Clogged drains are one of the most common household problems that can quickly become a major inconvenience. Leaving a clogged drain unchecked can get costly, especially if you have multiple drainage issues in your home and it’s not fun or convenient for anyone when emergency plumbers are necessary. Luckily, there are several quick and easy ways to unclog a drain before having to call in professional plumbing services near you. Here are some of the quickest and most effective ways to unclog a drain before an inconvenience turns into an emergency.
Boiling Water
The first and easiest way to unclog a drain is to use boiling water. This method is most effective on small to medium-sized clogs. Most clogs are caused by grease, soap scum, or hair buildup, which may need an extra little shove on the way down. Luckily, this is as simple as it sounds. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully pour it down the drain in stages, allowing the hot water to work its way through the clog. This should help any stuck or built-up materials to loosen up and slide through the pipes more easily.
You should only use this method if you have metal pipes, as the boiling water can very likely melt PVC pipes. Also be mindful if you have a porcelain sink, as the intense heat can crack the porcelain if you do not pour the water directly down the drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you’re looking for a more natural method of clearing out a clogged drain before you resort to using a chemical alternative in your Sheboygan or Plymouth, Wisconsin home, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be an effective way to clear out a clog. You can pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper to allow the mixture to work its magic. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
Some chemical combinations designed to clear your drain may end up doing more harm than good for your pipes and have the potential to do harm to your respiratory system. Although the baking soda and vinegar combo may not smell so pleasant, it’s not toxic to you or your family so this natural method is likely a great option to start with when dealing with a stubborn drain clog.
Plunger
While it may be slightly out of the norm, it’s important to know that plungers aren’t just for toilet clogs! A plunger can be a useful tool for unclogging drains, especially when dealing with a sink drain. Make sure there is just enough water in the sink or toilet bowl to help a seal form around the plunger. Press the plunger down and pull up quickly several times until the clog clears.
When you’ve cleared the clog, let the water run for a few minutes to make sure the issue has been resolved and that water is draining completely. And if your plunger has been used for multiple surfaces, it’s a good idea to disinfect the areas you’ve worked on once your drain clog is fixed.
Plumbing Snake
If you think there is hair or another object clogging your drain, you may be able to use a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a flexible auger that can be used to clear tough clogs in the drain. Insert the snake into the drain and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance. Rotate the snake in a circular motion to dislodge the clog. Once you feel the snake move freely, pull it out and flush the drain with hot water. Be very cautious when using this method, because DIYers of Sheboygan and Plymouth can cause damage to their plumbing with unskilled. If none of these methods has solved a stubborn drain clog, then you may have a more complex problem. Multiple clogged drains can indicate a serious plumbing issue such as a sewer line backup, which will require emergency plumbing services. If you find yourself needing emergency plumbing services, call Plymouth Plumbing and Heating any time of day or night for reliable and professional service that will leave you with the peace of mind you deserve.
