How to Unblock a Drain (and When to Call Darren)

Start gentle: kettle water (not boiling on PVC), cup plunger with petroleum jelly seal, or remove/clean the trap if accessible. Never mix caustic and acid cleaners—toxic gas is worse than slow flow.

If a 6 mm auger meets hard resistance or toilet water rises, stop—you may be compacting a diaphragm wipe snake. Outside, lifting a gully grate for surface leaves is fine; deep chambers need pros.

Educational content builds trust: Darren prefers empowered customers who know limits. Stuck anyway? 085 175 6277.