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How to Solve the Biggest Problems in Blocked Drains

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. Read Also: The 7 Most Common Types Of Plumbing Problems 8 Plumbing Myths Busted 4 Tips For Finishing A Basement