Can I unblock my own drain?
Yes — for simple blockages. A slow kitchen drain caused by grease or a bathroom drain blocked by hair can often be cleared in 10 minutes without a plumber. But knowing when to call one saves time, money, and avoids making things worse.
When to DIY
These scenarios are usually manageable yourself:
- Slow kitchen sink drain: Pour boiling water + ½ cup baking soda + ½ cup vinegar. Wait 10 minutes. Flush with hot water. Effective on grease blockages.
- Hairy bathroom drain: Remove the drain cover and pull out the hair clog with a wire hook or drain snake (R80–R200 at most hardware stores).
- Blocked toilet (soft blockage): Use a flange plunger (not a flat plunger). 10–15 firm plunges clears most blockages.
When to call a plumber
- Multiple drains blocked simultaneously. This indicates a blockage in the main sewer line — requires jet-blasting or rodding by a professional.
- Drain smells of sewage. Could indicate a broken or blocked sewer pipe. DIY cleaning won't fix this.
- Slow drain returns within 48 hours of DIY treatment. The blockage is deeper or more substantial than surface build-up.
- Water backing up into other drains when flushing toilet. Main line blockage — call a plumber immediately.
- Tree roots in drain. Common in older SA properties. Requires electric eel or jet-blaster, sometimes pipe repair.
What does a plumber charge to unblock a drain?
| Method | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Electric eel / rodding | R650–R1,200 | Standard blockages |
| Jet-blasting (high-pressure water) | R900–R1,800 | Grease, tree roots, deep blockages |
| CCTV drain inspection | R1,200–R2,500 | Finding cracks, breaks, or root intrusion |
Get free quotes from PIRB-registered plumbers for drain clearing in your area.