Maintaining functional and efficient drains is essential for a clean and healthy home. But sometimes clogs can be difficult to clear with DIY methods.
Ignoring a slow or clogged drain can lead to nose-pinching odors and expensive plumbing repair. Contact Drain Cleaning Sarasota for professional help.
Whether in the kitchen sink or the bathtub, a blocked drain is not only annoying but it can lead to overflow and water backup. Addressing a clogged drain quickly is the best way to prevent damage to your home plumbing system. Using simple, inexpensive household items can help you resolve the problem without the need for expensive professional tools or harsh chemicals.
A clogged drain can be caused by a wide range of things. Typically, it’s an accumulation of hair, soap scum, grease or food scraps that build up and obstruct the flow of waste through the pipes. Occasionally, a clog can also be caused by tree roots that penetrate and block the pipes.
In some cases, a clogged drain can be easily cleared by using household products like baking soda and vinegar. However, if the clog is deep or has persisted for a long time, you may need more advanced tools or techniques to clear it.
The first step in addressing a clogged drain is to locate the source of the obstruction. To do this, remove the foot plug or drain cap from your fixture and look inside. If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drain, this is a sign that air is trapped in the pipe and may indicate a blockage.
To unclog a drain, start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the pipe. The heat of the boiling water will dissolve any problem-causing buildup and restore proper drainage.
Another simple yet effective technique is to use hot water mixed with dish soap. The degreasing properties of the soap help to dislodge and break up residue that can clog your pipes.
For stubborn clogs, try using the wire coat hanger technique. Straighten out a wire coat hanger and bend one end over to create a small hook. Work this hook into the drain, removing any hair or gunk that you can find. If the clog is still present, you can try using a plumbing snake or auger. This flexible coil of wire is ideal for snaking through the piping and dislodging the obstruction.
Plunger
Whether it’s hair that has collected in your shower drain or chunky salsa that has made its way down the kitchen sink, nothing is more frustrating than a clogged drain. Clogs can make it impossible to use a sink, tub or toilet, and they often occur when you least expect them. While many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to solve their clogs, these products can cause a lot of damage and are not always effective.
A plunger is a simple and inexpensive tool that can be used to successfully unclog a drain. The rubber bell of a plunger forms a seal over the drain or toilet opening, creating suction that can dislodge and break up even the most stubborn blockages. To use a plunger, first ensure that there is enough water in the sink to completely submerge the rubber bell of the plunger. If there isn’t, add more with a pail. Afterwards, examine the plunger to make sure that it is clean and free of debris that could interfere with a proper seal. It’s also a good idea to run some hot water over the plunger, which softens it and improves its ability to create a seal.
Next, position the cup of the plunger over the drain and push down firmly. Once the seal is established, begin plunging quickly and deliberately. Lift the handle up only slightly between thrusts, not enough to break the seal. Continue this motion for about 20 seconds. When the clog is cleared, remove the plunger and check to see if water drains freely.
If your drain is still clogged, repeat the process with another quick plunge. If you still have trouble, try using a wire hanger or homemade drain cleaning solution.
When a home remedy doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed plumber can provide the experience and tools needed to safely and effectively unclog any drain or toilet. For the best emergency plumbing services in NYC, contact Balkan Plumbing today! We offer 24/7 emergency service to keep your drains working smoothly.
Wire Hanger
A wire clothes hanger might seem like a strange tool to use for drain cleaning, but this DIY hack has proven surprisingly effective in certain circumstances. It can break down simple blockages and even remove hair clumps. It can also save you money and reduce your reliance on chemical drain cleaners.
It’s a good idea to wear gloves while working with the hanger. This will keep your hands safe from the sharp ends and can make it easier to grasp the clog. It’s also important to straighten the hanger as much as possible before pushing it down the drain. This will ensure that the hook doesn’t get stuck in the drain and will give you more space to fish it out. Once you’ve removed the hanger, be sure to flush the drain with hot water to clear out any remaining gunk.
One of the biggest benefits of using a wire hanger for drain cleaning is that it can be used in many different types of pipes. This makes it an efficient solution for situations where a plunger or commercial drain cleaner might not be effective. It’s also inexpensive and readily available in most households.
However, the downsides of this method include damage to the pipe system and ineffectiveness for severe clogs. Pushing a hanger into the pipe can cause damage to internal fixtures and may even puncture the pipe itself. It’s also important to remember that the hook of the hanger will often come in contact with sewage and other toxic materials when fishing out a clog, so it’s important to be alert while working with it.
If the clog is too severe for this method, it’s time to reach for professional help. A professional plumber will have the right equipment to break down the clog and get your plumbing back in working order. They can also help you avoid future clogs by suggesting preventive measures, such as limiting hair or food debris in the home’s drains. This can significantly cut down on the need for more extensive and expensive repair work in the future.
Chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners promise a quick fix to stubborn blockages, but their harmful effects on your health, pipes and the environment outweigh any temporary benefit. These caustic chemicals, often containing hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide (Lye), create a chemical reaction with water that produces heat, dissolves the gunk and deodorizes your pipes. Unfortunately, these strong acids also eat through your pipes over time, weakening them and making them more susceptible to leaks and breakages. Households that use chemical drain cleaners often require pipe replacement more frequently than those who don’t.
Caustic drain cleaners are dangerous to use, even when following the safety precautions outlined on the bottle. They emit a toxic fume that can irritate your nose, throat and lungs. If they splash or spill, they can also burn your skin and eyes.
Oxidizing drain cleaners work in a similar manner to caustic cleaners, but instead of creating a chemical reaction with water, they oxidize the organic material that makes up your clog. These cleaners are usually heavier than water and can move through standing water to reach the clog. However, they can also damage your pipes by eating through the surface layer and exposing the softer inner pipe.
Chemicals from these cleaners enter the sewage system and travel to natural water bodies, where they can cause contamination. They may harm plants and animals that live in these waters, as well as disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems. The toxins in caustic and oxidizing drain cleaners also don’t break down easily, meaning they can continue to poison the surrounding environment for months or years.
While chemical drain cleaners might be able to dissolve some types of clogs, they often fail to address the root of the problem. Clogs are often caused by larger issues, such as tree roots or misaligned pipes. Relying on these products will only make the underlying issue worse and lead to recurring clogs. A professional plumber will be able to resolve these problems safely and effectively. A licensed plumber will also provide preventative maintenance to keep your drains working properly.
