Drain clogs are not uncommon plumbing issues. Every homeowner has dealt with a clogged drain affecting his sink, bathtub, floor, or any other drain for that matter. If you are currently dealing with a cloged drain, you may actually try to get rid of the blockage on your own. You can try these methods below to clear your drain pipe. But remember, it is always better to hire professionals for drain unclogging.
1. Hot Water
There are times when clogs are caused only by solidified grease and fat. To get rid of these substances inside your drain pipe, you can simply boil a pot of water. Wear your mittens to protect your hands from scalding and carefully pour the hot water into the drain pipe. Just a quick tip though. You should not do this on ceramic or porcelain sinks to avoid damages on the washbasin.
2. Baking Soda And Vinegar
If sticky substances linger inside the drain pipe but the blockage isn’t that severe, you can also use baking soda and vinegar to fix the problem. Remove the screen on the drain to get better access into the pipe. Get your favorite baking soda and pour a cup of it inside the drain. Ensure that some of it touches the walls of the pipe. Afterward, pour the same amount of white vinegar into the drain. Plug the drain hole with an old towel or rag and don’t use the sink overnight. The following morning, remove the plug from the drain hole and pour hot water down the pipe. This way, the remaining ingredients inside the pipe will get washed away. Turn the faucet on and check if the blockage has been removed.
3. Plunger
If the clog is more stubborn, use the plunger. Fill the sink with water, ensuring that the rubber part of the plunger is soaked. Position the plunger right on top of the drain hole and start plunging up and down while maintaining a consistent pace. Do so for about 15 repetitions. Afterward, turn the faucet on and let water run down the drain. Is the clog removed? If the blockage is not eradicated, move on to the next method.
4. Plumbing Snake
Among the most effective drain unclogging tools is the plumbing snake. If you don’t have one handy, you can rent one. We suggest investing on this tool because it will save you from a great deal of inconvenience. Carefully insert the end of the plumbing snake into the drain. Turn the snake’s crank clockwise to push it further inside. Once it touches the clog, keep on turning the crank clockwise in order to break through the solid object. When you don’t feel any kind of resistance anymore, carefully pull the clog out and dispose the waste materials you’ll hook out. Turn the faucet on once again and check if the drain is working.
A Few Tips When Unclogging Your Drains
1. Never ever use chemical drain uncloggers. They may be strong and effective in removing clogs but they’ll sooner or later damage your pipes.
2. Enzymatic drain cleaners are natural and can be used to clean pipes regularly. They cannot, however, get rid of clogs. Make sure that you’ll wear protective clothing when using these because they can harm you when they get in contact with your eyes or skin.
3. When using baking soda and vinegar, don’t peek into the drain. The two ingredients create a chemical reaction which may hurt your eyes.
Learn valuable leaking pipe repair tips from your expert Miami plumber! Watch our video below.