Clogged drains are frustrating and unsanitary. You want the problem fixed and may be inclined to just call a plumber and pay for repairs. However, clogs can often be worked out in a few simple steps with things you have around the house. Try all of these methods to unclog a drain before hiring a plumber.
Unclog a Drain With All-Natural Liquid Plumber
The first step to try is pouring hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain to break up the clog. Boil a kettle of water and pour all but 1 cup of it into the clogged drain. Next, measure a half-cup of baking soda and put it down the drain. Let this sit for a few minutes before combining 1 cup of white vinegar with the remaining 1 cup of hot water. Pour this mixture over the baking soda.
Wait for 10 minutes, with a plug over top of the drain. After your timer has gone off, boil another pot of water and pour the entire thing down the drain to flush everything down. In many cases, this process will loosen up the clog and solve your problem without using any unhealthy chemicals or causing damage to your pipes.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long plastic or metal apparatus with barbs on the sides that grab onto debris stuck in your drain. It is most-effective for removing bathroom shower drains that have become clogged with hair.
Send the end of the drain snake into the drain and push it down as far as it will go. Then pull it back up slowly and remove and discard all the hair and debris it collected before repeating the process. If you have tried the hot water method and still have a clogged drain, try using the drain snake next.
Harsh Chemicals are the Last Resort to Unclog a Drain
Chemical drain cleaners are also effective at breaking down clogs caused by grease, food, soap residue, oil, hair, and food waste, but they compromise the plumbing pipes if used too often because they are corrosive. It is always preferable to use a natural solution over chemicals. Use chemicals like Liquid Plumber as a last resort if all else fails.
Prevent Clogs
Prevention is always better than having to deal with a problem once it occurs. It’s easy to prevent clogged drains by getting some inexpensive devices and being cautious about what goes down the drain.
In the Bathroom:
A hair-catching device that fits into the drain is a must to prevent clogs in the shower drain. The best kind of trap has small holes or mesh that catches hair and debris while allowing water to pass through. Simply remove and clean it after each shower to keep your drain clear. You can prevent most clogs by using these devices.
In the Kitchen:
Most kitchen drain clogs are caused by food debris going down the sink drain. Place a sink strainer basket over the drain opening that allows water through but catches even small pieces of food. Never put grease or oil down the sink drain. Place it in a container and throw it away in the trash. Prevent coffee grounds, flour, and rice from falling down the drain by keeping them away from the sink.
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