At Sunshine Plumbers, we take pride in offering professional drain cleaning services for both homeowners and businesses. As experienced drain cleaning experts, we are familiar with some of the effective ways to fix blocked drains. Today, we will discuss seven easy ways to unclog blocked drains.
Pour Hot Water down The Drain
Start with the simplest method. Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the clogged drain. Hot water can help break down and flush away grease, soap scum, and minor clogs. However, hot water may not be as effective on other types of blockages, such as hair, mineral deposits, or solid objects.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Instead of rushing to the local store for a chemical drain cleaner, consider making your own eco-friendly drain cleaner using baking soda and vinegar. Pour about half a cup of baking soda, followed by an equal amount of vinegar into the drain. Cover it with a plug or a cloth for around 30 minutes to allow the chemical reaction to break down blockages. Finally, run hot water down the drain to clear the debris. When you mix baking soda and vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs, which helps to loosen any buildup in the drains.
Wire Hanger
Another common trick is to straighten out a wire coat hanger and create a hook at one end. Carefully insert it into the drain and use it to pull out hair, debris, or other blockages. Follow up with hot water to clear any remaining residue.
Snake The Drain
If the clog is too deep to remove with a wire hanger, a plumbing snake can help you clear stubborn drain clogs. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate the crank handle in a clockwise direction until you encounter resistance. Once you feel resistance, continue to turn the handle clockwise while gently pushing the snake forward. The rotating action of the snake's tip will help break up and dislodge the clog, or the clog will hook onto the obstruction. Pull it out to clear the blockage, and run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris or snake residue.
Get Out The Plunger
Sometimes, a good plunge is all you need to clear a blocked sink, bathtub, or toilet. This is an old-school drain cleaning technique you should try before calling a plumbing service. Place the plunger over the drain, ensure it's completely covering the opening, and push and pull with force several times.
Remove the U-Bend under Kitchen Sink and Clean It Out
Sometimes a clog will be located in the drain trap. Place a bucket or basin beneath the U-bend, also known as the P-trap, to catch any water and debris. Loosen the nuts at each end of the U-bend with pliers or a wrench, remove it, and clean out any clogs or buildup. Reassemble the P-trap and run water down the sink to see if the drain is working properly.
Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried several of these DIY solutions without any luck or you're uncomfortable with DIY solutions, it's advisable to call a professional plumber with experience in drain cleaning and clogged drain line repair. Professional plumbers have the expertise and tools to address more severe blockages and ensure your plumbing system is in good working order.
If you need help with drain cleaning or clogged drain line repair, you can trust the team at Sunshine Plumbers to get the job done right.
