Drain Unclogging 101
We have all found ourselves in a hairy situation where we find a bathroom shower drain clogged, or a messy clog in our kitchen sink. In some cases, it may be a simple fix that can be handled by following a few simple steps. So, today, here are some tips to tackle a clogged drain.
Grab your plunger
Yes, you read that right! We know that you don’t often think to use your plunger for drains, but it can be a handy trick to keep in mind:
Place the plunger over the drain to ensure a good seal
Stop the shower or sink’s overflow opening with a wet rag and fill with a small amount of water (enough to cover the bottom of the plunger)
Vigorously plunge upward and downward for a few seconds
Lift the plunger to inspect if the water is draining
If it isn’t moving, continue to plunge until it begins to drain
A plunger can be used for sinks, bathtubs and toilets with standing water. You can find some helpful plunger tips here.
Pour baking soda and vinegar
No, we aren’t cooking, but these readily available kitchen ingredients may help your stubborn clog!
Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain
Pour half a cup of vinegar into the drain
Wait 15 minutes
Flush the drain with hot water
This is a great tip to help with mild buildup, organic clogs, and hair. Be sure to run plenty of water through the drain afterwards to help get rid of the smell of the vinegar.
Enlist the help of a drain snake
For trickier clogs and deep blockages, you might need to enlist the help of a drain snake. It is a long, flexible metal cable with what looks like a corkscrew on one end, and a handle on the other. While professionals may use an electric drain auger to get through very tough clogs, what you would typically use in your home is a hand-operated auger, with anywhere from 20-50 feet of cable.
To use, insert the snake into the drain and push it through the clog, then pull it back out. For full details on how to use a plumbing snake, we have a helpful blog that can be found here.
Use preventative measures
In most cases, prevention is the best way to avoid clogs. Therefore, keep these tips in mind to help keep water moving smoothly throughout all your drains:
Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
Use drain screens to catch hair and food particles (especially in your bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs).
Regularly flush drains with hot water.
Call a professional
Of course, there are going to be times when you will need the help of a trusted professional. For drains that won’t unclog, or issues that don’t resolve no matter what you’ve tried, it’s best to give the Action Team a call. We will happily come to your home and assess the situation. If you aren’t sure what to do, or experience frequent problems with your plumbing, it is always a good idea to seek the expertise of professionals!
We want to help keep your drains clear and functional, while also keeping your wallets and bank accounts happy. Give us a call, and we will be happy to pay you a visit.