Dealing with a clogged drain is never fun. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that most of us will face at one point or another. While there are several ways to unclog a drain, some are more effective than others. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common methods for unclogging a drain, as well as tips on preventing drains from becoming clogged in the first place.
Plunge the Drain
One of the most usual ways of unclogging a drain is to use a plunger. To use a plunger effectively, you’ll need to make sure that there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger. Once the plunger is in place, you’ll need to pump it up and down a few times before you try to pull it off.
Wire Hanger
If the plunger isn’t doing the trick, you can use a wire hanger to fish out the debris causing the clog. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. Be sure to use a drain cleaner that is safe for your particular type of drain. Some chemical cleaners can be quite corrosive.
Boiling Water
Another simple and effective way to unclog a blocked drain is to pour boiling water down the plug hole or drain. This technique works best if the clog is caused by grease or soap build up, as the boiling water can help break down these substances. Just take care not to use too much, as it can damage your pipes. Start by pouring a small amount of boiling water down the drain, then wait a few minutes to see if the clog starts to clear. If it doesn’t, you can pour more water. Once the clog is gone, be sure to run some cold water down the drain to help cool and flush away any residue.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake is a flexible auger used to clear clogs from plumbing. It is also known as a plumbing snake or a drain auger. The drain snake is inserted into the drain and is used to break up the clog so that it can be flushed away.
Drain snakes are available in a variety of sizes, so it is vital to select the right size for the job. If the drain snake is too small, it will not be able to break up the clog. If the drain snake is too large, it could damage the pipes.
To use a drain snake, insert the tip of the snake into the drain. Feed the tool into the drain until you feel resistance. This is the clog. Start to auger the clog by turning the handle in a clockwise direction. As you turn the handle, the snake will Coil around the clog and break it up. Continue to turn the handle until the clog is broken up and can be flushed away.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture
Vinegar and baking soda are two household products that you can use to unclog a drain. Combined, they create a foaming reaction that can help break up and remove any blockages in your drain. To use this method, mix equal amounts of vinegar and baking soda in a bowl. Then, pour the mixture down your drain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, run some hot water down the drain to flush the mix. If the drain is still blocked after using this method, you may need to repeat the process a few times or try another way.
There are many ways to unclog a drain, but the most effective method depends on the type of clog you have. If you have a grease clog, a hot water and vinegar solution will usually do the trick. If you have a hair clog, you may need to use a plunger or a plumbing snake. If you have a clog caused by build-up, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. If all these fail, it is time to call in the professionals!
