Home methods for unclogging a drain are often cheaper and much more ecological than using chemical preparations. They use natural ingredients, such as salt and vinegar, which are biodegradable and safe for the environment.
Thanks to their simplicity, you can quickly and effectively solve the drain problem without having to call a plumberwhich saves time and money. Regular use of such methods also has a preventive effect, preventing blockages from occurring in the future. Here are some proven ways to unclog a clogged drain:
One of the easiest ways to unclog a drain is to use boiling water. Hot water effectively dissolves grease, soap and other deposits in pipes, especially those made of metal. To do this, boil approximately one liter of water and slowly pour it into the drain. To avoid damage, make sure you do not pour it directly onto porcelain surfaces.
Attention! Do not use this method with PVC pipes because the high water temperature may deform or damage them.
- A mixture of baking soda and salt
Baking soda combined with salt is especially effective for greasy clogs in the kitchen sink. To do this, mix baking soda and salt in a 1:1 ratio, then pour the mixture into the drain and pour boiling water (metal pipes) or hot water (PVC pipes). Leave it all overnight, and then rinse thoroughly with hot water.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar is a proven methodwhich uses a chemical reaction in the form of sudden foaming to remove blockages. The resulting foam mechanically removes fat deposits and soap residues from the pipe walls.
First, remove the standing water in the sink and pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Then slowly pour half a cup of vinegar and cover the drain with a stopper or cloth for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse the drain with hot water. once a month will help prevent blockages from forming.
- Spiral drain tool
When the blockage is located in deeper parts of the installation, it is worth using a hydraulic spiral. To do this, remove the plug or strainer from the drain and insert the spiral into it until it hits the obstacle. Then start turning the spiral handle while pressing down on the cable to clear the clog. Afterwards, pull out the spiral and remove any remaining dirt and rinse the drain thoroughly with hot water.
A hydraulic piston is a tool that everyone should have at home. It is extremely easy to use and allows you to remove blockages thanks to the power of vacuum. How to use a plunger correctly? Cover the sink overflow hole (with a damp cloth or gray tape) and remove the strainer or plug from the drain.
Then fill the sink with water (3-4 cm deep is enough). Place the plunger over the drain so that it fits tightly into the sink and make a few vigorous up and down movements.. If the water begins to flow freely, the blockage has been removed.
If none of the above methods worked, it is possible that there is a blockage in the siphon. In such a situation, it may be necessary to clean it manually. To do this, place a bucket under the siphon so as not to flood the bathroom during cleaning. Then loosen the siphon nuts using a wrenchremove it and clean it of accumulated dirt. Once done, reinstall the siphon and check the water flow.
Chemical preparations effectively dissolve grease and sediment accumulated in pipesbut their use should be used in moderation. When using corrosive chemicals, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and remember to ventilate the room.
If the described methods do not bring results, the blockage is most likely located deeper in the installation. In such a situation, it is best to contact a professional. The plumber will not only solve the problem, but also check the condition of the installationpreventing more serious failures.
Thanks to simple and effective methods, most problems with clogged drains can be solved on your ownsaving time and money. Remember that this is the key to avoiding similar situations in the future.
