As we welcome the fresh breezes of spring, it's time to roll up our sleeves for the annual spring cleaning ritual. And while we're dusting off shelves and decluttering wardrobes, there's one pesky problem that often gets overlooked until it's too late: clogged drains. But before you rush out to buy expensive chemical cleaners, we've got a plumber-approved hack that won't cost you a cent!

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that practical solutions and saving money are top priorities for our members. That's why we're excited to share a simple yet effective method to tackle those stubborn drain blockages, especially the ones caused by hair accumulation in your bathroom.


Nick Hagop, a seasoned Sydney plumber and owner of MyTap, has seen his fair share of clogged drains. He emphasises that prevention is better than cure. 'Hair alone generally won't block the main 100mm sewer line on the property; however, it generally blocks basins and shower drains,' he explains. To prevent this, he suggests replacing the basin plug and waste with a hair-catching type and installing aftermarket baskets in shower drains.


But what if the blockage has already occurred? Hagop advises against reaching for chemical drain cleaners, which are not only harsh on the environment but can also be damaging to your plumbing. Instead, he recommends a more hands-on approach. 'The good old-fashioned taking off the grate and pulling it all out by hand' is the most effective method, he says.

The process for removing the grate varies depending on its design. Grates with a red border can be lifted out without any tools, while those with a blue border may require a quarter turn and possibly a screwdriver to assist. Unfortunately, if you have a grate with a yellow border, it's fully sealed and cannot be removed.

For those with larger hands or forearms that might not fit into the drain, Hagop has a clever workaround using a household item you're likely to have tucked away in your closet—an old-style metal coat hanger. By bending it into a hook and spinning it around inside the drain, you can wind up the hair like fairy floss on a stick, making it easy to remove.

However, Hagop cautions to be gentle when unclogging drains to avoid any damage. 'Avoid chemical cleaners, don't stab the drain with anything sharp unless you want a much bigger problem, and if you're going to shove a hose up the pipe, make sure you remove all hose fittings off the end as they generally fall off inside the drain.'


If you're not confident in tackling the blockage yourself or suspect a more serious issue, it's time to call in the experts. 'The best advice still remains: call a plumber. That's why we're here,' Hagop advises.

So, there you have it, folks—a plumber's secret that could save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with harsh chemicals. It's a hack that's not only kind to your wallet but also to your pipes and the planet.

We'd love to hear from you! Have you tried this hack before, or do you have any other drain-unblocking tips to share with our community? Drop us a comment below, and let's keep the conversation flowing.
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