How do you know if your drain is blocked?

A blocked drain can usually be identified by a number of clear signs. These include water draining slowly, unpleasant odours coming from the pipe, or gurgling noises. HG offers effective solutions such as HG drain and plug unblocker, HG duo unblocker and HG drain and plug unblocker gel, which are safe for pipes and work thoroughly on stubborn blockages.

HG solutions for a blocked drain

If you notice signs of a blockage, the following HG products offer an effective solution:

• HG drain and plug unblocker (500 ml) - A ready-to-use product that is safe for plastic pipes. Pour 500 ml into the drain, leave for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. For stubborn blockages, leave overnight with warm water.
• HG duo unblocker - A powerful two-component solution for stubborn blockages in both the kitchen and bathroom, including grease, food residue, hair and soap build-up.
• HG drain and plug unblocker gel - A strong gel that sinks quickly to the blockage and works without splashing, even in standing water.

For more tips, see our guide on how to unblock a drain.

General solutions for a blocked drain

Before using a specialist product, you can try:

• A plunger to loosen the blockage
• Hot water and washing-up liquid
• A flexible drain tool to remove debris

These solutions may help, but they do not always guarantee success. If these methods don't work, we recommend using an HG product, such as HG kitchen drain and plug unblocker or HG duo unblocker. If the blockage persists, call a professional plumber to prevent further damage.

Causes of a blocked drain

Common causes include:

• Hair, soap and skin oils in bathroom drains
• Grease and food residue in kitchen drains
• Foreign objects entering the pipe
• Damaged or ageing pipework
• Tree root intrusion in outdoor pipes

To prevent blockages, use HG drain cleaner sticks, install drain strainers and avoid flushing grease or debris down the drain. Regular maintenance with products like the HG kitchen drain and plug unblocker can help keep your drains flowing smoothly. Additionally, have any cracks or leaks in your pipes repaired promptly to prevent more serious blockages from developing.