Clogged drains can be frustrating. If homemade solutions do not work, you may be tempted to turn to store-bought drain cleaners.
However, there are a few ways you can unclog your drains by yourself without spending much money at all. You can use a classic plunger, try a wire hanger snake, or pour baking soda and vinegar down your drain.
Plunger
There’s a reason why a standard household plunger is one of the most useful tools in your home; it’s a quick and simple solution to many common plumbing issues, including clogged drains. A plunger works by changing pressure to help dislodge blockages.
To use a plunger, situate the rubber bell of the plunger over the sink or shower drain. Submerge the handle in standing water and push down on the handle in quick, deliberate thrusts without lifting the plunger off the drain enough to break the seal. Repeat this action several times until the clog clears.
If the clog persists, try boiling a pot of water and pouring it down the drain. If that doesn’t work, try a store-bought product specifically formulated to break apart hair and soap scum. If none of these methods work, it’s time to call in a plumber.
Snake
A drain snake, also known as a drain auger, is a long, coiled wire with a handle at one end that you crank to push into the clogged pipe and dislodge the obstruction. You can find drain snakes at most hardware stores. However, some stores sell a specific type of snake for toilets that has an extra-flexible cable with plastic or rubber covering to reduce the risk of scratching the porcelain surface.
Before using the snake, remove any strainers or drain covers from the sink or tub and shut off power to your garbage disposal (if you have one). Put on rubber gloves and carefully insert the snake into the clogged pipe. Start cranking the handle to move the snake through the pipe until you feel resistance or a catch. Pull back up and check the snake for debris caught on it, which you should scoop out of the drain. Repeat as needed to clear a tough clog.
Wire Hanger
In the era of DIY-mania, wire hangers are used for everything from making bird feeders to repairing a broken zipper. The long spools of metal are also a staple in most homeowners’ tool kits for unclogging drains. They’re easy to use and provide immediate results, eliminating the need to wait for chemical drain cleaners to kick in.
Bending a wire hanger into a hook and feeding it down the drain can dislodge hair, soap scum and other debris that has collected in the pipe. This method is particularly effective for kitchen sink clogs that stem from leftover food residue and
grease.
However, it’s important to note that the sharp end of a wire hanger can scratch or damage pipes, potentially leading to leaks and even more serious blockages down the line. Furthermore, the technique can be ineffective for clogs that form farther down the pipe and are triggered by more than just hair or grease build-up.
Chemical Agents
Keeping drains clean is the best way to avoid future clogs, and there are plenty of methods that work without harsh chemicals. For example, baking soda and vinegar fizz together to form a natural chemical reaction that cleans and deodorizes pipes. There are also specialized products that clean and freshen garbage disposals. You can also try flushing a drain with boiling water. If these DIY solutions don’t work, call a plumber. Some clogs are caused by foreign objects that must be removed mechanically or with professional-grade drain cleaning equipment.
Using chemical drain cleaners is not only harmful to your pipes, but it’s bad for the environment as well. Over-the-counter drain cleaners release toxins that damage pipe walls and kill the microorganisms in wastewater systems that break down organic matter. A more eco-friendly alternative is to pour liquid dish soap and hot water down a drain to disperse grease and wash away food debris. This method may take a while to work on stubborn clogs, but it’s safe for your home and the environment. For more help with plumbing questions and services, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ offer a lot of resourceful information.