You’re getting ready for the day ahead and your bathroom sink won’t drain. Maybe you’re washing dishes and the kitchen sink starts backing up or filling with cloudy water. Clogged drains can disrupt your day and potentially lead to more serious plumbing issues.
So, what’s the best way to clear stubborn drains? We’ll explain how to clear a drain pipe, when to call in the pros, and how to prevent future clogs.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Some of the most common causes of clogged drains include:
- Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
- Grease, fat and food particles in kitchen sinks
- Foreign objects that get stuck
- Mineral buildup in your pipes
DIY Methods for Clearing Clogs
There are several DIY methods for how to clear a clogged drain with a home remedy. You may want to try these before calling in the professionals.
Hot Water Flush
Sometimes, all you need is to dump hot water down the drain. This can break up grease and help it flow.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you are trying to figure out how to clear a clogged drain with standing water, this natural cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar may work for minor clogs by following a few simple steps:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow up with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Cover the drain and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
Using a Plunger
Plungers can unclog toilets, but they can also work for sinks and showers. Ensure there’s enough water to cover the plunger’s head and create a tight seal around the drain. Pump the plunger a few times and then pull it up quickly to break the seal.
Use a Drain Snake or Auger
What do plumbers use to unclog pipes? Often they’ll try an auger, also known as a drain snake.
A drain snake is a flexible tool that can reach a clog deep in the pipe. Simply insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to push it until you feel resistance. By twisting the snake, you can hook the clog and, hopefully, pull it out.
You can pick up an auger at your local hardware store or try something like the drain weasel for hair clogs.
Chemical Drain Cleaners: Why Not to Use
There are several types of chemical cleaners, including caustic, oxidizing and acid-based. Each of these generates heat to break down clogs. However, these cleaners can be hazardous to your health, releasing toxic fumes or causing skin burns. Regular use can also damage your pipes.
Chemical cleaners also come with environmental considerations, creating potential damage to water systems.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If a clogged drain snake is not working or these other methods don’t get the job done, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. Other signs you need help include:
- Drains clog on a regular basis.
- Multiple drains are clogged at the same time.
- You hear gurgling sounds from drains or toilets.
- Foul odors are coming from drains.
- Water backs up into other fixtures when you use them.
Frequent clogs can indicate a more serious issue, like a collapsed pipe or tree roots that have invaded your plumbing. While a minor clog may be a minor inconvenience, persistent clogs can damage your pipes or cause sewage backups and big problems.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Clogs
A few maintenance tips can help prevent drains, including:
- Run hot water through your drains regularly.
- Avoid dumping grease, fats, coffee grains or paper products in your drains.
- Use drain catches and strainers to prevent hair or particles from entering the drain.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to clear most clogs and keep your plumbing system functioning well. When in doubt, if you can’t clear a clog, or you have persistent issues, call for help. The professional plumbers at Payless Water Heaters have the expertise and tools to solve even the most complex plumbing problems.
