Blocked drains are simply something you’re going to have to deal with sooner or later – it’s just a part of living in a house for long enough! But when that panic sets in and the water starts pooling, some people skip the obvious, sideline their common sense, and dive head-first into truly bizarre solutions. In our guide, we’ll run through 9 of the weirdest, funniest, and most inventive attempts to unblock a drain – most of which we definitely don’t recommend!
We’ll also cover what actually works when you’re unblocking drains at home – and how the real pros tackle blocked pipes … for good.
9 Weird ways people have tried to unblock drains (Seriously)
1. The vacuum cleaner hack
One guy connected his household vacuum cleaner to the kitchen sink using duct tape, hoping to suck out a blocked drain. Instead, he sprayed the ceiling with sludge and made everything worse – including his vacuum.
2. Leaf blower logic
Similarly, another odd DIY enthusiast once used a leaf blower to force air down a bathroom drain. The result? A face full of spray-back and one very unsettled dog. Safe to say, this was not an effective way to unblock plumbing.
3. The mentos and coke trick
Inspired by a science experiment, a woman poured Diet Coke and Mentos into her clogged laundry drain. WTF, right? Amazingly, the fizzy explosion actually did loosen some gunk – but mostly it just made a sticky mess that she had to clean up.
4. Fishing line fishing
In another household, dad tried to fish out a hairball with a bent coat hanger tied to fishing line. He pushed it deep enough into the drain for it to get stuck … and then the fishing line broke. It had to be retrieved by a blocked drain plumber, who – believe us – now tells the story at every party.
5. The mobile phone vibrator
Someone online claimed a vigorously vibrating phone, placed near the sink, would ‘shake’ a clog loose. One curious bloke gave it a go. It didn’t work. His wife was unimpressed.
6. Garden hose pressure canon
A guy shoved a running garden hose into a blocked outdoor drain and duct-taped it to seal the opening. After 30 seconds, the tape burst off like a cannon blast, spraying mud across the backyard. The blockage? It was totally unfazed.
7. Firecracker flush
In a notorious rural case, someone thought a small firecracker might blast open a blocked drain. It did! Unfortunately, also blasted open was the pipe itself … and the laundry wall. Not only was the drain unblocked, the room needed rebuilding.
8. The boiling vinegar flood
A DIY blogger recommended pouring boiling vinegar down the sink. One man misunderstood and boiled several litres, pouring it all in one go. The house absolutely reeked for days, and the blocked drains remained blocked.
9. The hydrochloric acid horror
Yes, someone tried using hydrochloric acid to clean drains. We’re not kidding. It didn’t just fail to dissolve the clog – it corroded the pipe and forced a total replacement. So if you’re wondering can you use hydrochloric acid to clean drains? The answer is: please don’t. Please?
How to really unblock a drain at home
Not keen on explosive chemical science or boiling vinegar stench? Here are safe, effective methods for DIY drain unblocking:
Boiling water: For greasy or soapy clogs, this old-school method can sometimes do the trick.
Baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda, followed by half a cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for 15 to 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. It’s a classic combo for a reason.
Plunger: A well-sealed plunger can generate enough pressure to dislodge minor blockages. Great for sink and shower drains.
Drain snake: Also called a plumber’s auger, this flexible tool helps reach deeper into pipes to grab or break up a clog. Handy for hair, food, or toilet paper backups.
Enzyme-based drain cleaner: These products eat away organic matter without damaging your pipes. They take longer, but they’re ideal for slow drains and routine maintenance.
Knowing how to clear a blocked drain before it becomes a full-blown emergency can save you time and money.
How do plumbers unblock drains?
When DIY methods fail or the problem lies deeper in the plumbing, it’s time to call in the pros. So, how do plumbers unblock drains?
CCTV camera inspection: Plumbers insert a small camera into the pipe to locate the exact point and nature of the blockage. No guesswork – just precise diagnostics.
Hydro jetting: Using high-pressure water, this method scours the inside of your pipes and clears everything from grease to tree roots. It’s the gold standard in professional drain unblocking.
Electric drain machines (motorised augers): These tools cut through blockages with rotating cables – perfect for more stubborn cases like compacted waste or invasive roots.
Pipe replacement or relining: If a drain is badly damaged or collapsed, plumbers may recommend replacing the section entirely or relining it from the inside with a special resin. It sounds drastic, but it’s often the best long-term fix for chronically blocked drains.
Blocked drains aren’t just inconvenient – they can indicate deeper issues with your plumbing system. If you’ve tried everything to unblock drains yourself and nothing’s working, it’s best to stop experimenting and call an expert.
Give Static Plumbing a try
From Coke bombs to coat hanger fishing, people have come up with some wacky ways to unblock a drain. While a blocked drain can often be fixed with DIY methods like plunging or baking soda and vinegar, persistent or recurring issues need a professional touch. Drain unblocking isn’t about guesswork – it’s about solving the root cause, not just the symptom.
At Static Plumbing, we provide reliable, mess-free solutions to blocked drains across Brisbane Northside, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Whether it’s tree roots, collapsed pipes, or years of buildup, our experienced team uses the right tools and know-how to clear it properly – without the chaos.
Skip the firecrackers and call Static Plumbing. We’ve seen it all – and we know how to fix it the right way, the first time.
