Our 12 Tips for Unblocking Your Drains
We all know the frustration of a clogged drain.
Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or somewhere else altogether, it can be a real pain to try to unblock. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help clear things up.
In this post, we’ll share twelve tips for unblocking your drains. We hope you find them helpful!
- Pour a pot of Boiling Water Down the Drain
You might have already tried pouring boiling water down the drain for this purpose. This is because hot water can dissolve grease, fat, and soap scum faster than cold water.
- Remove the Clog with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can be pretty effective at clearing a clog.
To use them, you simply pour one of the two down your drain like usual. Then, instead of immediately flushing with water, you wait five to ten minutes before doing so.
The baking soda and vinegar will continue to work on dissolving any remaining soap scum or hair that’s causing the clog.
- Create Suction With a Plunger and Push the Clog Through
If you don’t already have a plunger, there are two different types you can use.
The first works by creating suction to help suck the clog out of your drain. To do this, fill your sink or basin up with water and seal off the opening with the plunger.
Then, quickly push and pull to create suction and pull the clog out of the drain. The second type pushes air through your pipes to help push things further along.
To use this type, you need to have a hose connected to the plunger. Insert the hose into your drain and begin plunging.
You can also try using it on a bathroom sink or shower to help push the clog along.
- Insert an old Metal Hanger Into the Drain to Snag the Clog and Pull it Out
If you can’t get a plunger to work, there are other methods that might help. One of these involves using an old metal hanger or similar item to snag the clog in your drain and pull it out.
- Try Using a Drain Snake to Dislodge the Clog From Further Down in the Drain
Try using a plumber’s drain snake to get rid of the clog.
Insert it through your drain until you find where the blockage is (you’ll feel it if you’re pushing in the right spot). Then, twist and pull outwards while pushing down on the snake until you dislodge the clog.
- Try Using a Drain-Clearing Chemical
There are also chemicals you can try to use if the above methods don’t work.
These tend to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than other options, but they might not always work as well for severe blockages. If you’re looking for a chemical, there’s something called Bio-Clean (you can find it at home improvement or hardware stores) that works well.
You simply pour the chemical down your drain and let it sit for three to four hours before flushing with boiling water afterwards.
- Make Sure you don’t put too Much Grease or Food Down the Drain!
Try not to put too much grease or food down your kitchen sink drain! Grease and other fatty substances can build up and cause blockages. So make sure you try to use less whenever possible!
- Make Sure Your Septic Tank is Always Properly Maintained
Besides making sure you’re using less grease and food, it’s also important to make sure that you have a properly maintained septic tank system.
If your tanks aren’t maintained then they might become overfilled or overflow which could affect the health of your family and neighbours. If you’re not sure how to maintain your septic system, the best thing is to contact a professional in your area.
They will be able to come and take a look at it and tell you what needs to be done.
- Remember not to put any Hazardous Materials Down Your Drain!
Always remember that you cannot dump items like oil, paint or other hazardous materials down your drain.
If you try to, they will not only pollute the environment but also cause health problems for anyone who comes in contact with it. So be sure to dispose of these items correctly!
You should also keep an eye out for things like antifreeze or motor oil, which can cause serious health problems for your family if they get into the water supply through your drain.
- Know how to use a Septic System and Maintain it so you can Prevent Problems in the Future
Overall, try your best to know how to use and maintain your septic system.
By knowing how to do these things, you’ll be able to ensure that your family’s health is protected from clogged drains or any other problems!
- Put a Screen Over Your Sink’s Drainage Hole to Prevent Large Objects From Going Down the Drain
You can shovel a thin layer of gravel or rocks into your sink’s drainage hole to prevent large objects from going down the drain.
However, this won’t stop hair from going down, so you should still take care when washing your hair.
- Call a Professional if all Else Fails
Sometimes, it’s easiest to call a plumber and get them to take care of the problem for you!
They can literally clear out anything in your drain. However, they’ll probably be more expensive than any other option on this list.
Just keep that in mind before calling one up!
Summary
Have you tried any of these methods for clearing a clogged drain?
If you haven’t tried them yet, now is the time. These methods are all pretty simple and easy to do, so there’s really no reason not to give them a shot.
Of course, if you’re still having trouble with your clogged drains after trying these tips, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. We have years of experience dealing with clogs and we know just what to do to clear them up quickly and easily.
