How to clear a clogged drain depends on how much of a clog is there in the first place. If you just have a small clog, it is often very easy to clear away. Of course if you have a larger clog, it may be more difficult. Here are some helpful tips that will help you with clogged drains.
How to Clear a Clogged Drain
Many people try to remove a clogged drain by using chemicals. These chemicals are a quick fix and often times will work for the day. However, you should only use chemicals as a last resort. Before you throw chemicals down the drain, make sure the blockage has been fixed by using other methods first.
One option would be to use a plunger.
A plunger is used when a drain is clogged. To use a plunger, place a cup of water on the plunger’s tip and slowly apply pressure down the drain. The water should rise somewhere, like at the top of the drain. You should use a rubber ring to apply even pressure since chemicals can damage your sink’s seal. Once the water rises, push the ring aside and then repeat the process to clear the drain.
Another method is to use a kitchen snake.
This is a non-electric cable with a flexible cord that you hold onto and move along the drain. You use the plunge tool to pull up debris while you grasp the kitchen snake. Be careful not to get the cable too wet or you might get a nice rash.
Baking soda is another natural choice for unclogging drains.
It works by absorbing any liquid that’s trapped below the surface of the drain pipe. Put some baking soda in a plastic trash bag and then plug the drain trap. Leave it in place for several hours. Then, use warm water to remove any remaining baking soda. Remember to put the bag back in the sink after unclogging the drain.
If neither of these methods work, the next step is to use a plumbing snake. You’ll need a long flexible wire and some plumber’s putty.
Take the wire and wrap it around the drain trap so that it forms a U-shape. Then, push the plumber’s putty down the drain pipe until you can clearly see the clog. Once the clog has been successfully clogged, pour boiling water down the drain until it drains freely.
If commercial grease or stubborn clogs are more than you can handle, your next best bet is to call a professional.
Most plumbers have at least a basic knowledge of how to clear clogged drains. However, they’re not going to be able to solve the problem on your behalf. Instead, they’re going to try to remove the grease or clog using various tools. Fortunately, many plumbers have a collection of chemicals that you can use to get rid of your clogged drain problems.
One of the most common tools that plumbers use to clear drains is a powerful vacuum.
To use this tool, simply strap on the wand and give the water a few seconds to circulate through the pipes. The boiling vinegar will dislodge any stubborn clogs. As the vinegar travels through the pipes, it will remove anything that’s lodged between the pipes. This chemical compound is powerful enough to effectively loosen even the most stubborn clogs.
Another tool that plumbers use to clear clogged drains is a brush with stiff bristles.
You should aim the brush at the drain itself, not at your feet as you might be tempted to do. A lot of people accidentally step in their bathtub when trying to manually drain the toilet. To avoid this, gently brush the drain until the liquid escapes slowly.
To make a solution that you can use to eliminate clogs in your drains, mix one cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of water.
Use a spray bottle to saturate the baking soda mixture and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Then, you can use a toothbrush to clean the drain. This process can be repeated until the drain appears clear. Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll notice a definite improvement in the way your brain works.
When you’re done, be sure to give your plumber a call so he or she can come to take care of the problem.
Most major plumbing problems can be taken care of by a plumber without calling in the professional. However, if the clog is more serious, it might be necessary to call in the professional. If you’re unsure about whether or not the plumber can take care of the pipe blockage, then you should consider getting some rubber gloves, a pipe wrench, some plumber’s tape, and a wire coat hanger to help you remove the clog.
