Every time you notice a stoppage in the water flow drainage, know that the problem is in blocked drains and pipes. It can occur anywhere in the pipeline, and sometimes it can be quite difficult to spot. But it definitely happens before you notice problems with water drainage or overflow.
Read more about the importance of functional plumbing system on the following link:
https://www.lanewaymagazine.com.au/importance-of-high-quality-plumbing/
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues and the reason most people call plumbing experts. It’s not pleasant when the sink, toilet, or tub gets clogged, especially since it may cost you a lot of money. But there’s no need to despair because you can solve this problem without calling a plumber.
DIY Fixes for Common Blocked Drain Problems
Clogs in the plumbing system happen very often, but a good thing is that you can solve most of the problems yourself. Sometimes solving them is very simple, just with the help of plungers, drain snakes, and “simple” solutions like hot water.
However, there are slightly more complex clogs that require more effort. That’s when DIY chemical solutions come to the rescue, and these are all the stuff you already have in your kitchen. So try some of these tips to solve your blockage problems. If none of this helps, you can always call plumbing experts for help.
Hot Water Treatment
Most of the substances that end up in plumbing pipes are organic, that is, easily degradable. It can be the food pieces, soap, hair, dirt, and everything that otherwise passes through clean pipes and goes far away from your home. But, if there is a blockage along the way, these matters can quickly accumulate and clog the drains.
The first thing you should do when you notice the water draining slower or not going away at all is to run hot water into the drains. Heat a large amount of water until it boils, then slowly pour it into a sink or tub directly in a drain. You can also run it directly from the faucet.
Do this for about 10 minutes because, during that time, the heat will lose the residues inside the pipe, and gently wash them away. If the deposits are more persistent, this treatment might not give results, so you should be more “aggressive.”
Use Plungers
A plunger is a handy device that every household should have. It’s helpful for unclogging toilets, sinks, and bathtubs, and its principle of operation is simple. The rubber bell on the top serves to create a vacuum between the plunger and the drainage hole and, in this way, sucks out the deposits that block the pipelines.
This procedure is simple. Whether it’s a tub or a sink, it’s important to fill it with water first. Put a plunger directly on the drain to prevent water from flowing out by creating a tight seal. Pump for at least 30 seconds at a steady pace to increase the air pressure inside the drains, which will pull out most of the matters blocking these lines.
All those stuff will get out, so repeat the process several times. The final step is to rinse everything with hot water and possibly clean the sink or tub. This separation method requires some effort, but it’s very effective and costs a bargain. You can buy a plunger at any hardware or home improvement store for a few tens of dollars.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake or augre is another method to free your pipelines from clogs without damaging them. This tool is a flexible wire you can make yourself or buy at home improvement stores. Professional plumbers gladly use it, and you should, too, because it can help you with most moderately blocked drains.
When you notice that the water doesn’t flow as fast as before or it returns from the drains and the previous methods didn’t help, snaking can save your day. Remove stoppers, and if it’s a sink, remove the P-trap as explained on this page. Insert the tip of the snake (curved part) and gently push the wire in, turning it in a circle along the way, which will scrap pipe deposits.
Push the snake until you feel resistance. Then simply pull it out. You will be amazed at what this simple tool has brought with it. If necessary, repeat the procedure. Then put the stoppers and P-trap back in place and run hot water to flush the residue out of the pipe.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
If physics doesn’t help, it’s time for chemistry. But there’s no need for aggressive commercial means because they often cause more harm than good (they can be too harsh for some pipe materials). You can make an equally good but safer de-clogger at home with vinegar and baking soda.
Mix equal amounts of salt and baking soda and pour it down the drain. Then pour the preheated vinegar, about one cup. These agents create a chemical reaction that’ll break down the deposits inside the pipe. When you notice dirty bubbles coming out of the drain, the solution is working.
Wait a few minutes for vinegar and baking soda to react completely. After that, run the hot water down the drain until it’s completely clean. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
Call Professionals
The mentioned methods are very effective and will help you in most cases. You can combine and repeat them as many times as you want. However, if none gives the desired results, a professional plumber fixes blocked drains quickly and efficiently.
Not only that, but these experts can help you with many other plumbing issues and also give you helpful tips for problem prevention and plumbing maintenance. And this help always comes in handy if you don’t want or don’t have time to bother with DIY plumbing repairs.
If blocked drains occur, several DIY solutions can prevent major issues and damage and won’t take too much time and money. However, most plumbing problems can be avoided by regular system inspection and maintenance.
