plumbing chaos.

DIY Blocked Drain FAQS

Can I unblock a drain with boiling water?

Yes, for minor grease or soap blockages, boiling water can help melt soft buildup. Always let it cool slightly before pouring if you have plastic (PVC) pipes to avoid damage.

What can I use instead of drain cleaner chemicals?

Try a mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water. It’s safe, natural, and can break down soft clogs without harming your pipes or the environment.

Is it safe to use a plunger on kitchen and bathroom drains?

Yes, but cover overflow holes with a rag for better pressure. Use a cup plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets to get the best results.

Can I snake a drain myself with a wire hanger?

You can, for shallow clogs. Straighten a hanger into a hook and gently fish out debris. Avoid force — you don’t want to scratch or damage the inside of the pipe.

What if the U-bend smells or leaks after I open it?

Make sure the washers are seated correctly and the nuts are tightened evenly. Rinse it thoroughly and check for drips after reassembly.

How do I know if it’s more than a simple blockage?

If multiple drains are slow, water backs up into other fixtures, or you see outdoor overflows, it likely means a deeper blockage in the main sewer line.

Can tree roots be cleared without digging?

Yes. We use high-pressure jetters and root-cutting nozzles to clear roots without trenching. If the pipe is damaged, we may recommend pipe relining.

When should I stop DIY and call a plumber?

If plunging, snaking, or flushing doesn’t solve the issue—or you’re dealing with foul odours, multiple affected fixtures or sewer overflow—it’s time to call the Plumbing Paramedics.