Plumbing Tips: Steps for Unclogging A Drain

From food particles and grease build-up to foreign objects and hair strands, there are many factors that cause clogged drains; all of them are equally annoying. And while major clogs and bespoke drains require that you call a plumbing service, minor drain clogs can be fixed at home with a little practice and a few inexpensive tools.

Blocked drains are home to many kinds of bacteria. As a thin film of food forms on the drain walls, colonies of fungus and bacteria begin to flourish. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages homeowners to clean their drains regularly to deny access to fleas, cockroaches, and pests.

In a nutshell, addressing this plumbing problem immediately will not only save you money, but it will also protect you from insect infestations. So without further ado, let’s talk about how you can unclog a drain at home in less than an hour.

Use a Plunger

A plunger is a handy household tool that can serve as a quick fix for a blocked drain. Fill the clogged sink or bathtub with enough water to cover the plunger’s head entirely. Then, make a seal with the end of the plunger and move it up and down to build force. This downward pressure will hypothetically remove the build-up in the drain. This procedure needs to be repeated a few times, till the water flows easily through the drains.

Drain Cleaner

A drain cleaner from a home improvement shop can work for minor clogged drains due to its acidic nature. Though drain cleaners can cause damage to your home’s pipes and plumbing fixtures if used in excess, you can rely on them when nothing else works.

An eco-friendly alternative you can try involves pouring vinegar and baking soda into the drain and leaving it for 30 minutes. Keep repeating the process till water starts flowing through the drain again. Running hot water through the pipes afterward can also fix the clog in some situations.

Drain Snake

A drain snake is a flexible tool that’s used to deal with a clog if a plunger fails to work. It has coiled metal wires at the terminal end which go inside the drain to physically remove a clog. You can also rotate it to scrape off mineral and oil build-up along the drain walls.

 

Most homeowners find it difficult to take the time out from their hectic routine to deal with a clogged drain. If you’re one of them, reach out to us at561-403-1500forefficient, hassle-free plumbing solutions.

At Your 1 Plumber, we offer high-quality and expert plumbing Palm Beach County, Florida.