8 Fast and Easy Ways to Unclog Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common problems in kitchens and bathrooms. What a
nightmare it can be! Fortunately, clogged drains are also one of
the easiest home repairs you can tackle. And that's because most often, the cause of the
blockage is due to food waste, hair, or soap residue.
So before calling a plumber, give the following methods a try. There's a pretty good chance
that you can fix the problem yourself!
Number 1 - Start with Boiling Water and Dish Soap
This is the simplest and least expensive option. Obviously, it's the one you should attempt
first. Bring 2 liters of water to a boil, then add
a couple teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Take this mixture and carefully pour it down the
drain. This method works especially great on grease
clogs because it warms the grease back to a liquid, allowing it to flow freely out of
the pipe. It may take a few tries, but you'll be astonished
at how well this works! One thing you should keep in mind though,
is that boiling water can cause damage to plastic pipes.
So if you have PVC pipes, skip this step and try some of the following methods.
Number 2 - Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a tried-and-true approach for unclogging drains.
Simply combine 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of vinegar, and pour it down the drain.
The fizzing action is what makes this method so effective in removing the grime that's
clogging your drain. For best results, allow it to sit for about
an hour before flushing it out with hot water.
Number 3 - Try Baking Soda and Salt
Another highly effective combination is baking soda and salt. These two natural compounds
can often do wonders, especially when it comes to clogged drains!
In fact, this simple DIY method is not only effective against blockages; it's also excellent
against foul drain odors. Just combine ½ cup of each, and pour the
mixture down the drain. Let it sit for a few hours, and follow with a pot of hot water.
These compounds combined produce a strong chemical reaction, which has the potential
to clear most blockages.
Number 4 - Mix Hydrogen Peroxide with Baking Soda
Yep, you can also use hydrogen peroxide to unclog your drain.
Simply mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a spoonful of baking soda, and pour this mixture
down your drain. Once again, you will notice a fizzing action, which means it's working!
Soon enough, the obstruction will be broken up, and your drain will be cleared.
Number 5 - Pour Down Some Coca-Cola
Some of our favorite soft drinks are quite corrosive. And while this makes them unhealthy,
it does make an excellent drain cleaner! The best soda for the task is regular Coca-Cola,
not the diet version. You want it to be as harsh as possible.
Gently pour it down your clogged drain, and allow it to sit for a few hours. The cola
will begin dissolving the blockage quickly and may even be able to completely dislodge
it. After a few hours, just flush the drain with
some hot water.
Number 6 - Use A Plunger
First things first. There are two types of drain plungers.
For toilets, you should use a flange plunger. For sinks, showers, and tubs, you should use
a cup plunger. If your drain is completely clogged, remove
the drain stopper, and fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger's suction
cup. Then proceed to plunge using the same motions as you would with a toilet.
The abrupt changes in pressure on both sides will eventually get the blockage dislodged
and carried away.
Number 7 - Use A Wire Coat Hanger
If the plunger doesn't work with the blockage, you can try a coat hanger. It's a simple DIY
version of the drain snake that plumbers often use.
Straighten a wire coat hanger except for the hook, and wrap the end with duct tape to keep
it from scratching the pipe. It's also a good idea to have a pail or garbage bag ready for
disposing of your extraction. Then, insert the hook end into your pipe and
gently fish the clog out with the hook. This method is very effective in removing obstructions
caused by hair or food particles. When you're finished, just pour some hot water
down the drain.
Number 8 - Remove and Clean the Drain Trap
Clogs can sometimes form in the drain trap which is typically located beneath the sink,
inside a cabinet. First, clear the area and place a bucket underneath
the drain to capture any water or debris that may fall out. Then, carefully remove the P-trap
from the drainpipe and clear out anything that's been lodged in it.
Once you're done, simply reattach the P-trap and run some hot water through the pipes for
a few minutes to complete the process. Once your drain is clear, make sure you're
taking precautions to avoid blockages from recurring!
Perhaps the most essential preventive strategy is to avoid dumping harmful items down the
drain, particularly fats and oils, coffee grounds, food scraps, and hair.
It's also a good idea to replace your standard drain stopper with one that prevents unwanted
materials from going down the drain in the first place.
You can also pour in equal parts vinegar and baking soda on a regular basis, generally
once or twice a month, to keep your drains running clear and smelling fresh.
Have you tried any of these or any other natural methods to unclog a drain? Did they work?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
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