Helping Drains To Flow Again
Clogged drains can happen to anyone at any time. It helps to be careful with what you place down your drains, but even the most careful homeowner can see clogs every now and then. We all know the warning signs. When the drain starts to slow, and water pools in the sink or shower, there’s a clog. You might also notice an unpleasant odor from the drain. And then, if you ignore the problem, the drain will be completely blocked, and the water will just sit. When you notice the clog, it’s best to figure out a quick fix to get things flowing again. Here are a few ideas to try.
1-Baking Soda And Vinegar
Mix up a third cup of baking soda and a third cup of vinegar. It will fizz right away, and you should pour it down the clogged pipe. The fizz could remove gunk, hair, and other debris that has built up. Let the mixture sit for an hour or even overnight if you’re able. Then, flush the pipe with hot water. You could also put some dry baking soda down the pipe and then pour vinegar in. Try this a couple of times and if it doesn’t clear, call a plumber for help.
2-Boiling Water
Boil a large pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain in a few stages so the hot water can work for several seconds between pours. This is a quick and easy way to get things moving within the drain and it will often work without causing you further issues.
3-Sink Plunger
Did you know there are different plungers for sinks and toilets? You certainly don’t want to use the toilet plunger on the shower or kitchen sink, but you can use a sink plunger. The plunger works just like the toilet version and can help you free the clog long enough to get water flowing again, which can push the clog away.
4-The Drain Snake
Use this long, flexible metal rod with the spiral end to free the clog from your drain and get things flowing again.
5-Clean The Pipe
If you feel secure in your plumbing skills, get an empty bucket and turn the water off to your clogged pipe. Then, take the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink off and clean it out. You might be able to free things on either side of that pipe to completely get the clog taken care of. It will do the trick, but it’s not something just anyone is comfortable trying.
What Not To Do
Whatever you try, don’t bother with chemical clog cleaners. You’re just pouring money down the drain and you could actually cause damage to your pipes at the same time.
Getting Clogs Free And Drains Working
If you’ve tried a few things and nothing seems to be helping, there’s nothing wrong with calling the professionals at Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We’ll get the drain flowing again in no time.