To prevent tube blockages:

  • The most common cause of tube blockage is inadequate flushing. That is, flushing with water before, between and after feeding and giving medicines. For adults a minimum of 30ml water should be used, but this may be reduced in young children.
  • Sticky medicines commonly block tubes. Possible causes might include:
    • Medications interacting with feed.
    • Crushed medications not fully dissolved with water.
  • Give medication separately from feed to prevent feed curdling and causing a blockage. Medicines should be in a form that can be given by a tube e.g. liquid, soluble tablet. 
  • Avoid very slow feeding rates.
  • Gastrostomies may block due to gastric mucosal overgrowth - also called buried bumper syndrome . Avoid this by following the recommended tube care plan. Ensure the PEG tube is advanced by about 4-5cm and rotated 360 degrees, weekly. Certain tubes are not suitable, please refer to manufacturer's instructions on caring for your tube.

To unblock an enteral feeding tube:

If you are unable to flush water/feed through the tube, it is likely to be blocked.

  1. Ensure all clamps are open and the tube feed free from kinks.
  2. Connect 60ml syringe to end of the tube and pull back (aspirate) to remove any excess fluid.
  3. Gently massage the feeding tube around area of blockage (if visible) or wrap the tube in a warm flannel for 10 minutes.
  4. Flush with 50ml warm, previously boiled water, leave in the tube (clamp) for 30 minutes. Re-flush.
  5. Flush with any of the following irrigation solutions:
    • Warm water: this may need to be repeated 3-4 times
    • Carbonated (soda or sparkling) water, leave in the tube (clamp) for 30 minutes. Re-flush. The bubbles in the water may remove the blockage.
    • Do not use acidic drinks like coke, lemonade or pineapple juice
  6. When trying to re-flush use a pumping action (push pull action) with the plunger on the syringe. Using push-pull action will create turbulence down the tube.
  7. Massage along the tube and round stoma entry site, unfasten any fixation devices. Re-flush.
  8. When the tube is clear re-flush and resume feeding.
  9. If the blockage is persistent do retry the above several times being patient, but persistent. If you have one you could try a smaller syringe.
    • Never place any wire or other items into the feeding tube to unblock the tube. This could damage to the tube and cause internal damage too.

If the blockage cannot be resolved, liaise with the Fresenius Kabi Nurse, Children's Community Nurse or Dietitian, for further advice.

If it is out-of-hours or the patient requires urgent medication or feed, then liaise with the out-of-hours GP service or A&E. 

A product called Clog Zapper may be available which can be used to breakdown blockages due to feed.

Please contact the Community Home Enteral Feeding Dietitian to discuss options and ways to address this concern.

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us, please contact:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email:    fchc.enquiries@nhs.net    Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Consort House, 5-7 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1YB.

For office use only: Version 4 GU_TS003 Publication date: May 2026