Being common in most American households, you will likely deal with clogs at some point. Being an extreme nuisance and inconvenience, some of the clogs are more severe than others. Though some techniques are more effective than others, there are many methods to unclog a drain pipe. To help save you a lot of trouble, preventative maintenance is essential, however. With this in mind, we at The Original $49.95 Plumber would like to share some home remedies to unclog minor drains.
Bent Wire Hanger to Unclog Drain
Wire hangers can be especially beneficial to clear drains, especially shower drains. Wire hangers are very inexpensive and disposable and are readily available in most homes. By untwisting the entwined wire at the hook and flattening the curves, straighten the hanger out so that it will fit inside the drain. Afterwards bend the hook to make it narrower and shallower. Once you remove the drain cover or stopper, push the wire hook down into the drain until you feel resistance. After you have twisted the wire in a circle a few times, slowly pull it back from the drain. This method should help you hook any tangled hair or foreign objects that may have blocked the drain. Repeat as necessary.
Unclog a Toilet or Sink with a Plunger
Being color coated, there are two types of plungers available. Designed for toilets, these plungers are black in color and feature a steep black cup. Engineered for sinks, the red plungers are equipped with a shallow cup. In order for it to be effective, there should be water covering the drain. On top of the drain, place the plunger cup and push down until the plunger makes a good vacuum seal over the drain. By pulling backward, the drain should open. By forcing the clog out, repeat this until the drain open.
Vinegar & Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
They are not caustic like the harmful chemicals used commonly in drains where some may point out that baking soda and vinegar are chemicals. To clear out the drain, save about one cup for later, but slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda immediately following the water and let it set for about 5 minutes. 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, mixing the two ingredients creates a noticeable chemical reaction. It is especially optimal in bathroom sink drains, though it is effective in tub and shower drains, however, this method is not as efficient on kitchen drains. If you do not have baking soda, salt is an adequate substitute.
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These methods can usually successfully combat common drain clogs successfully. There is a more serious problem and with the help of The Original $49.95 Plumber, in the event they are ineffective. Our experts can more effectively and more safely clear out any clogged drains using sophisticated methods. If you are experiencing a clog in your New York home, call us today to clear it!