Unblocking a drain that has a mesh filter installed is generally one of the easier plumbing maintenance tasks a homeowner can tackle themselves. Because the mesh filter catches debris before it enters the pipe, the blockage is usually sitting right there on or just below the filter — meaning you often don't need chemicals or specialist tools to fix it.
What Does a Mesh Filter Do?
A mesh filter (sometimes called a drain strainer or drain basket) sits over or inside a drain opening to catch hair, food scraps, soap residue, and other debris. They're common in kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, showers, and laundry tubs. While they do a great job of protecting your pipes, they need regular cleaning — a clogged filter is one of the most common reasons water pools in a sink or shower.
Tools and Supplies You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush
- Paper towels or a small bin bag (for debris)
- Mild dish soap or a diluted white vinegar solution
- A flathead screwdriver (if the filter is screwed in)
- A torch (optional, to inspect the drain below)
Step-by-Step: Clearing a Blocked Mesh Filter
1. Remove the Mesh Filter
Most mesh filters simply lift out by hand or with a gentle twist. Some are held in place with a small screw in the centre — use a flathead screwdriver to remove it. If the filter feels stuck, don't force it; check whether it has a locking mechanism or is threaded.
2. Clear the Debris
Put on your rubber gloves and remove the accumulated hair, food scraps, or soap scum from the filter. Dispose of this in the bin — never flush it back down the drain. Use an old toothbrush and warm soapy water to scrub the mesh clean, making sure the holes are fully clear.
3. Check the Drain Opening Below
With the filter removed, shine a torch into the drain. If you can see a build-up of soap scum or debris just below the opening, use a gloved finger or a small brush to clear it away. For shallow blockages, this is usually enough.
4. Flush With Hot Water
Run hot (not boiling) water down the drain for 30–60 seconds to flush away any remaining residue. For kitchen drains, a cup of baking soda followed by white vinegar and then hot water can help break down grease build-up naturally.
5. Reinstall the Filter
Once the filter is clean and the drain is flowing freely, replace the mesh filter and secure it as it was. Test by running water and watching that it drains away quickly without pooling.
If the Blockage Is Deeper in the Pipe
If cleaning the mesh filter doesn't resolve the slow drainage, the blockage may be further down the pipe. In this case:
- Plunger: A cup plunger can dislodge blockages in the trap (the U-shaped pipe section below the drain).
- Drain snake/auger: A hand-operated drain snake can reach blockages 1–2 metres into the pipe. These are available from Bunnings or Mitre 10.
- Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners where possible — they can damage older pipes and are hazardous to handle. If you do use one, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure good ventilation. Check WorkSafe NZ guidance on handling hazardous household chemicals.
Preventing Future Blockages
| Location | Main Culprit | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Shower/bath | Hair and soap scum | Clean filter weekly |
| Kitchen sink | Food scraps and grease | Scrape plates before washing |
| Laundry tub | Lint and detergent | Rinse filter after each wash |
| Bathroom basin | Toothpaste and soap | Quick rinse after use |
Building up a habit of cleaning your mesh filters regularly — ideally once a week in high-use areas — will prevent most blockages from forming in the first place. This is also a requirement under the Healthy Homes Standards for rental properties, where landlords must ensure drainage is maintained and functioning.
When to Call a Professional
While cleaning a mesh filter is a safe DIY task, there are situations where you should call a licensed drainlayer or plumber:
- Water is backing up from multiple drains at once (suggests a main drain blockage)
- You notice gurgling sounds from other fixtures when you use the sink or shower
- There's an unpleasant sewage smell that doesn't go away after cleaning
- The blockage is deep in the pipe and a plunger or drain snake hasn't worked
- You suspect a damaged or collapsed pipe
Drainlaying work — including work on underground drainage pipes — is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 and must be carried out by a licensed professional registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Attempting restricted work yourself is illegal and could void your home insurance.
If you need a qualified drain cleaner or plumber, you can find licensed local tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — licensing and restricted work information
- WorkSafe NZ — safe handling of household chemicals
- Tenancy Services – Healthy Homes — drainage maintenance requirements for rental properties
- BRANZ — building and home maintenance guidance
- Bunnings — drain cleaning tools and supplies
- Mitre 10 — drain snakes, plungers, and strainers
Master Plumbers
Certifying Plumber
SiteWise
