How To Clear Blocked Drains Inside & Outside

February 8, 2022

A blocked drain can cause a lot of damage to your household, not to mention the foul smells that can emanate from your drain when it's full of hair, dirt and such. Blocked drains are an incredibly common issue that can lead to significant problems for your plumbing if you don’t remedy the issue quickly. In this article, we are going to find out how to clear blocked drains inside and outside so that your plumbing is in top condition.

If you have any plumbing issues such as a blocked drain that you can’t unblock - all you have to do is contact our team of professional plumbers at Top to Bottom Plumbing today.

Table of contents:

How to clear blocked drains inside and out

The best course of action when you have a blocked drain is to hire a professional plumbing service like Top to Bottom Plumbing to do the job for you. A professional plumber will have all of the proper tools to unblock your drains easily and without causing any mess or damage. They also have the knowledge to find out where exactly the blockage sits - inside or outside - and how to effectively solve the problem. So we recommend that you tackle a blocked drain by calling in a professional.

With that said, there are a few at-home options that you might want to try out. Below are a few popular ways to clear blocked drains. Please remember to take safety precautions when performing these solutions such as wearing protective eye goggles, rubber clothes and appropriate clothing to protect yourself.

Use a plunger

The plunger is a humble at-home unblocker that is designed to unclog drains and pipes. It can be very effective at removing smaller blockages, so it is worth trying this method out. To use a plunger, you will have to perform the following steps:

Make sure that your drain is free from any coverings, such as a grate or strainer.
Fill the sink (if possible) with a little bit of water, then begin using the plunger to apply upwards and downwards pressure on the drain clearing for about 30 seconds.
If you have managed to remove the blockage, finish the job by pouring some hot water down the drain to remove excess residue.

Use Hot Water

Another useful method for smaller blockages is to try flushing the system with hot water. Don’t use boiling water because this can damage the PVC piping. To try out this tip, perform the following steps:

Heat the water (make sure it isn’t boiling)
Add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid down the blocked drain
Pour about a litre of hot water down the drain slowly

Use baking soda and vinegar

A classic at-home combination of baking soda and vinegar is another approach to unblocking drains inside and outside. When you mix these two ingredients together, they create a fizzing frothy mess that can be used to loosen up blockages and clear them. To do this, follow these instructions:

Pour a litre of hot water down the blocked drain
Add about 50 grams of baking soda down the drain and wait for a few minutes.
Pour about 500 ml of white vinegar down the drain and add another litre of hot water afterwards

Things to avoid when trying to clear a blocked drain

There are lots of DIY solutions to clearing a blocked drain, but not many of them work. In fact, many of the most popular suggestions for clearing blocked drains can actually cause more harm than good.

Chemical drain cleaning products

Drain cleaners have been around for a long time now, but they’re still a very dangerous chemical to use in the home. These solutions are a big environmental danger, but they can also damage your plumbing system and they pose a risk to your health. The active ingredient in most chemical drain cleaners is caustic soda, which can melt pipes if it can’t remove the blockage. What’s more, if you need to use a plunger after using a chemical drain cleaner, you could risk splashing yourself with the product and giving yourself nasty chemical burns.

Coat hangers

Another common DIY approach to clearing a blocked drain is to use a coat hanger. This is a bad idea because blockages work their way deep into the plumbing system. A coat hanger is too small to reach deep enough to effectively clear out any debris. What’s more, it can get stuck in your plumbing or make your blockage more severe.

If you’re still struggling with a blocked drain after trying out these tips, it might be time to call in the professionals. Our team at Top to Bottom Plumbing are here to help with your plumbing emergencies, so contact us today on 07 4779 7722 to discuss your needs.

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Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them

By Top To Bottom Plumbing • July 29, 2025

Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them When it comes to protecting a property, the roof is the first line of defence against the elements. Yet many property owners overlook the importance of timely maintenance and repairs until small issues become major headaches. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, addressing roofing problems early can prevent costly damage to interiors, structural elements, and personal belongings. Professional roofing services don’t just patch holes—they deliver thorough assessments, quality materials, and skilled workmanship to keep roofs safe, functional, and looking their best. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few common roofing issues and how roofers tackle them. Leaky Roofs: Why Professional Repairs Are Essential A leaking roof is one of the most common—and damaging—issues a property can face. Even small leaks can cause structural damage, mould, and stained ceilings. Because water often travels before appearing indoors, it’s important to have a professional accurately find and repair the true source. Professional roofers take a thorough approach to ensure leaks are properly resolved: Locate hidden entry points using inspection tools. Replace damaged flashings or tiles that allow water to enter. Apply high-quality sealants and membranes to restore watertight protection. With expert repairs, a leaking roof can be transformed from a persistent problem into a reliable shield against the elements. Storm Damage Assessment: Restoring Safety & Integrity Severe weather can batter roofs with high winds, hail, and torrential rain, often leaving behind obvious and hidden damage that threatens a building’s integrity. Even minor storm impacts can create weaknesses that lead to serious problems if left unaddressed, including leaks, mould, and structural instability. Professionals know what to look for after a storm to catch damage early and prevent further issues: Inspect for lifted or missing tiles and metal sheeting. Check seals and flashings for breaks that let water in. Assess structural damage or weakened roof trusses. Thorough post-storm assessments help document damage for insurance claims, prioritise urgent repairs, and ensure the roof is restored to provide reliable protection for occupants and their belongings. Dealing with Rusted or Corroded Metal Roofing Metal roofing is known for its durability and long lifespan, but it’s not immune to corrosion, especially in areas exposed to salt air or high humidity. Over time, rust can develop and spread if left untreated, weakening roof sheets, compromising fixings, and eventually leading to leaks or structural failure. Professionals provide tailored solutions to address corrosion effectively: Inspect for rust spread and depth of damage. Treat minor rust with anti-corrosion coatings. Replace severely corroded sheets or fasteners. Sagging Roof Structures: Hidden Dangers Uncovered A sagging roof isn’t just unsightly—it’s a warning sign of serious underlying problems. Possible causes include water damage weakening timber supports, structural overload, or long-term neglect. Left unaddressed, sagging can lead to partial collapse. Professionals approach this carefully: Conduct detailed inspections to assess the extent and cause. Replace or reinforce damaged structural components. Ensure repairs meet all building standards for safety. Comprehensive structural repairs restore the roof’s appearance and integrity, helping ensure the building remains safe and secure well into the future. Blocked or Damaged Roof Gutters & Drainage Systems Roof drainage is often overlooked until problems become impossible to ignore. Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes can cause water to overflow in the wrong places, damaging fascia boards, walls, and even the foundations of a building. Overflowing water can also lead to unsightly stains and encourage mould growth around the home. Professional roofing services ensure: Thorough cleaning of gutters and downpipes to restore flow. Repairs or replacements for cracked, rusted, or sagging sections. Recommendations for guards or regular maintenance schedules. Reliable gutter maintenance and repairs help prevent costly water damage and ensure the entire roof drainage system stays effective in all weather conditions. Poor Roof Ventilation & Its Impact on Your Home Roof ventilation is critical for managing heat and moisture in roof spaces. Without adequate ventilation, a home can experience excessive heat buildup in summer, condensation issues in winter, and accelerated deterioration of roofing materials. Over time, poor ventilation can also contribute to mould growth and higher energy costs as heating and cooling systems work harder. Professionals assess existing ventilation and offer tailored solutions such as: Installing ridge vents, whirlybirds, or eaves vents to encourage natural airflow. Balancing ventilation to prevent moisture build-up that can damage insulation and structural components. Providing advice on best practices for maintaining energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Properly designed and installed ventilation improves comfort year-round and helps extend the lifespan of the roof by reducing heat stress and moisture-related damage. Ageing & Weathered Roofing Materials: When to Replace All roofing materials deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to sun, wind, rain, and temperature changes. Older roofs can develop issues like cracked or broken tiles, faded or corroded metal sheets, or weakened underlays without reliable protection. Professionals help determine when repairs are no longer enough and replacement is the better option: Detailed inspections to evaluate overall condition. Advice on the remaining lifespan and risks of delaying replacement. Planning re-roofing projects that improve protection and add value. Roofers specialise in delivering safe, efficient roof replacements using durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh weather and extend the life of the roof for years. The Value of Professional Roof Inspections & Maintenance Preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs after a failure. Regular professional inspections catch small problems before they escalate, helping property owners avoid unexpected disruptions and expensive damage. Professional maintenance typically includes: Checking for loose or broken tiles, flashings, and ridge caps that can let water in or be dislodged in high winds. Inspecting sealants and joints for signs of cracking or wear that compromise waterproofing. Clearing gutters and drains to prevent blockages that cause water to overflow and damage walls or foundations. Assessing overall roof condition to identify early signs of ageing, corrosion, or structural movement. Offering expert recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or future maintenance to keep the roof performing its best. Protect Your Property with Expert Roofing in Townsville At Top to Bottom Plumbing, we know a roof is more than just shelter—it’s peace of mind for your family or business. Our roofers in Townsville deliver thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and quality installations tailored to the local environment. If you’ve noticed leaks, storm damage, rust, sagging, or other roofing issues, don’t wait for them to worsen. Get in touch via our contact page to learn more about our services.