Easy Ways to Unclog a Drain
We’ve all been there, and we’ve all seen warning flags. At first, it may take a little longer for the sink to drain. Water begins pooling around your feet each and every time you take a shower. There are strange, unpleasant odors that linger after everything has been cleaned or aired out. All of these indications point to the possibility that you might have a clogged drain in your home soon. And then bam! Your drain is completely blocked. It’s something you’ll have to address as soon as possible, or else face the prospect of a burst pipe or a useless bathroom.
There are many ways to unclog a drain. However, some of these methods are more difficult than others. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways to unclog a drain.
How Do You Unclog a Drain Fast?
The average person doesn’t own a plunger, and even if she or he did, it may be difficult to use depending on the type of clog. The hair and soap scum present in most bathroom drains make using a plunger nearly impossible. There are other gadgets that can help with unclogging some types of clogs; these include the Drain snake, the Zip-It, and the Wet Vac. If you are comfortable using any of these tools, go ahead and use them.
If You Can’t Unclog a Drain With a Gadget:
There are other ways to unclog a drain without using a gadget. One way is to pour boiling water down the drain. This will often unclog a drain if it is hair that is causing the clog. Be sure to pour the boiling water down slowly and carefully, as you don’t want to burn yourself or your home.
You can also use baking soda and vinegar for this same purpose: Pour 1 cup of each into the clogged drain and let sit for about an hour. The clog should be gone by then, and if not, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
If You Can Unclog a Drain With a Gadget:
If you have a plunger and you know how to use it, this is your best bet for unclogging a drain. For sinks, toilets, and other drains with an overflow, place the plunger over the drain and push and pull up and down in a quick motion. For other types of clogs, fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger, and then plunge as you would for a sink or toilet.
If You Can’t Unclog a Drain With boiling Water, Baking Soda, or Vinegar:
This can be a tough clog to unclog, and it is usually best to call the plumber at this point. This method involves placing an enzyme-based drain cleaner down the clogged drain that will eat away all of the hair and soap scum build-up. Some brands you can buy at your local hardware store, and they are relatively inexpensive. Follow the instructions on the bottle, but be sure to avoid contact with the cleaner as it can cause severe skin irritation.
Once you have tried all of these methods, you should be able to unclog your drain without any problems. If not, it is best to call a plumber. However, if you do find yourself with a clogged drain and no plunger or access to any of the gadgets mentioned above, try one of these alternate methods. Your drain should be unclogged in no time!
Get in touch with our team today
For expert plumbing and heating help, get in touch with our team today at 781.780.3184.