You don’t have to call a plumber because of a clogged drain. This is how you can unblock it yourself

A clogged drain in the kitchen or bathroom is a common problem that can cause inconvenience in everyday life. Fortunately, in most cases it is possible to solve this problem yourself, without the need for an installer. The causes of clogging can be various, from food residues and grease in the kitchen to hair and soap scum in the bathroom. Below you will find effective ways to unblock a drain and practical tips to prevent such situations in the future.

Home remedies to unblock drains

Home drain unblocking methods are often cheaper and much more environmentally friendly than using chemical products. They use natural ingredients such as baking soda, salt or vinegar that are biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Thanks to their simplicity, drain problems can be solved quickly and efficiently without having to call a plumber, saving time and money. Regular use of these methods also has a preventive effect, as it prevents future clogging. Here are some proven ways to clear a clogged drain:

Boiling water

One of the easiest ways to unclog a clogged drain is to use boiling water. Hot water effectively dissolves grease, soap and other deposits that linger in pipes, especially metal ones. Boil approximately one liter of water and slowly pour it down the drain. To avoid damage, make sure you don’t pour it directly onto porcelain surfaces.

Warning: Do not use this method with PVC pipes, as the high water temperature may deform or damage them.

A mixture of baking soda and salt

Baking soda combined with salt is particularly effective for greasy clogs in the kitchen sink. For this purpose, mix baking soda and salt in a ratio of 1:1then pour the mixture down the drain and pour boiling water (metal pipes) or hot water (PVC pipes). Leave it on overnight and then rinse thoroughly with hot water.

Baking soda and vinegar

The combination of baking soda and vinegar is a proven method that uses a chemical reaction in the form of a sudden foaming to remove the blockage. The resulting foam mechanically removes greasy deposits and soap residues from the pipe walls.
First, remove the standing water in the sink and pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then slowly pour in half a glass of vinegar and cover the drain with a plug or cloth for 30 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with hot water. Using this method once a month will help prevent blockages.

Spiral drain tool

If the blockage is located in the deeper parts of the system, it is a good idea to use a spiral tool (mole) to drain the water. To do this, remove the plug or strainer from the drain and insert the spiral until you hit the obstruction. Then start turning the auger handle while pushing on the cable to clear the clog. When you are done, pull out the coil, remove any remaining dirt from it and flush the drain thoroughly with hot water.

Piston

A hydraulic ram 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 negative pressure. 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 (a depth of 3-4 cm is sufficient). Place the plunger over the drain so that it fits snugly into the sink and make a few jerky up and down movements. If the water begins to drain freely, the blockage has been removed.

Siphon cleaning

If none of the above methods worked, it is possible that the blockage is in the water siphon. In that case, you may need to clean it manually. For this purpose, place a bucket under the siphon so that you do not flood the bathroom during cleaning. Then loosen the nuts of the siphon with a wrench, remove it and clean it of accumulated dirt. When finished, refit the siphon and check the water flow.

Chemicals

Chemical products are effective in dissolving grease and deposits accumulated in pipes, but they should be used sparingly. When using caustic chemicals, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and remember to ventilate the room.

When is it worth calling a plumber?

If the described methods do not work, it is likely that the blockage is located deeper in the installation. In such a situation, it is best to contact an expert. The plumber will not only solve the problem, but also check the state of the installation, thereby preventing more serious malfunctions.

Using simple and effective methods, you can solve most clogged drain problems yourself, saving you time and money. Remember that regular drain care and prevention is the key to avoiding similar situations in the future.

A favorite cream can save a clogged sink. Just contact the beautician and the problem is over.