Clogged drains can be a nightmare. Whether it’s a sink that isn’t draining, a bathtub or toilet that is taking forever to empty or even a clogged garbage disposal, clogs are no joke.
Thankfully, there are many helpful tips to unclogging drains that can be done without professional help. From boiling water to baking soda and salt, these methods are sure to work.
1. Boil Water
Clogged drains can be a big nuisance. They can block your sink or tub, and they can even clog up the pipes in your home!
Boiling water can help unclog drains. It’s a natural way to break up more intense clogs, especially for kitchen sinks that have grease or soap scum.
But be careful not to use too much boiling water. Too much can soften plastic (PVC) pipe joints, causing leaks and other plumbing problems.
The boiling point of water is 212 deg F or 100 deg C at sea level. It changes depending on elevation and atmospheric pressure.
Pour enough boiling water down the drain to loosen the clog, but be sure to only pour it into a porcelain sink. If you’re not sure whether your sink and pipes are porcelain or plastic, it’s best to call a plumber in Melbourne to handle the issue. They’ll be able to recommend a safer solution for you and your family.
2. Baking Soda & Salt
One of the best ways to unclog a drain is to mix baking soda with salt. This simple solution is perfect for run-of-the-mill clogs that are caused by fatty deposits and other gunk that can build up in pipes and restrict water flow.
Jackson recommends mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt, then pouring the mixture down the drain. Leave it in the drain for a few hours, or overnight if necessary.
When the sodium reacts with the vinegar, it creates a chemical reaction that forces out any stubborn clogs you might have. It’s a natural and eco-friendly way to get rid of pesky blockages.
Another easy option to unclog a drain is to combine baking soda with cream of tartar. This homemade drain cleaner is great for sinks and tubs because it helps clear metal clogs, as well as tough grease.
3. Wire Hanger
One of the quickest and easiest ways to unclog a drain is with a wire hanger. Just bend the front of a wire coat hanger so that it reaches a 90-degree angle and insert into a clogged drain to push through any blockage.
The bend is important, since it can help snag hair and other material in the drain. Just be careful that you don’t pull too hard on the hook, as it could damage your sink or pipe.
Alternatively, you can use a plumber’s snake to unclog a sink or shower. Feed the cable into the drain until it hits an obstruction and then twist and pull clockwise to catch the clog and pull it out.
A wire coat hanger can also be a helpful tool to remove clogs in your shower drain. Just bend the end of a hanger into a hook and push down on it to dislodge any clogs that may be causing your shower to stop working.
4. Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake, also called an auger, is a popular tool that can clear tough clogs that aren’t easily loosened by plungers. They can be purchased at most home improvement stores or rented from a professional plumbing service.
To use a plumbing snake, feed the coiled end into your drain and turn it slowly as you push it down. When it hits a clog, the rotating tip will either break it up or grab hold of it so that you can pull it out.
Keep turning until you feel resistance to your turn, and then crank the handle a few more times. Repeat the process until you get the clog out.
Once you’ve unclogged the pipe, flush it to remove any leftover gunk. This will help you avoid a recurrence of the problem in the future.
