There are few things certain in life. Facing the inevitable drain clog is one of them. Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with slow draining water, or a complete backup, but thankfully, these issues can be easily addressed by most homeowners.
A Word Of Caution
Each clog is as unique as what created it. Minor clogs are easy for homeowners to clear on their own so they can get on with their day. But stubborn ones need professional grade equipment that most people don’t have access to. Even some DIY advice, while well-meaning, can do more harm than good. For example, harsh chemical products sold in hardware stores that are designed to unclog your drain can do the trick, but they may damage your pipes, too. So, avoid overusing these whenever possible.
Another popular DIY clog remover is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. While these products don’t damage your drains, they aren’t effective at removing grease. And, since the drain isn’t sealed off, the pressure created by the chemical reaction doesn’t create the effect you are going for. Even though using baking soda and vinegar won’t hurt anything, it is unlikely to prove very helpful, either.
General Purpose Fixes
If you hear water gurgling as it drains, or find it backing up into a sink in your home, there are some simple fixes you can try to clear the blockage. Start by trying the least invasive methods, and work your way up until you’ve either cleared the drain, or exhausted your possibilities.
- Boiling Water and Dish Soap: The best thing about this method is its simplicity. All you have to do is pour 1 liter of boiling water down the drain, followed by a cup of dish soap. Let it sit while you boil another liter of water. The water and dish soap will melt and break up anything clogging your pipe. When the second liter of water has finished boiling, pour it down the drain. Run water from your faucet to see if it worked. Repeat if necessary, or try another method.
- Plumber’s Snake: This can be purchased at a hardware store. Uncoil the snake, feeding it through the drain until you reach the clog. When you withdraw the snake, you should find some of the clog attached to the end. Clean off the debris, and repeat a few times until the end comes back to you clean. Then, flush the drain with water.
- Plunger: If the clog proves to be pretty stubborn, you can try dislodging it with a plunger. First make sure you create an airtight seal over the drain by putting the rubber end firmly over the drain and slowly pressing down. Once you have created the seal, plunge the pipe 15-20 times. Test the drain with water from your faucet to see if you are making progress.
What If The Clog Is Serious?
When simplicity fails, don’t give up hope. You still have a few tools in your DIY toolbox to clear stubborn drains.
- Clogged P-Trap: The p-trap is the curved pipe under any sink in your home. Sometimes cleaning this pipe will get you moving again. So, place a bucket under the pipe, and remove the pipe from the wall fitting. Using a cleaning brush or coat hanger, clean the inside of the pipe. If the pipe is clear, the clog is somewhere else in your home’s plumbing system.
- Clogged Toilet: Most people reach for the plunger first when the toilet backs up. If this fails, you can try a plumber’s snake. Insert the snake into the drain and unwind until you have let all of the cable out. Bring it back in, and repeat as necessary.
- Clogged Bathtub: If none of the general fixes worked for your tub, you may need to get down deeper. Find and remove the overflow plate. Feed your plumber’s snake through the pipe. (You may have to give it some extra power as you pass through the tub’s p-trap.) Retract the snake to see if you’ve located the clog.
When It’s Time To Call A Professional
If you’ve tried unclogging your drains with no success, it’s time to search for a plumbing repair near you to get your drains flowing the way it should. With the right knowledge, experience, and equipment, a professional plumber will get the job done right the first time.
Clogs happen, but you can take steps to prevent them. Install a screen grate over your sinks to catch debris, and periodically clean your drains with dish soap and hot water. By showing your drains a little love, you will keep them flowing.
