Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced by homeowners. In most cases, the problem starts right from the sink or bathroom drain, basically what you send down there. Nonetheless, not so many people know how to handle a blocked drain. Fixing the drain issues before they escalate can save you some good bucks.
While it is always advisable to call an experienced plumber for even the smallest plumbing issue, there are a few that you can handle yourself. A clogged drain is one of them, so you need to know how to go about removing the blockage. Below are a few simple tricks that can help you to effectively unclog your drain without breaking a sweat.
1. Clean the P Trap
Clogged drainage can make you feel defenseless, especially in the commonly used areas like the kitchen and the bathroom. If this is the terror in your house, you can sort the mess in minutes by cleaning the P-Trap. This is the section right under the sink, inside the cabinet. Simply place your bucket under the sink to catch any water or debris under the drain, then detach the P Trap from the drainpipe. This will help you clear any stuck matter in the pipe.
Once the drainpipe is clean, fasten the P trap back tightly. Run some boiled water through the drain, and your drainage will be as good as new in minutes. If your pipe has been messed up in the process, consider pipe relining instead of repairing the faulty drain pipe. Replacing your faulty pipes might seem like the best option towards resolving the issue permanently. However, pipe relining is always a cheaper and easier option if you have broken, busted pipes, or leaking pipes instead of replacing them afresh.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Drainage ways often hold gloss matter. If your sink clogs, the last thing you want to lay your eyes on is the ugly matter made up of hairs, toothpaste, and soap scum. There are myriads of ways in which you can unclog drainage. Before running for a plumber who uses aggressive chemicals, why not try gentle blends like baking soda and vinegar.
The fizz in this mixture can eliminate clogs in your sink. All you need to do is boil water and pour it right down your drainage pipe. Once the water clears, mix your concoction of baking soda and vinegar to the right quantities. Mix a third cup of baking soda and vinegar in equal proportions. These two ingredients will froth once combined. Pour the mixture in the drainage immediately after mixing, while still having the fizzing action. This will automatically break down the matter inside the drain.
After a few hours, boil as much water as you can and pour down the drainage pipe several times. You bet this will flush out any foods, grime, heirs, soap cams, and gunk. Ensure you fix a guard on your sinkhole to catch any substances once you have successfully unclogged your drainage to avoid future clogging. You can always pour hot water weekly. It will keep your drainage clean and clear.
3. Bent Wire Hanger
Truth be told, clogged drains can be annoying. This is more so if you have to use the sink regularly. Clogging tends to slow down the water flow from the sink to the drain pipe. If you are low on the wallet and are wondering how to unclog your drainpipe, no worries. Something as simple as that hanger on your closet can do the trick for you and save you some cash.
Grab a wire coat hanger. Start by straightening it out, and then bend one end to create a hook. Then push it down slowly through the plughole and start fishing for that gloss matter clogging your drain. Refrain from pushing the hanger downward. It will only make the problem worse since it will push the blocking substance down the drain. After you are done with the pulling of the matter, pour some hot boiling water to run through the drain pipe.
Clogged drainage is the last thing you want to have in your home. Foods, oils, grease from traditional soaps, and substances tend to block your drains over time as they pass through the sink. Moreover, failure to attend to this clogging can lure household pests such as drain flies. This is all the more reason why you need to fix it as soon as possible.
If your drainage has been taking longer to drain, this is an early telltale sign that you soon be facing clogged drainage. You, therefore, need to deal with it as soon as possible to ensure it does not slap you with a busted pipe which will require the expensive services of a plumber.
