🚰 How to Unclog Drain Pipes

ajesonebusiness
Oct 27
3 min read

It is hard to unclog drain pipes as they are a common headache in Singapore homes — whether it’s your HDB kitchen sink, bathroom floor trap, or shower drain. Water starts draining slowly, or worse, doesn’t drain at all. Don’t worry — most clogs can be solved without calling a plumber if you know what to do.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide, plus some product recommendations that make the job much easier.

🛑 Why Do Drains Get Clogged in Singapore?

Why Drains Clog (Especially in Singapore)

Understanding the root causes helps you target the right fix. Common causes include:

Hair & soap scum — in bathrooms, hair is a leading culprit that accumulates in traps and bends.
Grease and food residue — in kitchen sinks, oil and fat solidify in pipes.
Foreign objects — small wrappers, detergent pods, bits of food, or debris flushed inadvertently.
Mineral buildup — Singapore’s water (even treated) can deposit scale over time.
Poor maintenance of traps / floor traps — in floor drains or bathroom drains, the removable grate/trap can itself get clogged.
Blockage deeper in the system — beyond your local pipes (less common in flats, but possible).

🧽 Step 1: Try Simple Home Fixes

Boiling Water Flush — Pour hot (not warm) water slowly into the drain. Great for greasy kitchen sinks.
Plunger Power — Use a sink or toilet plunger to push the clog loose.
Baking Soda + Vinegar — Pour ½ cup baking soda, then ½ cup vinegar. Let it fizz, wait 10–15 mins, then flush with hot water.
Manual Pull-Out — Wear gloves, open the drain cover, and use a hook or disposable stick to fish out hair and gunk.

🔧 Step 2: Use the Right Tools

If home fixes don’t work, try these affordable tools available online or in local hardware shops:

Drain Declogger Solutions (from $4–$10)
A flexible metal spring that grabs hair and gunk deep inside. Perfect for HDB bathroom floor traps.
Drain Snake / Spring Tool (from $2–$10)
A flexible metal spring that grabs hair and gunk deep inside. Perfect for HDB bathroom floor traps.

🧴 How to Use Drain Declogger Solutions Safely

Read the Label Carefully
Different brands (Mr Muscle, Power Max, etc.) have slightly different instructions.
Check if it’s safe for PVC/plastic pipes (most in SG are).

2. Wear Protection

Gloves and eye protection are recommended. These solutions can burn skin.
Make sure the bathroom/kitchen is well-ventilated.

3.Remove Standing Water (if possible

If your sink/shower is full of water, scoop some out first. This helps the solution reach the clog faster.

4. Pour the Declogger Slowly

Usually 200–500 ml (about 1–2 cups) straight down the drain.
Do not dilute unless the instructions say so.

5. Wait (Let It Work)

Most brands suggest 15–30 minutes.
For tougher clogs, some recommend leaving it overnight.

6. Flush with Hot Water

After waiting, pour a full kettle of hot (not boiling) water down the drain.
This clears away loosened debris and leftover chemicals.

✅ Product Recommendations for Singapore Homes

Here are some tools you can easily find online (Shopee, Lazada, Amazon.sg) or at hardware shops:

🌀 60 cm Snake Spring Pipe Tool (~$2, Lazada) — Cheap, compact, and effective for bathroom hair clogs.
🛠️ Drain Snake Clog Remover (~$20, Amazon.sg) — A sturdier option for tougher sinks and shower clogs.
💪 RIDGID Combination Auger (~$120, TC Hub) — For serious DIYers who want a long-lasting professional tool.
🌱 Enzyme Drain Cleaner (~$15–$30, various brands) — Safe and eco-friendly way to keep drains flowing smoothly.

🚿 Prevention Tips (Save Yourself the Trouble)

Use a drain strainer in sinks and bathroom drains to catch hair/food.
Avoid pouring oil or grease down the kitchen sink. Collect it in a container instead.
Do a hot water flush once a week to wash away soap and residue.
Keep a cheap snake tool handy — most clogs start small and can be cleared in seconds.

🏠 When to Call a Plumber

If water still won’t drain after trying the above, or if the clog keeps coming back, the problem might be deeper in the HDB block’s pipes. At that point, it’s best to call a licensed plumber for high-pressure jetting.

👉 With the right tools and habits, unclogging a drain in Singapore doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Start small, try the simple methods, and upgrade to tools when needed.