In most American households, clogs are a common issue and you will likely deal with them at some point. Where some clogs are nothing more than a brief nuisance easily removed, other severe clogs often need professional expertise. There are several methods to unclog drains, and some are more effective than others. Preventive measures are always preferable as they can save you a lot trouble in dealing with clogs. With several DIY unclogging methods easily performed that we at The Original $49.95 Plumber would like to share today.
Bent Wire Hanger to Unclog Drain
To clear drains, especially shower drains, wire hangers can be used. Wire hangers are very inexpensive and disposable and readily available in most homes. Before bending the hook to make it narrower and shallower straighten the hanger out by untwisting the entwined wire at the hook and flattening the curves so it can fit down the drain. Once you remove the drain cover or stopper, push the wire hook down into the drain until you feel resistance. Keep in mind that the hook can catch on a piece of the sink or attached plumbing and be sure to not use excessive force. Once you have twisted the wire in a circle a few times, slowly pull it back from the drain. Any tangled hair or foreign objects that may have blocked the drain should be easily removed with the option. Repeat until clog is cleared.
Unclog Drain with Baking Soda & Salt
Being not caustic like the harmful chemicals used commonly in drains, baking soda and vinegar are chemicals can be used at some point. To clear out the drain, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, keeping a cup or so for later. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda immediately and let it set for 5 minutes or so. Following the 5 minutes, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and leave it for 20 minutes. You should hear from the fuzzing sound by mixing the two ingredients which creates a noticeable chemical reaction. It is especially optimal in bathroom sink drains though it is effective in tub and shower drains, this option is less efficient on kitchen drains. If you do not have baking soda salt is an adequate substitute.
Unclog a Sink with a Plunger
Being color coated, there are two types of plungers. Designed for toilets, the black plungers have a steep black cup and the red plungers designed for sinks have a shallow cup. In order for it to be effective, there should be water covering the drain. Set the plunger cup on top of the drain and push down until the plunger makes a good vacuum seal over the drain. By pulling backward the drain should open. Until the drain open by forcing the clog out, repeat the steps.
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These options can usually successfully combat common drain clogs. With the help of The Original $49.95 Plumber, you can get the drain clear quickly and efficiently in the event they are ineffective, there is a more serious problem. Call us today to get started!
