Whether it’s a clogged toilet, backed-up kitchen sink, or a bathtub that takes forever to empty, it may be time to deal with the state of your drain.
However, dealing with clogged drains doesn’t have to be difficult, with these quick fixes.
What Causes Clogs?
Why do clogs happen to begin with? If you’re dealing with a slow drain, it typically means there’s a buildup of debris.
Typical Clog Culprits for…
- The shower: Hair.
- Toilet: Toilet paper buildup.
- Kitchen Sink: Large food debris, grease, or long term buildup in the pipes.
But, how do you know you have a clogged drain? You’ll know if you experience the following:
- The toilet won’t flush.
- Water takes longer to drain in your shower or kitchen sink.
- There’s a strange odor.
- Your kitchen sink is full of debris, and the garbage disposal is little to no help.
Before Unclogging A Drain
Before you go about unclogging a drain, make sure to first check for a visible obstruction. Look into your drain (pro-tip: you may need a flashlight for this), and carefully remove anything that may be blocking the drain.
Second, check to see if your drain is open. Many drains, such as showers and bathtubs, have a stopping mechanism. Check to see if the stopper is not blocking the drain.
If your drain is still clogged after this, it’s time to unclog!
How to Unclog your Drain
Don’t let a clogged drain put a damper on your day! Try these easy tricks to dissolve any clog you encounter:
- Use a Plunger: These aren’t just for toilets; you can use a plunger on kitchen sinks, too! Use a cup-style plunger that completely covers the drain. Plunge 6 times, check for progress, and repeat as necessary.
- Use a Drain Snake: This is a retractable drilling tool that can be purchased at a hardware store. Use the drain snake’s hand-crank to release the wire down into the drain to pull out whatever is clogging it.
- Use a Pot of Boiling Water: When a drain snake is unsuccessful, boiling water can help dissolve soft buildup like soap scum or grease. You may have to repeat up to two or three times.
- Vinegar & Baking Soda Method: Instead of using conventional drain cleaners that are full of harsh chemicals, try this natural method of white distilled vinegar and baking soda. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, then add one cup of vinegar and let it sit for an hour. After an hour, flush the drain with boiling water and repeat if necessary.
- Call a Plumber: If you can’t seem to get your drain unclogged with these methods above, you should call a professional to get to the bottom of it.
Is Your Drain Still Clogged? Hire a Professional Plumber
Drains can be tricky, and sometimes you can’t seem to get to the bottom of it. Supreme PHC can help you with all of your plumbing needs.
Our licensed plumbers are here to handle all of your plumbing needs in your home. Whether it’s a tough, clogged drain or a leak fix, we’re here to help 24/7. Contact us today!
