Clogged drains are a major inconvenience, but they don’t have to mean a trip to the plumber. Instead, try these inexpensive DIY methods to power through smaller clogs and get your plumbing back on track!
Baking soda and vinegar are a classic combination that can break down clogs in sinks, tubs, and showers. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow it with a cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz, and then flush with hot water.
1. Use a Plunger
If you have a sink or toilet clog, your best bet is to use a simple standard plunger. This is the type that has a straight handle and a simple rubber cup at the end of it. Before you start plunging, make sure that the drain is covered with water and that
there are no other holes in the sink basin or overflow opening. Also, wear rubber gloves and cover any furniture in the room that could get wet from splashes.
Effective plunging is a delicate balance of force and speed that creates the necessary pressure changes to break up a clog. Try to start with a few gentle thrusts to avoid breaking the seal, and then increase the force gradually.
If the clog is not broken up with repeated plunges, it may be time to move on to another method. This may include using boiling water or a drain snake. If neither of these work, it’s a good idea to call a professional plumber for help.
2. Use a Drain Snake
Often, a plunger cannot dislodge a clog and it’s time to try out a drain snake. A small, hand-held drum auger will work well in most cases, but for stubborn clogs, you might need to invest in a power snake.
Start by removing the P-trap and trap arm, which are the U-shaped pipe bends under your sink. This can help to minimize the mess under your sink as you investigate the clog.
With your safety gear on (gloves and eye protection), insert the snake into the drain opening while turning the handle on the drum that holds the coiled-up snake. As the snake moves deeper consistently, rotate the handle to grind and cut away any clog material.
Once you feel resistance, you have likely located the clog. Slowly and cautiously pull the snake out. Replace the P-trap and trap arm, and test the drain by running water to see if it is now clear. Be sure to sanitize and clean your snake before storing it.
3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar aren’t just for science fair volcanoes, they can also be powerful drain cleaning agents. These natural ingredients are a much more eco friendly alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners and can effectively break down
most minor clogs in your home.
This method of drain cleaning works by creating a chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar to create bubbles that help break down gunky buildup in your pipes. The result is a smooth flow of water, and it’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep your drains clean and free of clogs.
To use this method, pour a pot of boiling hot water down your drain to loosen any gunk and then dump in one cup of baking soda. Let the mixture sit and fizz for a few minutes before pouring in one cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a damp cloth or stopper and leave it to work its magic for an hour or so.
4. Use a Coat Hanger
If you’re a DIY homeowner who doesn’t have access to a plumbing snake, a wire coat hanger can work just as well. Just be sure to take precautions and avoid causing damage to your pipes.
Start by removing the drain cover, if there is one. There may be plastic connectors holding it in place, so be careful not to break them. Once the P-trap is removed, push the hook end of the coat hanger down the drain and twist it around, poking and prodding at the clog to disintegrate or loosen it. Once you feel that the clog is dislodged, pull the hanger up and shake off the debris into the trash can.
If your home’s toilet is still clogged, it may be time to call in a plumber. If the clog is causing water to spill over, it needs a much more powerful approach like a hydro jetting machine that only a plumber can provide. For help, go to sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/leak-detection-melbourne/ which will have a lot of resourceful information.
