How to Solve the Biggest Problems in Blocked Drains

Published on: 20 June 2019 Last Updated on: 13 September 2024

Many things can clog a drain in a tub or sink by blocking nooks and crannies in its plumbing system. The big benefit is that there are easy ways to eliminate different clogs, and you can achieve practical results by using the solutions in this guide.

Bent Hanger

A hanger can extract hair and goo that blocks a drain in a tub or sink. To use a hanger, you’ll need to take it apart so that its hook can travel down the drain. When wiggling the hook around, ensure that it doesn’t push the debris down the pipe. You can avoid this problem by maneuvering the hook around in a circle before pulling it up. The rotation will help you grab debris that’s lodged against the walls in the drain. Once you’ve removed most of the debris, eliminate the lingering particles by running the hot water.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A baking soda and vinegar solution can get rid of a general clog. To make the solution, mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of baking soda. When the mixture fizzes, pour it down the drain so that the bubbles can dissolve sticky grime that’s causing the clog. If possible, let the solution set in the drain for 24 hours. Then, flush the drain thoroughly with hot tap water.

When a drain has a heavy clog, pour the baking soda down the drain first. Then, gradually pour the vinegar into the drain. This strategy will give the solution an opportunity to activate the source of the clog.

Vacuum

A wet and dry vacuum can pull up the is that’s stuck in the upper portion of a drain. The suction power is very important as it can impact how effectively a vac extracts debris, to ensure that your vacuum has an efficient motor. To use a vacuum, adjust it to the highest setting. Then, place the hose over the drain. If the debris isn’t too dry or stiff, the vacuum will remove it.

Tumbling Water

When your plumbing system has a clog that’s tough to access, you can remove it by pouring boiling water down a drain. If you have a kettle, you can use it to bring the water to a boil, or you can boil water in the microwave.

While the water is boiling, pour it slowly down the drain in stages, and wait a few seconds between each pour. To avoid burn injuries, hover the kettle or pot close to the drain so that the water doesn’t splash.

Caustic Soda

Caustic soda contains sodium hydroxide, which is a risky substance that can produce chemical burns. As a result, you must wear dense rubber gloves and protective goggles when using caustic soda.

Because caustic soda is strong, you’ll need to combine it with ¾ gallons of cold tap water. For a general clog, you’ll only need three cups of soda. To mix the soda, stir it around in the water with a wooden spoon. The mixture will begin to fizz as it heats up during this process. At this point, pour the solution down the drain, and let it sit there for about half an hour. Then, use boiling water to flush the drain.

Pipe Maintenance

General maintenance is an easy way to unclog a drain underneath a sink. Begin by placing a bucket below the trap. The bucket will capture water that spills after the trap is removed. To remove the trap pipe, gradually loosen it with a plumber’s wrench. While the trap is detached, lift the housing, and rotate it until the trap is upside down. The source of the clog should drop on the ground. If nothing drops, use a tool to fish out the debris.

Salt and Baking Soda

Thick blockages will break down when they’re treated with strong chemicals. The easiest way to create a chemical reaction that’s powerful enough to destroy heavy grime is by mixing ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of salt in a drain. After the solution sets for about 20 minutes, rinse it down the drain with boiling water.

Dish Detergent

Dish detergent can eliminate clogs in a toilet bowl if it’s mixed with hot water. The soapy suds are effective because they strategically break down dry debris. For an average clog, you’ll only need to mix ½ cup of dish soap and a cup of hot water in the bowl.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Tubs have the toughest clogs since a lot of dirt and grime travels through the drains each day. To get rid of thick debris, you’ll need to loosen the goo, and the best solution for this task is made with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. To treat a clog, pour the solution down the drain. Then, cover the drain with a stopper. At this point, let the solution set for about 45 minutes, and pull the stopper off the drain. As the water exits the tub, the pressure will get rid of the blockage that was weakened by the vinegar and baking soda.

Plunger

Plungers can get rid of a clog in the toilet bowl. When using a plunger, totally submerge it underwater. The rubber portion of the bell should touch the housing in a sink or toilet. Once you have a good grip, push and pull the handle rapidly for about 20 seconds. Then, lift the plunger, and let the water escape out of the drain.

Whenever the process of unclogging a fixture is too complicated, seek help from a professional plumber. If you want great service options, considering working with Canberra Blocked Drains Definitive Plumbing.

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How to Salvage Your Furniture after a Flood

There are many reasons why flooding occurs, and it also comes in different shape, form and amount. It might be due to severe weather conditions or a leak in the plumbing. What you need to think about following a flood is how to salvage anything that wasn’t damaged beyond repair, primarily your furniture. As water damage can wreak severe havoc on your home, you are likely going to have to call in a restoration contractor like KIC Restoration to take care of your home’s infrastructure. But salvaging your furniture can be a less complicated process you can deal with on your own. If flooding is a consequence of a storm or hurricane you would probably get a notification in advance to prepare and avoid as much destruction as possible. Get all the furniture to a safe space in your home like the upper floors or cover them to protect them from the water as much as possible. After the flood is finally over, the first thing you need to do is check is if it is safe to return. While you’re at it, make sure to wear proper clothing. Another useful piece of advice is to bring a camera with you and take pictures of all the furniture because you will need to do a report for your insurance company. When you’ve made sure that it is safe to enter and you’ve put on protective gear, you can start inspecting the furniture and roughly separate them into salvageable and unsalvageable. Next, you can focus on the salvageable pieces of furniture and inspect if repairs would cost more than just replacing the items. Sentimental value also comes into play as you would want to save all the pieces that have been in your family for long, no matter the extent of the damage. But this is up to you. Upholstered Furniture Some types of furniture like upholstered furniture might be difficult to save especially if it has been in the water for too long. Chances are these items have already developed bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, etc. This might have severe consequences to your health later on. You should move the furniture to someplace to dry. If it’s too heavy to move you can place aluminum foil or a similar material underneath it, just to keep it away from wet floors. As mentioned above, upholstered furniture might cause problems because it is a great absorbent. It is particularly dangerous if it has been sitting for too long in contaminated water. If the flood wasn’t too big, you might still have a good chance of salvaging it. You should then remove the upholstery fabrics from the wood or any other colored parts to prevent color bleed. Then you need to dry it to the fullest to prevent mildew and mold from developing, which is likely to happen if the piece of furniture is more than 20% wet. It is worth noting that this kind of furniture is very hard to salvage and the best and easiest thing to do is just to throw it all away unless of course it is antique or has a high value. Then it is best to hire a professional to do the job, as it would probably be necessary to completely strip it down and replace some parts. Mattresses Mattresses are also very difficult to handle. If the flooding wasn’t too severe, if the mattress hasn’t been soaked in water for too long, and if the water was clean it is possible to salvage it. The best thing to do is take it out and let the sun dry it naturally. You can use blocks to keep it above ground and a fan to speed up drying. If you sense a musty odor then mattress probably has mildew growing inside, in which case you’ll need the help of a professional to restore it. If your mattress has been underwater for too long mold has likely already spread, and it is probably contaminated beyond salvation. The only thing you can do here is to replace it. Wooden Furniture Wooden furniture might have the best chance to get salvaged especially if it wasn’t in the water for too long. It is possible to restore if the damage was not too big. It is crucial to clean it and dry it as much as possible to prevent mold and fungi development. Wiping and blotting can do the trick here, but only for furniture that was not in the water too long or was lightly damaged. You can clean white mildew spots by using turpentine or a mix of water and ammonia. The sooner you start drying the furniture, the higher the chance of salvaging it. Heavily Damaged Furniture Heavily damaged furniture which was in the water for too long is a different story. The best plan is to separate all easily removable parts like drawers and doors. Avoid forcing them if they are stuck. Just let them dry out and you will be able to pull them out later on when bloating is reduced. You can clean mud and dirt with a hose and then dry it in a room or other area with good ventilation. You should definitely avoid exposing it directly to the sun as it might cause it to deform. The process of drying takes several weeks or months. Only after it is completely dry can you start restoring the furniture. Contact KIC Restoration Inc of San Diego at 12170 Tech Center Dr, Poway, CA 92064, USA; 858-859-1998 or visit kicrestoration to learn more. Read More: 3 Tips On How To Plan The Best Cheap And Fabulous DIY Bedroom Makeover Top Expert Tips For A Stunning Condo Interior! 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space Home Decor Is An Art Itself – Things To Know

10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House

“Flowers are for Tinder dates. Plants are for soul mates.” Growing up, I watched with awe how my mother would convert any space, indoor or outdoor, with some love and a whole lot of plants. While some plants are your usual Begonias and Fuchsias, what attracted me the most was the collection of spiky plants my mom was obsessed with! So it was only natural when I moved to my own place, my ideas on the decor were heavily inspired by my mother’s natural tastes. I couldn’t help filling spaces in my home with plants, and I soon realized I had developed a specific taste for plants that are spiky. But, of course, I refuse to believe that I am alone with my tastes. There have to be more people like me, and this article is for your guys! Keep reading to find out more on the same. Click Here Read Out: 10 Best Aesthetic Plants To Buy In 2022 10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House: “Don’t let the fear of limited space keep your from buying plants.” Exactly! If you are wondering about the limitation of space, don’t! Because I am here to help you out with alternatives to outdoor spiky plants - if there’s no space inside, hopefully, you will make some outside for these babies. Scroll down to find out the top ten spiky plants for decorating the outside of your house. 1. Agave A native American plant, the Agave thrives the best in arid and hot conditions. The best part? This dark green plant can tolerate droughts and also happens to love the sunlight - perfect for keeping outside your home, and it doesn’t even require a lot of care. Another great thing about this plant is that it lives for nearly three decades. Since there are several species of the Agave plant, it is a little difficult to tell you the approximate growth level of these spiky babies. However, on average, these plants grow somewhere between six to ten feet. But smaller variations might grow up to only four feet. 2. Golden Barrel Cactus Scientifically known as the Echinocactus Grusoni, the Golden Barrel Cactus is a cute addition to any home garden. These cuties are plants with spiky leaves and can grow up to 3 feet on both sides (length and width). Also, the woollen hair in white colour on top of the yellow needle-like spikes only adds to the visual effect of the plant. Although these Golden Barrel Cactus need plenty of watering, sunlight exposure, for some strange reason, is hardly a requirement. In fact, while planting these spiky plants, you will find out they are avoiding the sun by themselves. So it is wiser to plant these in a space place in your garden. 3. Holly Plant Popular as a Christmas symbol for many years, the Holly plant is a classic hedging plant that often provides both shelter and food to the wildlife. Even birds like Robins or Blackbirds feed on the red berries of this spiky plant. And if that was not enough, this plant also happens to be a great source of nectars and pollen for attracting bees. The holly plant is a pretty cool feature for your garden because it brings in so many aspects. Moreover, the spiky leaves act as a deterrent for intruders. Also, since these plants grow slowly, they can easily go up to 30 or even 40 feet in some cases. Holly plants thrive best in well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic but not dry under the sun. 4. California Fuchsia Are you up for some blooming, red addition to your outdoor garden? Then California Fuchsia is probably the best alternative for you especially if you are looking for some low-maintenance plants! The plant radiates the whole summertime floral vibes that can improve anyone’s mood exponentially. And if you are living in some dry area, then this one is surely meant for your garden. The best part? California Fuchsia is primarily known for its flowers which keep growing through Spring, Summer, and straight into Fall. A colourful garden for most parts of the year - isn’t that what gardening dreams are made of? Just one thing - you need to be careful of the vertical spikes in the flowers. Read More: 10 Best Foliage Plants To Buy In 2022 – Must Read! 5. Crown of Thorns Don’t go on its name because Crown of Thorns is one of the most appealing spiky plants out there. The best part about these plants? The Crown of Thorns can easily tolerate droughts and resist heat, making gardening these babies very convenient. In fact, try to avoid overwatering at all costs! Popularly known as the Euphorbia Milii, the Crown of Thorns happens to be the Christ Thorn since it is one such succulent with actual spiky leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and shaped like tears. Native to Madagascar, these spiky plants can grow nearly five to six feet tall. 6. Bougainvillea Plant You already know how beautiful a Bougainvillea plant can be and especially as outdoor decor. But did you know that these are great for security reasons too? Someone once told me how all beautiful things have thorns, and these beautiful Bougainvilleas are no different. The dense, thorny branches of the Bougainvillea plant can keep intruders at bay while adding color to the outdoor decor of your home. Moreover, these tall spiky plants can easily resist droughts and, in fact, thrive well under sunlight. 7. Devil’s Walking Stick Scientifically known as the Aralia Spinosails, the Devil’s Walking Stick is literally named after its characteristic sharp, stout spikes prevalent on its leafy, green stems, branches, and stalks. Native to the forest areas of America, the Devil’s Walking Stick is popular for the clusters of umbrella-like white flowers. This is literally a Devil’s Walking Stick that can grow up to 30 feet on average - the long stems, the orange prickles, the spiny leaves, and the white flowers are all characteristics of these spiky plants. Not only can these tolerate several urban pollutants, but they also can thrive well in a wide variety of soils. 8. Honey Locust Did you know that these spiky plants that go by the name of Honey Locust can grow somewhere between 60 to 100 feet, on average? Aren’t these perfect for stabbing some intruder and boosting the security around your home? In fact, the black or dark grey barks can easily camouflage the thorn once the sun goes down. - perfect foliage plants for your home! The best part? The Honey Locust is a plant that can easily adapt to any situation and thrive well under urban conditions. These can resist droughts and grows well in soil that is well-drained as well as moist! You May Love To Read This: 10 Best Trailing Indoor Plants To Buy In 2022 9. Honey Mesquite Plant Scientifically known as the Prosopis Glandulosa, the Honey Mesquite Plant is native to deserts located in Northern Mexico. Not only can these plants resist droughts, but they can easily survive under conditions that are dry and hot. The best part? Those beautiful yellow flowers and the twisted trunks only add to the aesthetic pop outside your home. The plant is characterised by rough barks and long thorns, both of which help in making these plants the perfect defence hedge for your home. 10. Porcupine Tomato Native to Madagascar, the Porcupine Tomato has a refreshing vibe, especially when it blooms in Summer with that beautiful purple tint. The leaves might fool you with beauty since it’s more like a cover-up for the upright thorns the plants are best known for. The Porcupine Tomato is one of those spiky plants that thrive the best in well-drained soil and sun exposure. You can always plant it inside a container and strategically position the plant in different areas of your garden, creating a sort of surprise for any unwanted visitor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. Why Are Desert Plants Spiky? The spines and hair on a dessert plant prevent moisture loss by stopping the wind-effects. These can also help by casting little shadows on other plants. Moreover, the shininess of these spiky parts also helps in reflecting away the sun's rays. Q2. What Is The Name Of The Spiky Plant? A popular spiky plant that has been used for decor as a houseplant for several years is the Dracaena plant. Popularly referred to as the Spike Plant, the Dracaena plant is now competing with other varieties of spiky plants. Q3. What Are Lucky Plants? The best lucky plant that you can opt for is the Feng Shui plant. This plant is popular because it is considered lucky in terms of love, fortune, luck and prosperity. The other alternatives to lucky plants are Orchids, Bamboo, Rubber plants, and the like. Wrapping Up: “Home is where the plants are” Now that you have a fair idea of some cool spiky plants names perfect for decorating the outside of your house, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring in some new, spiky members home. Get yourself a beautifully thorny cactus or some much-needed Bougainvillea for the safety of your property - or opt for any other spiky plant! Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the same. Read More: 10 Best Tall House Plants To Buy In 2022 Grow these flowering plants in your home garden 5 good luck plants that deserves a place in your home

5 Best Vegetables You Should Try Growing In Your Garden

There is nothing that beats the taste of a freshly picked tomato from your garden compared to produce that is bought from a grocery store. Growing your vegetables in the comfort of your garden is one of the activities that balance indulgence and practicality. Aside from the convenience, growing your vegetables allows you to get more nutrition as well. Vegetables start to lose their nutrients the moment they are harvested, and their quality decreases as sugars will turn into starches. Hence, if you are aiming for veggies with the best nutrition, try growing your own. That being said, here are a few of the best vegetables that are best to grow in your garden. Rhubarb Rhubarb is a vegetable that is renowned for its red firm stalk and sour taste. Like celery, it is edible, especially when you add a lot of sugar to it. Although it is technically a vegetable, it is commonly used in sweet and tart recipes. There are also different types of rhubarb that you may choose to grow for personal consumption. Rhubarb best grows in well-draining and fertile soil that is abundant in organic matter. Constant moisture is necessary, but it doesn't like too much wetness. These plants spread out; therefore, it should be placed 3-4 feet apart from each other when planting. It does not contain a lot of essential nutrients, but it is an excellent source of vitamin K1. Tomatoes Fresh, homegrown tomatoes are one of the few reasons many gardeners decide to get into gardening. Nothing could match eating a perfectly ripe tomato from your backyard. It is also unbelievably good for us, with it being rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, niacin, fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and the antioxidant lycopene. Tomatoes are ideal for growers with small balconies or gardens as they do not require too much space to grow. They typically take 12 weeks until they can be harvested. Aside from this very speedy growing period, its plant can produce tomatoes daily for up to six years. It would be best to watch out for tomato horns as these large caterpillars can be a problem. Broccoli Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cole crop family along with kohlrabi, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. It grows best during the cold season of the year. It is known to be high in vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium, calcium, and iron. As a matter of fact, a cup of raw broccoli gives 130 percent of a person's regular vitamin C requirement. Broccoli is best to grow during early spring and fall and can be set in an in-ground garden or container. Place these plants 18 inches apart from each other. You may also want to get a location that has fertile soil and has easy access to water. A moisturized soil is also best for broccoli, therefore water it for 1 to 1.5 inches every week. Red Bell Pepper Most of the gardeners would agree that every time they planned their vegetable garden, one of the plants they want to include is a bell pepper. Who would not? Peppers are great in all types of dishes, cooked and raw. Red bell peppers are high in vitamins A, B6, C, riboflavin, and potassium. You may want to take note that a cup of it contains 93% of the required vitamin A and 317% of vitamin C daily allowance. Although growing this vegetable is not as problematic compared to other plants, temperature plays an important role. They may be easy to grow, but its plant care, especially in the early stages, is crucial. Bell peppers flourish in warm seasons, and it is vital to be sure that the chance of frost in your area is long gone since frost might hinder pepper growth. Beets Beets are one of the vegetables that can grow quickly and do not require you to wait long before you can harvest them. Apart from its roots, you can also eat its green tops, making it a dual-purpose crop. Young beets can be added to a salad, while the larger ones can be sauteed as a side dish. Beetroots are very rich in vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Beets are the best option for northern gardeners as they can survive near-freezing temperatures and frost. For beginners, it is best to look for bolt-resistant, especially in warm weather. You can also start harvesting them once they are about the size of a tennis or golf ball as larger roots may be woody and tough. Takeaway Growing and maintaining your vegetable garden may seem overwhelming to some people, but it is easier than it sounds. Even if you only have a small garden, you may still be able to grow the vegetables we provided in this article. Additional guides can also be found all over the internet. Read Also: Looking for a Gardener: 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional DIY Ways to Control Pests in Your Garden How to Choose the Right Containers for Your Container Garden

How to Solve the Biggest Problems in Blocked Drains

Bent Hanger

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Vacuum

Tumbling Water

Caustic Soda

Pipe Maintenance

Salt and Baking Soda

Dish Detergent

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Plunger

8 Steps to Move in Your New House

Taking a tour through what Sober Living Entails

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

How to Salvage Your Furniture after a Flood

10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House

5 Best Vegetables You Should Try Growing In Your Garden

How to Solve the Biggest Problems in Blocked Drains

Bent Hanger

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Vacuum

Tumbling Water

Caustic Soda

Pipe Maintenance

Salt and Baking Soda

Dish Detergent

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Plunger

Share this Article

8 Steps to Move in Your New House

Taking a tour through what Sober Living Entails

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related