Clogged drains can present themselves in various forms in your home or place of business. They can appear in the form of a backed-up kitchen sink, a bathtub that takes forever to empty, water standing during showers, or a clogged toilet. Such clogs need immediate attention. You should take the right drain unclogging steps so that they do not affect your everyday life.
Signs of a Clogged Drain
Some of the common signs of a clogged drain are as follows:
- The toilet stops flushing
- Presence of rotten egg or sewage odor that’s difficult to track
- Water taking longer than usual to drain
- Presence of debris-filled water in the kitchen sink
Unclogging a Drain
Once you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, it is recommended to use the following methods to completely unclog the drain:
1. Using a Plunger
Using a plunger is the simplest way to unclog a drain. You can find specialized plungers designed to deal with clogged drains and clogged toilets. Usually, drain plungers feature a wooden handle and a red suction cup.
Follow these steps when using a plunger:
- Place the plunger on the drain and push it down and up
- Keep repeating until the clog gets cleared
- A tight seal must be formed between the plunger and the drain to increase the method’s effectiveness
2. Using Hot Water
This is perhaps the easiest way for sink drain unclogging. Make sure to put on some rubber gloves and remove the standing water while the water is being heated. Follow these steps once you have hot water:
- Pour the hot water entirely into the sink
- Let the hot water play its role
- Repeat a few times until the clog has gone away
This method works most of the time. If not, use the following method.
3. Cleaning Out the Trap
The trap under the sink is meant to catch debris and stop it from reaching the drain. Gradually, it can get clogged with various debris including soap scum and hair. Before you clean it, you will have to remove the trap. It is recommended to use hot water and a brush for the cleaning job.
4. Using a Drain Snake
A plumber’s snake is suited for clearing clogs that form further down the line. It is recommended to follow these steps when using this approach:
- Unscrew the P-trap & stub pipe
- Start inserting the snake into the pipe until a resistance is felt
- Use the coiled metal to break up the resistance and then pull it out
- Be careful not to damage the insides of the pipes
5. Using Baking Soda & Vinegar
It is a well-known fact that when baking soda and vinegar are combined, they create a lot of fizzles. This effect can be used to break down any debris in the clogged drain.
- Remove all standing water
- Pour one cup of baking soda into the clogged drain
- Pour one cup of apple or white cider vinegar
- Once the bubbling stops, place a stopper on the drain and leave it for a few minutes
- Pour hot water into the drain and check whether it is working or not
6. Checking the Garburator
It is further recommended to check the garburator and make sure the clog is not related to it. Check for any signs of a jammed flywheel. If it is stuck, use a wrench to free it.
So, these are some of the common techniques that can be used for drain unclogging. If these approaches cannot help you overcome the problem, it is recommended to seek professional help. There are many plumbers who offer emergency services and are available around the clock.
