If you’ve ever had a clogged drain, then you know how frustrating it can be.
When you buy a home, you don’t want to be dealing with finicky plumbing, but it happens more often than you think.
If you follow these five simple steps, your drain will be unclogged in no time at all!
1. Use a Plunger
If you’re having trouble with a clogged drain, the first thing to do is find the right plunger for the job.
If your sink has a pop-up stopper or a flapper (the piece that covers and uncovers your drain), then you need an A-frame plunger.
This kind of plunger has ridges on its rubber head that fit into these openings and help create suction in order to clear out whatever’s blocking your pipes.
If this doesn’t work, try using another type of plunger, like one made from hard plastic or metal.
Make sure it fits snugly over both ends of your pipe before putting any pressure on it by pushing down on top with both hands at once (or one hand if necessary).
2. Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Cleaning a drain with baking soda and vinegar is a natural and effective way to clear minor clogs and prevent odors. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, remove any visible debris or hair from the drain.
- Next, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of hot water in a separate container. Pour the mixture down the drain.
- Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to keep the mixture in the drain.
- Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the baking soda and vinegar to break down any buildup in the drain.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the cover and pour another pot of boiling water down the drain to flush away any remaining debris.
Repeat this process as needed to maintain a clear and odor-free drain.
3. Try a Snake
If you have a clogged drain, a snake can be a great way to remove hair and other debris that may be clogging your drain.
First, insert the end of the drain snake into the drain opening. Make sure it goes in as far as possible.
Turn the handle on the drain snake clockwise to extend the cable down the drain. Keep turning the handle until you feel resistance.
Once you feel resistance, continue to turn the handle while applying gentle pressure to the cable. This will help the snake to break through the clog and push it further down the drain.
If you encounter any particularly tough spots or bends in the pipe, turn the handle back and forth to help the snake maneuver through the obstruction.
Once you have broken through the clog, slowly retract the cable while continuing to turn the handle. This will help to dislodge any remaining debris in the drain.
After you have retracted the cable, flush the drain with hot water to clear away any remaining debris.
Clean the snake with a damp cloth before storing it away.
4. Try Clog-Clearing Liquids From the Hardware Store
If you’re having trouble unclogging your drain, try using a product designed for that purpose.
Read the directions on the bottle and follow them carefully – you want to make sure you’re using it correctly so that it works.
If one doesn’t work, try another one!
5. Steam Drain Cleaning
Steam drain cleaning clears clogs and blockages in drains using high-temperature steam.
This process involves using a machine that heats water to a high temperature and then directs the steam through a hose and into the drain.
The high-pressure steam is then used to break up and dissolve any blockages, allowing them to be flushed away.
Steam drain cleaning is an effective way to remove stubborn clogs, such as those caused by grease or other organic matter, that may be difficult to remove using traditional drain cleaning methods.
It is also a chemical-free alternative to using harsh chemicals to clear drains.
It is important to note that steam drain cleaning should only be performed by trained professionals, as the high temperature and pressure of the steam can be dangerous if not used properly.
Additionally, not all types of pipes and materials are suitable for steam cleaning, so it is important to consult with a professional to determine if steam drain cleaning is the right solution for your specific situation.
Cleaning Clogged Drains
Don’t let clogged drains become a bigger issue that can lead to significant damage and home insurance claims!
A clogged drain can be a real hassle, but with the right tools and some elbow grease, you can fix it in no time.
We hope these tips have inspired you to tackle your clogged drain!
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