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Top Methods to Use to Clear a Clogged Drain

Top Methods to Use to Clear a Clogged Drain

Isn’t dealing with a clogged drain a nightmare?

Those unexpected plumbing troubles can surely ruin your day. But guess what? We’ve got your back!

Here, we’re going to walk you through some straightforward, effective strategies for clearing those annoying blockages. These methods are quick, easy, and utilize ordinary household items.

Unsure if you can handle it? No worries! There’s no harm in calling in the pros. A skilled team can restore your drains to their former glory in a flash!

Give the Plunger a Try!

Our first go-to method? The humble plunger! This tool, often overlooked, is a trusty companion in the DIY home repairs arsenal. It works wonders by creating suction, helping to displace that pesky clog and get things flowing again.

Planning on tackling a clogged sink drain? Reach out for a cup plunger. First things first, empty the sink or tub of any excess water. Next, out goes the drain cover. Now comes the fun part! Place the cup plunger over the drain. Apply some elbow grease, press down hard, ensuring a good seal. Ready? Pump away! Go at it with vigor a few times, then lift up abruptly.

Keep up the cycle for about a minute. It usually does the trick, dislodging the most stubborn of clogs. There you have it – a clear, flowing drain! Remember, if the clog proves too stubborn or you’re unsure, professional help is just a call away. Let’s keep our drains running smoothly!

Vinegar and Baking Soda

If the plunger method doesn’t cut it, no worries! Let’s bring out the heavy hitters. Try vinegar and baking soda. This combo is natural, safe, and a secret weapon against drain clogs. Pour one-third to a full cup of baking soda down the drain, let it slide down as far as possible.

Now, introduce an equal amount of vinegar. Sit back and watch the magic happen! The mixture will fizz and bubble, attacking the clog. Give it around 10-15 minutes before following up with hot water. This should sweep away any stubborn leftovers. If the clog resists, be patient, repeat the process till the drain runs clear.

Removing Hair Clump

Often, the culprit behind your clog is a cluster of hair. To oust these, a bent wire coat hanger, drain snake, or plumber’s auger works wonders. Carefully feed the hook into the drain, snagging any hair buildups along the way.

Cleaning the P-Trap

For bathroom and kitchen sinks, the P-trap is the usual suspect. It’s a curved pipe just below the sink. Common clogs here include hair, dirt, grease, and even lost jewelry! Dealing with the P-trap is best left to the professionals. A trained plumber will handle it without causing any damage.

The procedure starts with turning off the water to the sink in question. A bucket is placed underneath to collect any spillovers during the process. Two slip nuts connect the trap to the wall and sink drain. These are loosened, and the P-trap is removed with care. Debris and buildup are cleaned out before reassembling and turning the water supply back on. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional when it comes to this trickier task!

Boiling Water

The answer to a clogged drain might be as simple as boiling water! While it might not conquer all blockages, it works wonders on grease, soap residue, and food debris. Here’s how to do it:

  1. First, get rid of excess water in your sink.
  2. Grab a large pot or kettle and get that water boiling.
  3. Pour it into the drain, slowly but steadily. Now, take a pause.
  4. Let the hot water work its magic for a few minutes before flushing with cold water.
  5. Repeat this as necessary.

The heat often dissolves debris, grease, or soap scum causing the clog.

You can add some extra punch by mixing in 1/3 cup of dish detergent with your boiling water. It’s excellent for tackling grease, fats, and oils clogging up the pipes. Persistent clogs might require a few rounds of this method, alternating with plunging.

Calling in the Pros!

If the clog’s proving stubborn, it’s okay to admit defeat. That’s when our team at Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling steps in.

Our skilled technicians can tackle any blockage or clog issue. From cabling to hydro-jetting or descaling, we have the tools to clear built-up debris or scale.

Worried about a broken line? We’ve got you covered.

We offer video inspections to assess for broken pipes, off-sets, or any other complex issue that can’t be fixed with standard line clearing. We’re ready to resolve any issue, big or small. We’re even at your service 24/7 for those plumbing emergencies that just can’t wait. Give Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call today at 505-974-5797. We’re here to help!

 

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