Tips to Unclog Clogged Drains in Your Plumbing

6 Ways to Fix Clogged Drains & Keep Pipes Flowing Freely

Drains handle all the water we use in our homes plus hair and other waste. It is not uncommon for drains to clog with these materials over time.

There are several easy DIY solutions to unclog a sink or tub drain. If these methods don’t work, you can call a professional plumber with special drain cleaning equipment.

Plunger

Boiling water is a time-tested way to deal with soap scum, grease and other organic materials that can cause drain clogs. Just pour hot water down your drain, and let it sit for a few minutes. The resulting steam can help dislodge many types of minor clogs without damaging your pipes.

Placing a plunger over the drain can also work, especially when you’re dealing with a sink or tub that doesn’t seem to be draining at all. Plunging works because the volume of water is greater than that of air, so as you press down and pump up, it creates a vacuum in the pipe that can dislodge debris from the clog.

If plunging doesn’t clear the clog, you can try other DIY hacks like drain snakes and homemade solutions like baking soda and vinegar. If these don’t work, however, you may need to call a professional plumber for help. If a clog persists, it may be because of a more serious drain blockage further down the drain or sewer line. Call a plumber!

Snake

The Snake is a powerful tool for clearing drains. It’s a long, coiled metal cable that has an auger head at the end. This head clings to and chops up the gunk in your pipes, leaving your drain clear. To use the snake, feed it into your sink or toilet drain slowly until you feel resistance. Make sure you wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with a snake to avoid injury.

Once the snake is in your clogged pipe, begin rotating the handle clockwise to grind away at the clog. You may need to wiggle and maneuver the snake around a stubborn clog. When you feel the clog is broken up, pull the snake back up through your sink carefully to prevent making a mess.

After you’ve used the snake, be sure to wash it off and store it in its drum to keep it from rusting. Also, be sure to regularly clean and replace your drain traps and strainers to prevent clogs.

Coat Hanger

When your drains are clogged, you might immediately think about calling in professional plumbers. However, there are some simple solutions that you can try on your own first to clear the blockage and prevent the situation from worsening. Using a wire coat hanger can be effective at dislodging hair or other debris from shower and toilet drains, without the use of harsh chemicals or invasive equipment.

To make this work, first straighten out a wire coat hanger to make it long and thick enough to fit down the drain, and remove any extraneous plastic coating. Then, bend one end into a hook that is no larger than a half-inch wide. Push the hook down the drain, and then twist it back and forth to try to grab the clog material and drag it out of the pipe. If the hook doesn’t catch, try pushing it deeper into the drain by angling it down into the curve of the pipe.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are natural, non-toxic ingredients that provide a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical drain cleaners. This cleaning mixture can help break down grime and grease, as well as eliminate foul odors. It’s a quick and easy solution that can be used regularly to keep your drains healthy and prevent future clogs.

Start by heating a pot of boiling water and pouring it down the drain to loosen any debris that might be stuck in your drain. Next, mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar and slowly pour it down the drain. Wait for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.

Repeat this process as necessary to keep your drains clear. However, be aware that this method may not be effective for severe or stubborn clogs. If you’re dealing with a particularly serious blockage, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for assistance. They’ll be able to recommend more effective and powerful solutions that will safely and effectively resolve your issue. With advanced clogged drains, you will need a professional plumber. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-collingwood/  near Melbourne, VIC have a lot of reputable plumbers available to help.

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