The last thing you want on your to-do list is a clogged drain. It’s an eyesore that can make your house stink or result in a backwash, which can mess up your house. So, watch out for tell-tale signs, such as ugly noises or slow drains, which alert you early enough before the problems become severe.
It’s best to act immediately once you notice drain issues. If you tarry, the worst-case scenario could be busted pipes, which are costly to repair. On that note, here’s a list of options you can explore to clear your clogged drains:
Hydro Jetting
Sometimes, clogged drains become too severe and frequent that they require the expertise of professionals. They’ll help you identify the cause and work on avoiding a repeat of the same. They can also provide long-term solutions such as changing the drainpipes or hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting uses highly pressurized water and is one of the most potent ways to clear your drains. It’s always best to call a professional to do this instead of doing it yourself. While choosing among prospects, ask questions such as the cost of hydro jetting so you can choose a company offering the best deal.
Drain Snaking
A drain snake is an effective way to unclog your drains if soft debris is blocking them. It can help pick on things like hair and food remains. You can use a drain snake on your bathtub, sink, or shower.
Also, you should be able to identify what’s blocking before snaking your drain. In addition, note that it’s only suitable for clogs 15-25 feet down your drains.
When using a drain snake, observe safety precautions, such as wearing gloves. Moreover, be careful when pulling out the drain to keep water from splashing back at you.
Use A Plunger
Using a plunger is one of the oldest tricks in the books. It works by increasing the pressure within the pipes, pushing the water and any blockages down.
When using a plunger, it’s best to use specific ones for various situations. For instance, you can work on toilet drains using plungers with extended flanges. On the other hand, sink plungers have no extensions as they work by sitting on top of the sink draining hole.
Pour Boiling Water
You can clear your drains by pouring boiling water into the pipes. The clogs can be caused by grease or oil deposits from your cooking pots or utensils that attach to your pipes, blocking the drains. Boiling water can break them down so they can be washed down the pipes. It’s a handy course of action if you notice your drains are slow. Doing this twice or thrice every month would be ideal to prevent clogs.
Homemade Cleaners
You’d want to try DIY cleaners to save time and money. They’re inexpensive ways that can help you unblock your drains.
One of the frequent causes of kitchen sink drain clogs is grease buildup. Besides pouring boiling water into your sink, you can use cleaning agents to work on your drains. Some of the home remedies you can use in this regard include the following:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft drink
- Dishwashing detergent
You might have to use any of the above solutions twice or thrice to wash away all the clogs. After you’re done, rinse the sink thoroughly to clean the pipes completely.
Use A Hanger
You can also unclog your drains by fishing out the debris.
Hangers are commonly used to unclog bathroom sinks and tubs. All you need to do is straighten the hanger but leave out the hook. You’ll use it to remove clogs such as hair and soap residue.
The hanger option works best when you can see the clog. You’ll need to wear hand gloves to easily reach for the clogs and toss them in your garbage can after you’ve fished them out. Flush the drains with running water to clear them out completely.
Conclusion
Food scraps, oil buildup on the pipes, hair, etc., can cause clogged drains. Be able to detect them early on by watching out for draining patterns and unusual noises. Once you notice any abnormalities, you can use some of the suggested solutions above. Make pouring hot water a routine to dissolve grease and soap deposits. You can also take advantage of homemade solutions to clear out the pipes. If none of the said fixes works, your drains may be suffering from more extensive problems. At this juncture, it’s advisable to ask for professional help.
