Blocked drain: what to do

In short: Blocked drains can usually be cleared mechanically: plunger, cleaning the trap or a drain snake. Chemical drain cleaners are aggressive and should remain the exception.

In more detail: Hair, soap residue and grease are the most common causes.

In detail

• Plunger: Leave water in the basin, place the plunger and pump vigorously.
• Clean the trap: Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap, remove dirt, check the seal.
• Drain snake: Turn the snake into the drain and break up or pull out the plug.
• Home remedies: Hot water for grease; baking soda with vinegar works only weakly.
• Chemicals: Drain cleaners attack skin, eyes and pipes; never mix, wear protective gloves.
• Prevention: Use a hair strainer, do not pour grease down the drain.
• Persistent: If several drains are blocked, the problem is in the main pipe; call the landlord or a professional.
• Tools: werkzeug-grundausstattung-fuer-zuhause.