Your plumbing system might require repair from time to time. However, some of them might require your immediate attention and chief among them is a clogged drain. We all know that a sluggish drain can be a complete mess, so you wouldn’t want a clogged one in your house. To help you out, we’ve put together some really easy ways to unclog drains.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
According to experts at https://amarcoplumbing.com, there’re several chemical drain cleaners from the store you can choose from. Most of them are made of chemicals like sulfuric acid or hydrogen peroxide. If properly used, a chemical drain cleaner will effectively clear your drain clogs. Start by removing any standing water from the sink or bathtub before pouring the required amount. In just a few minutes (15-30) flush the drain using cold water. However, you should always wear your gloves when handling any chemicals.
Boiled Water
This age-old trick is one of the easiest and cheapest options in this list to get results. If you don’t have a kettle, simply use a microwave or a stove to boil as much water as possible. Proceed to slowly pour it in stages (2-3) down the drain. This allows the hot water to effectively work between each pour. This’s undoubtedly the easiest as well as the quickest way when it comes to unclogging your drain. In fact, a cup of tea can do just fine in case there’s any water left.
Wire Hanger
This’s also another very easy way to unclog that pesky drain. Since you already know that something is blocking your drain line, simply use something skinny enough to pull out the main source of the problem. That said, an old wire hanger will effectively complete the job if you don’t have a drain snake. Start by straightening the hanger and then bend it at one end before inserting it into the drain. Try to pull out or push down the clog’s source. The curved end is perfect for hooking any clogged strings, hair, or any kind of debris causing you problems.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Nothing comes close to vinegar and baking soda when it comes to unclogging your drain and is also a very cost-effective method. The combined acidic and alkaline qualities of vinegar and baking soda respectively are very good for drain cleaning. However, you should use these products with hot water unless your drain is made of plastic.
Start by pouring hot water and then the baking soda (1 cup). Cover the drain’s top using a wet cloth and then wait for at least 10 minutes. After this, pour vinegar (1 cup) followed by hot water. It’s advisable to use more baking soda than vinegar to get the best results.
Clean the Pipe
Sometimes all of the above hacks just won’t be enough, so disconnecting and cleaning the pipes is among the few remaining solutions. Despite being the most effective option, it’s the hardest and the messiest in the list. You’ll definitely need a wrench, a bucket, and a pair of gloves.
The empty bucket should be placed underneath the pipe and directly below the sink. Use the wrench to loosen the slip nut and once this section is removed, water will pour out straight into the bucket. Clean out the pipe and then rinse it with warm water before reattaching the removed pieces. Problem solved!
To sum it up, before proceeding to solve the problem, first find out what might be the cause of the problem. Kitchen drains are always drained with food remnants, whereas the main culprits in bathroom drains are dental floss and hair. This will help you to choose the best method to solve the problem. Also, always wear your protective gear and don’t expose your face directly to the pipes.
