What You Need To Do To Fix Blocked Drains
Don’t panic if you have a blocked drain in the bathroom or kitchen.
Some people might not know where to begin when the shower drains refuses to take in any more water, and they are left standing in a pool. People especially tend to panic when a kitchen bathroom sink starts overflowing.
But simple prevention methods like using a drain protector will protect the drain from unwanted clogging. Though sometimes, these methods fail, and you will have to find a way to remove blockages.
Let’s find out what you need to do to fix a blocked drain-
Six Ways To Fix Blocked Drains
1. Use Kitchen Ingredients To Unclog A Drain
You may already know this, but it is possible to fix blocked drains using household items like baking soda and vinegar. To use this trick, you’ll need a pot of boiling water, baking soda, or vinegar. The method is simple, first, pour some hot water down your sink and follow it up by pouring baking soda and vinegar.
Make sure to add the soda first and the vinegar afterward. Now, all you have to do is leave the sink alone without pouring any additional water through it. The point is to wait for the chemicals to apply pressure on the blocked drain and remove the obstruction, hopefully clearing the block.
Some people believe that hot water is the main ingredient for unblocking drains, so try adding just water to see if it works for you. Note that it is not recommended to add baking soda to metal or ceramic pipes because it might cause corrosion and damage. Another thing to remember is this method will not help with severe blockages in the drain.
2. Use A Plunger
One of the most basic solutions to unblock a drain is using the humble toilet plunger. You can use this solution if you hear gurgling sounds in the toilet bowl or the outdoor drains. Some people worry about using the plunger anywhere else besides the toilet, but it does a pretty good job loosening blockages in all drains.
As such, you can clear a blocked drain in the kitchen by purchasing a plunger exclusively for the kitchen. This simple device will not cost you much, but it will help clear the drainage system that might be clogged with food scraps and grease build-up.
If all else fails, you can always approach a local plumber and get help for more severe blockages like burst pipes.
3. Use Drain Cleaning Chemicals
Drain cleaning chemicals include hydrogen peroxide, caustic soda, borax, and ready-to-buy drain cleaners. These substances are much stronger than vinegar and baking soda, and you will have to be careful while using them. In fact, try these chemicals only if other options do not work.
a) Caustic Soda
Also known as sodium hydroxide, this ingredient can be used to ease a serious blockage. Mix three cups of caustic soda with 3/4 gallons of cold water and stir using a wooden utensil. The mixture will bubble and fizz while also increasing in temperature. This is when you need to carefully pour the mixture into the blocked drain and leave for half an hour.
However, be careful not to pill since it can damage the skin. Wear rubber gloves to stay safe.
b) Hydrogen Peroxide
This is another corrosive chemical, so you should avoid touching or spilling it to prevent burns and wounds. To use, wear gloves first and mix one cup hydrogen peroxide with one quart of water and pour it down the drain. Wait for 30 minutes, and it will loosen blockages. However, mixing this with substances like baking or caustic soda could cause a reaction, so avoid using them together.
c) Borax, Vinegar, and Salt Mixture
Another combination that can be extremely helpful is white vinegar, borax, and salt mixture. In a container, take 1/4th cup of borax, with half a cup of vinegar. Add 1/4 cup of salt and hot water, and pour this mixture into the kitchen sink or drain opening.
Allow this solution to sit for one hour, then pour some water on the drain to check if the solid blockages have dissolved.
4. Use A Drain Snake Or Clothes Hanger
Another way to fix a drain blockage is using a DIY drain snake, plumber’s snake, or drain auger. When boiling water and caustic cleaners cannot do the trick, it may be time for manual manipulation to unblock a drain.
Create a U-shaped pipe with the clothes hanger and put it in the drain hole to move the foreign objects causing blockages. You could always buy a drain auger at most hardware stores.
5. Vacuum Clogged Drains
A vacuum can help you suck out any obstruction in the drain pipe. Unlike professional plumbers, you won’t have CCTV drain cameras to check what else is stuck besides coffee grounds or cooking oil. But you can select your vacuum to wet mode and create a tight seal between the sink and vacuum hose before attempting to use this method.
6. Mix Hot Water And Dish Detergent
Finally, a simple solution to clear drains is a mix of detergent and hot water. Of course, this will not work for outdoor drains with tree roots stuck in them. Instead, this can clear oil and grime blockage in the kitchen drains.
Final Words
Ultimately, if the blockage is minor, these household methods should work just fine and clear the drains. However, if you have already tried these solutions to no avail, consider getting a professional plumber to help with the drain blockages. After all, they’ve got the right expertise and tools to fix your plumbing issues for once and for all!
Also, opt for a professional company that offers all types of plumbing services, including clearing blocked toilets, shower drains, sinks, and leaks.