Is there anything more nightmarish than washing up in the kitchen or bathroom sink only to watch the water struggle to go down the drain? What begins as slow-draining water can quickly spiral into something bigger later on, like costly water damage. When you spot a clogged drain, it’s important to jump into action and find a solution right away.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to free up even the most stubborn clogged drains. Busy families juggle everything from home repairs to lawn care, which is why quick DIY fixes come in handy. When those easy fixes don’t cut it, you also have reliable professional options, too. The key is knowing which solution fits your situation. Here are seven effective ways to clear a clogged drain and keep your sinks, tubs, and showers flowing freely.
Flush the Drain with Boiling Water
Sometimes, a slow drain is just the result of grease and soap scum clinging to the insides of your pipes. To get rid of that residue and flush it down, all you need is boiling water. Hot water is perhaps the simplest, most affordable way to break down the soft build-up that makes your pipes seem narrower.
That heat melts and dissolves the grease. It loosens up the grime stuck in there and washes it away. Simply pour hot water straight from the kettle down the drain. Break it up into two or three stages, waiting a few seconds before each pour.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is one of those handy tools every DIYer should own. It’s great for cleaning and getting rid of foul smells in your home. However, it can also unclog your drain when paired with vinegar.
The combination of the two creates a fizzy, bubbling reaction that breaks down whatever is clogging the drain. All you have to do is pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow it up with a cup of vinegar. Cover your drain with a rag and let it fizz for 15 minutes. After that, flush it with hot water. This is especially helpful if you’re unclogging a stinky drain, since both baking soda and vinegar are terrific for deodorizing, too.
Create Suction with a Plunger
When standing water refuses to drain, it’s usually because a clog is already blocking the flow down your drain. A plunger works by creating suction and pressure, which can dislodge clogs and let water move through your pipes again. Just place the plunger over the drain opening and pump firmly several times before pulling it away to “break” the blockage. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when the water flow goes back to normal.
Fish the Gunk Out with a Wire Coat Hanger
If you’re trying to unclog a shower drain full of hair or retrieve small items that fell into your drain and are now blocking it, you need to get creative. A simple wire coat hanger bent into a hook-like shape can work excellently as a makeshift tool to physically pull out that debris.
Get a wire hanger you no longer use and straighten it out. Bend one end into a small hook. When you’re ready, carefully remove the drain cover and use the hanger to pull out the hair or small items and debris. This clears the pathway to help water drain freely again.
Hire a Hydro Jetting Service
If the DIY methods above don’t work, it might be because your pipes are clogged deeper down in the system by hardened grease or scale. When that happens, it might be time to call in a licensed plumber to do the job for you with a more intense method, like hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting is a professional service that uses high-pressure water streams to blast away tough, stubborn buildup inside clogged pipes and sewer lines. It also scrubs and cleans the interiors of your pipes, which helps prevent future blockages.
Use a Drain Snake
Another solution for blockages that are way too deep to reach is by using a drain snake, also called an auger. This flexible tool can navigate through the deeper parts of your pipes. It then latches onto anything clogging the area and breaks it apart. All you have to do is insert the snake into your drain and push until you hit resistance. Then, twist and pull back to remove the blockage.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
If nothing else seems to work, you could also consider using chemical drain cleaners. These strong ingredients dissolve all sorts of organic matter that typically clogs drains, like hair, grease, and soap buildup. Just follow the directions on the chemical cleaner’s packaging. Typically, you’ll just need to pour it down the drain and flush it with boiling water.
These products may be effective at unclogging your drain, but they can release fumes that are bad for your home’s air quality. Remember, your environment affects your personal wellness. So, use chemical drain cleaners sparingly and only as a last resort if the safer options have failed.
Endnote
As soon as you notice water draining slowly from your sink or shower, act on it right away. Try a few of the easy DIY fixes like boiling water or baking soda first. If it doesn’t budge, bring out the big guns like the drain snake and chemical cleaners, or call up the professionals for a hydro jetting service.
No matter how clogged your drain is with grease, hair, or other products, there’s always a way to get the water flowing again. The sooner you tackle the problem head-on, the sooner your bathroom or kitchen will feel back to normal.
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