Clogged drains are disgusting and can be a hassle to clean and fix. But there are a few ways to unclog a drain safely. The first thing to remember is to use protective gear and always turn off the water before working with chemicals. It is also important to turn off the water supply before using a snaking technique.
What is the fastest way to clear a clogged drain?
When faced with a blocked drain, you only have a little time. Fortunately, there are several methods to clear blocked drains. One of these is the use of vinegar and baking soda. These mixtures are mild acids and can dissolve clogs. When used together, they will dissolve clogs in the drain and leave you with a clear drain.
Another alternative is to use a drain snake or auger. These devices are available in most home improvement stores. Soaking them in a bucket of vinegar or water will dissolve clogs in minutes. But it’s important to remember that this method is unsuitable for all drains.
What will dissolve anything in a drain?
When you want to unclog a drain, you can use a chemical known as lye. It’s the opposite of acid and can dissolve hair and grease. The commercial versions of lye also contain extra stuff to help them work faster. These extras include aluminum flecks, increasing the lye available to dissolve things. As the chemical dissolves in the drain, it releases hydrogen and absorbs other materials like grease.
Baking soda and vinegar can also be used to unclog a drain. These chemicals work similarly to a commercial drain cleaner but are safer for pipes. After you pour the mixture into the drain, it will start to fizz and dissolve the clog. The mixture should sit for an hour or overnight to get the best results. When the mixture is done, flush it out with hot water.
Can I unclog a drain myself?
Clogged drains are a major hassle. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do yourself to deal with them. These include using a plunger and a flexible rubber tool that forces water down the drain pipes and forces the clog on its way.
Baking soda and vinegar make a great drain cleaning agent. Mixing the two creates a chemical reaction that dislodges the clog. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by the same amount of white vinegar. Continue this process until the clog is cleared.
Another solution is to purchase a drain snake and use it to clear clogged drains. However, it’s important to remember that a drain snake is designed to clear clogs beyond the drain strainer.
How do plumbers unclog drains?
If you have a clog in your sink or bathtub and are concerned about the condition of your pipes, you should call a plumber immediately. A plumber is equipped with special tools that allow them to get through a clog without much difficulty. These tools have a video camera that lets them see exactly what’s clogging your drain. This helps them determine the type of blockage causing the clog and the tools needed to clear it.
While you can attempt to clean a clog by using a hand crank drain snake or plunger, you should be aware that this method may not always be effective. Depending on the size of the clog, you might need help to break through it. Store-bought chemicals are not recommended because they can cause injury if used incorrectly and should never be mixed with other chemicals.
Will bleach unblock a drain?
Bleach can unclog your drain, but there are better choices for drain cleaning. It’s not only corrosive and dangerous, but it also can cause a foul smell. If you don’t want to use bleach on your own, dilute it with warm water first. This will lessen its corrosive properties. If you still find your drain clogged, consider calling a plumber.
Bleach is heavy so it will sink to the clog. However, the longer it stays, the less effective it will be. It would be best if you always rinsed your drain with warm water after using bleach to avoid damaging your pipes.
Baking soda for your clogged drains
Grease can easily congeal in pipes and clog a sink drain, causing many issues. When combined, baking soda and vinegar work similarly to liquid drain cleaner but aren’t as harsh on your pipes. While messy, removing the sink trap is also the ultimate way to clear bathroom sink drains or kitchen sink drains.
Mix ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of baking soda and pour it into your clogged pipe. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, then follow with boiling water to rinse everything away. These solutions are designed to eliminate stubborn drain clogs in your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub, or toilet.
Clearing toilet clogs
For clearing toilet drains, the best tool to start with is a toilet plunger, which has a flexible lip around the rim. Fill the toilet bowl with enough water to form a seal around the lip of the plunger when it’s placed over the drain hole. Pour boiling water down the drain to flush away the mixture. Unfortunately, this method is more effective on bathroom sinks than on kitchen sinks, as it does nothing to break down the grease that might be coating the insides of your drains. Coke is quite acidic and effective at clearing buildup in your drains, but it’s milder than commercial drain cleaners.
Call Midwest Plumbing for all your clogged drains
You don’t have time to wait around. If you have a clogged drain, you either have to figure out how to unclog a drain yourself or call someone who can. We are standing by, waiting on your call.
