There are many ways to unblock the drain, but it is not always clear which method is good for your home’s plumbing. Generally, it is always good to start with the most gentle solutions to prevent damaging the pipes and then proceed with the more aggressive methods.
Read these Suggestions on how you can Unblock the Drain at Home Without much Fuss and Hassle.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
These two are the most common yet effective natural home remedies and cleaners. You can use it all around the house, including unblocking drains. Prepare equal parts of vinegar and baking soda. Mix them. It will create a fizz, so pour them down the drain. Let the fizz work on the blockages by leaving it for an hour or overnight for the best effect. Flush it down with hot water.
Boiling Water
Speaking of boiling water, this alone can unblock clogged drains. It is an old trick and is self-explanatory. But for the sake of this discussion, we will teach you how to properly use it. Boil a kettle full of water. Pour it slowly into the drain in two stages. Leaving a few seconds between each pour. The boiling water will travel through the pipes and dissolve whatever obstructions it has.
Clean the Pipes
This is a more advanced way to unblock a pipe but you should be confident in taking the drainpipe apart. If not, do not attempt to do it. However, this procedure does not require you to be a rocket scientist. Why not give it a try.
Place an empty bucket under the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink. It will collect the water and any leaks that will occur during the process. With a wrench, loosen the nuts at both ends of the pipe and remove the pipe. Empty its contents into the bucket. Use a wire to remove the hidden debris in the pipes. Rinse it and put it back together. Check if the water flows down continuously. Congratulations! You have successfully unblocked the drain.
Salt and Baking Soda
Here is a variation of the vinegar and baking soda method. Mix half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt. Pour this down directly into the pipe. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes then pour hot water over them. The salt, baking soda, and hot water will produce a chemical reaction that will dissolve the blockage.
Plunger
Another old-school technique. The plunger is a brilliant mechanism that sucks up any blockages on your drain. However, it requires some strength and a lot of persistence. It may take a few tries but this has been a proven method of clearing household drains.
Chemical Cleaners
If you have used all the above methods with no success, you need a stronger agent to unblock your drain. Try using chemical cleaners available in supermarkets. You only need to pour them into the drain and leave it overnight. Use hot water to rinse. Make sure to follow the instructions when using them and wear proper protection.
Biological Cleaner
A perfect alternative to harmful options is biological drain cleaners. They are enzymes that chew through the blockages. However, they are not as powerful as their chemical counterparts. It can remove hair, soap and other blockages that are easy to tackle though.
Zip-It
The Zip-it is a great tool that every household should have. This long plastic stick with a hook at its end can pull out the grime. Place it down the drain and pull up. It can hook any mess down there easily.
Conclusion
If your drain is still blocked after trying all these methods, it is time to call a professional to sort the problem. A plumber can unblock your drain safely and effectively without adding extra stress to your life.