4 Easy Ways to Unclog Drains

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Unclog Drains

Kitchen and bathroom sinks are critical areas of any home, and thus if they get clogged, you will experience a lot of inconveniences. In most cases, blocked drains are caused by built-up of debris in your drainage pipes. Debris such as hair, foreign items, food remains, crumbs, and grease all contribute to clogging of drainage pipes.

Although the best option is to call your local plumber to have your drainage pipes unclogged, there are several things you can do to try and unclog the drains;

1. Using boiling water

In most cases, blocked drains are caused by grease attaching together debris and crumbs. You can dissolve these clogs by pouring boiling water into the drain.
Using boiling water
It is important to mention that you should not pour boiling water in your drain if you have PVC pipes as the heat can loosen the joints. Also, make sure not to pour boiling water on your sink bowl, especially if it is made of porcelain as it may crack. Always pour boiling water directly into the drain.

2. Use baking soda and vinegar

If boiling water doesn’t clear the drain, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring enough baking soda down your drain. Let it stay in the drain for several minutes without adding any water. Afterwards, pour half a cup of vinegar and use a metal stopper to try and break down the obstruction. Baking soda and vinegar create a ‘volcano-like’ reaction that disintegrates the clog.

3. Use a hand plunger

If your sink is clogged by a large obstruction or doesn’t allow water to flow through, a hand plunger may be the only remaining solution.

You first need to make sure that you are using the right plunger. It should be cup-shaped and not flanged. You can either use a full-length or handheld plungers- both are equally effective.
Use a hand plunger
Remove metal stopper in the bathroom sink or metal strainers in your kitchen sink and fill the sink with water. Place the plunger over the drain and use fast plunges to try and remove the clog. Check to see if the sink is draining.

4. Use a dry and wet vacuum

If your sink is completely clogged up, a dry vacuum can help to unclog it. First, you will need to cover up the drain properly to prevent it from making messes around it. Then remove the metal stopper from your sink and set the vacuum to suck out the liquid. Now you need to make the seal around the drain firmer.

Set the highest setting on your vacuum so that it pulls our every clogged item from your drain with pressure. If this succeeds, make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag.

Bottom Line

It is important to prevent your drainage from blocking completely. Look out for any signs of clogging drains such as slow movement of water.

The above tips on how to unclog a blocked drain should help you clear your blocked drain with ease. However, if you do not succeed, call a local plumber. They have efficient tools and techniques to unclog drains.

After your drains get unclogged, make sure to regularly maintain your sinks and prevent build-up using baking soda and vinegar once in a while to break down obstructions.

Also, avoid channelling hair and foreign materials into your drain pipes.

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