After putting in long hours at work, most people like to get home and shower off the day. A warm cozy shower is a great feeling, but you know what isn’t? Water baking up around your feet. The same goes for rinsing off dishes in the kitchen sink or washing your hands in the bathroom. If water is building up in your drains, you have a big problem.
We just expect our drains to work like they are supposed to, but most drains will get clogged up from time to time. When left to build up, your clogged drain can be harder to clear out or even cause burst pipes if left to build up. That’s why you need to call a plumber to get the clogged drain fixed quickly.
Let’s go over some effective ways you can repair a clogged drain.
Use a Plunger
Your first step should be to try using your plunger. A plunger works using simple physics of compression and pressure. Start by removing some standing water with a cup but leave enough to cover the plunger head. Most plungers have a flat rim, so you can make a seal around the drain. However, you may need a smaller plunger depending on the size of the sink.
When you push down, you increase the pressure in the drainpipe by forcing down the water. Lifting back up releases the pressure and lets the water rinse the area. Plunge up and down rapidly to try to dislodge the blockage. You may lose your seal, but it’s easy to reset and start again. Most small clogs will clear using this method.
It’s very important you don’t use your toilet plunger. Instead, go out and buy an extra plunger that is only used for sinks or showers. You can buy a small one that fits under your sink.
Try Boiling Water
Common drain blockages are made up of soap and grease residue that mix with hair or even food debris. These build up over time and eventually cause water to back up. This type of material can break up with boiled water poured down the drain.
Start by getting your kettle or a pot of water on the stove. While you are waiting for the water to heat up, remove as much of the standing water as possible with a cup. Once it has a rolling boil, carefully take the kettle or pot to the blocked drain and pour it down the opening. Give it a few minutes to do its work on the clog. If the water is still filled in the sink or going down slowly, wait for it to cool and scoop it out into the toilet.
Repeat this method a few times to see if it works. As it starts to drain, run the hot water in the taps to continue a hot flow against the clog. This method should work for regular build-up and get you up and running fairly quickly.
Use Common Kitchen Ingredients
Using natural household items to cause chemical reactions may help unclog your drain. These include salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Both white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well.
Start by removing much of the standing water as you can so you can get your ingredients down the drain. Pour in a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar. There will be a bubbling action as the mixture combines and breaks down soap and scum build-up. You can also try baking soda and salt to work on the clog.
Let these compounds do their work for 15 minutes and then pour down boiling water. Run the sink with hot water as well to see if the clog has been released.
Check The P-Trap
The piping system for sinks includes a p-trap that curves under the counter like an elbow. This is a common area where clogs can occur. You will need to take apart the piping at this location, and it can be a little messy.
Use a bucket or shallow pan to catch water and debris before you start to disassemble the pipe. You can unscrew the connecting pipes and clean any debris inside. Once you have it cleared out, reconnect all pieces, making sure they are tight, and run the water down the drain. If the clog is further down the line, you may need to take it apart again and use a coat hanger or a plumbers snake.
Prevent Further Clogs
To prevent any future clogs, pay attention to what you are putting down your drains. Grease and fats from cooking can cool down, turning into a solid form. It then gets combined with other debris that gets washed down the sink. Fruit peels, coffee grounds, and even eggshells can get caught up in the mix and lead to a clog.
Use these methods to unclog your drains when you need to. If you are unable to get your drains clear, you may need to bring in the experts. Qualified plumbers have the tools and know-how to open up all your clogged drains.
