Unclogging a Drain Like a Pro
A clogged drain can be a messy and frustrating ordeal for a homeowner to deal with. Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, a clog can quickly go from an inconvenience to an emergency. Before you hit the panic button and call out a plumber, there are a few easy tips you can try to clear that clog and save yourself some valuable time and money.
Knowing the cause of your particular clog can help you decide on a plan of action to clear your drain.
Kitchen clogs can usually be traced back to two main culprits: fat buildup from grease or oil being discarded down the drain and building up until a blockage occurs, or a buildup of certain kinds of food particles that get stuck in the curved section of your drain pipe under your sink.
As far as the bathroom, your main culprit for a clog is almost always going to be hair getting stuck in the drain, but soap scum buildup also can cause a stubborn clog.
Charm the Clog Using a Drain Snake
A drain snake can be an extremely useful tool for a homeowner to have. If you don’t have one, it might be a good idea to invest in one now so you have it ready when you need it. The drain snake is easy to use, and extends down into the drain and can pull a clog back up, clearing things instantly. If you suspect your clog might be hair stuck in your shower drain, this might be a good first stop.
Take the Plunge and Force That Clog Down
So you already know you can use a blunger on a toilet, but many people don’t realize the same process can often clear clogs in a sink. you might even try pouring a little dish soap to try and break things up before. Give it a shot, but be aware if you have a double sink with two drains, you won’t get pressure down into the drain line. Also, you might need to cover the overflow drain in a bathroom sink before trying this. Important: If you’ve poured hot water or chemicals into the drain, watch out for any splashes that could occur while you plunge the drain.
Don’t Boil Over (Or Do, Maybe?)
If your clog is still hanging on, you might be dealing with a hard buildup that needs to be softened a bit before it will clear. Boil a pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain. Depending on your clog, you might need to repeat this a few times.
Let’s Make a Liquid Drain Cleaner
You can always buy products like Drano or Liquid Plumbr to try and clear your drain, but you have to be aware: These are harsh chemicals that are designs to break down and dissolve anything they come into contact with, and they don’t make exceptions for things like your pipes or plumbing in your home. If you use these chemicals, you are taking a chance that your clog will one day turn into a burst pipe or a leak. Fret not, though! You can make a simple and effective drain cleaner at home! Simply pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Once you’ve poured both in, cover or seal the drain and give it about an hour to break down whatever is causing your clog. Come back and try hitting the clog again with the boiling water.
Now what?
Sometimes it’s okay to admit defeat. If you’ve exhausted all options of clearing this clog yourself, it might be time to call in the professionals. Don’t worry though. With All Seasons you’re always in good hands. Our team of expert, licensed, and experienced plumbers can come out and diagnose your clog, as well as check for any other possible plumbing issues you might have.
Good luck, and as always, let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you or your family with any heating, cooling, or plumbing needs.
