Helpful Tips to Unclogging Drains
Clogged drains can be frustrating and a major source of plumbing issues. Luckily, there are some helpful tips to unclogging drains that won’t be harmful to your pipes and can restore normal flow.
One common way to unclog your drains is by pouring baking soda and vinegar down the sink. The combination will cause a chemical reaction that creates bubbles and fizz. This works quickly to break up any sludge or minerals that may be clogging your drain.
- Use a Coat Hanger
We all know the signs of a clogged drain; your sink or shower is taking longer to drain, it produces strange and unpleasant odors and if the clog is severe, you may have to call in a professional plumber.
The good news is, some minor clogs can be fixed by DIY methods. Using a wire coat hanger is one such option.
This simple tool can be used to unclog a drain by placing the wire hanger down the pipe, making sure to use only the straight end, and gently twisting it. After you have twisted it, place the hook on top of the bend. Move the hook to one side, about 1 inch, then release it.
- Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar
When combined, baking soda and vinegar can unclog drains. They have a chemical reaction that makes them an eco-friendly way to break down stubborn clogs.
When a mixture of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acetic acid (vinegar), a combination of these two ingredients creates carbon dioxide bubbles that burst through the clog, breaking it up and creating loose material.
This is a good natural drain cleaner that can help you get rid of gunk, hair or other grime. However, this solution isn’t effective when it comes to removing grease clogged drains, so you may need to use something more powerful, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog the clog.
- Pour Boiling Water in Phases
Boiling water can be an effective home remedy to unclog drains. But it should be used in moderation.
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the total ambient pressure (air and gas). At that point, all of the molecules of the liquid have enough energy to vaporize.
If you pour hot water down the drain, it can help dissolve mildew, slime and soap scum. It may also break down hair, dirt and oil that could clog your drains.
But pouring boiling water too frequently can damage the pipes. This can happen if
the pipes are made of PVC, or if they are completely clogged with something like hair and crumbs.
- Use a Power Auger
Many people assume that drain augers are only for professional plumbers, but it is possible to use a power auger yourself. They are connected to a power drill and feed a cable down into the clogged drain, removing the blockage more quickly than manually cranked augers.
This method can be especially useful for hard-to-reach places, like the bathroom. It’s also easier to use than manual cable augers.
- Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake is a handy tool used to unclog a plumbing pipe. It is a metal cable with an auger on one end that gets into the drain and then turns inside it to break down clogs.
There are several types of drain snakes on the market. Some are powered by electricity and others are manually operated.
To use a drain snake, you need to insert it into the pipe that is clogged with mud or other debris. It will slowly push down into the pipe until you feel resistance.
Once you feel the resistance, you can push the snake deeper into the pipe until it reaches the obstruction. The sharp end of the auger then snags the obstruction and secures it. When this happens, you can then pull it out and discard it in a bucket.
If you still cannot get your drains under control, a plumber in Melbourne can help with unclogging drains. Plumbers have the experience and expertise to repair damages linked to your plumbing system.