Have you ever had a clogged sink or overflowing toilet and wished you knew how to fix it yourself? Drain cleaning is an essential skill for every homeowner, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. In this article, we’ll show you some simple DIY methods for clearing clogged drains, as well as some techniques to avoid them.
There are many ways to clean a drain, but some methods are more effective than others. Here are a few DIY drain cleaning methods that actually work:
- Boiling water. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to clean a drain. Just bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it directly down the drain. Repeat as necessary. This method is especially effective for grease and hair clogs.
- Baking soda and vinegar. This classic combination is also quite effective at clearing out drains. Just pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water.
- A plunger is a very effective tool for unclogging drains. Just make sure you use one that’s designed for use on drains (not toilets). Cover the drain with the plunger and push and pull the plunger up and down to create suction. You should feel the clog start to loosen. Once it’s loose, flush with hot water.
- Wire hanger. If you don’t have a plunger, you can try using a wire hanger to unclog your drain. Just straighten out the hanger and insert it into the drain. Hook the end around the clog and pull it out. This method is a bit more challenging than using a plunger, but it can be effective.
- Drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible piece of equipment that’s inserted into the drain to reach and remove clogs. If you don’t have one, you can try renting one from your local hardware store.
Now that you know some effective DIY drain cleaning methods, let’s talk about some techniques to avoid. Here are a few drain cleaning mistakes that can actually make the problem worse:
- Using chemical Drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners are very corrosive and can damage your pipes. They should only be used as a last resort. You’re better off using one of the methods we mentioned above.
- Flushing foreign objects down the drain. This is a surefire way to clog your drain. Never flush anything down the drain other than water, human waste, and toilet paper.
- Ignoring slow drains. If you notice that your drains are starting to drain slowly, don’t ignore it. Clogs typically start small and get worse over time. If you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to clear it with a plunger or wire hanger. But if you wait too long, the clog will only get worse and will eventually require professional help to fix.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your drains clear and flowing freely. But if you find yourself with a clog that just won’t budge, it’s time to call in the professionals. A plumber that does drain cleaning in Utah or other states can quickly and effectively clear the clog and get your drains flowing again.
Comments are closed.