The blocked drain is a classic homeowner dilemma. How do you approach this if you aren’t very experienced in solving such problems? Do you need to know what is causing the clog in order to better deal with it? Luckily, there are a number of ways to unclog any drain without going to too much trouble. Here are 5 tips to help you.
1. How Old Are Your Pipes?
If you are renting, especially if the property is an older one, it might be worth checking with your landlord to confirm when (if ever) the pipes were replaced or upgraded. Old drainpipes can accumulate grime and detritus over time, and this may build up enough that it prevents water from getting through, causing a blockage. In this scenario, make sure you get a professional pipe installer like Nuflow Technologies to install any new piping for you.
2. The Old Baking Soda And Vinegar Trick
Chemistry is fun – especially when it solves problems! Take 1/3 cup of baking soda and mix it with the same amount of vinegar. Make sure to do this near the drain because the mixture will start to froth and fizz immediately and you should tip it down the drain right away. This fizzing will help to break down any grime or hair that has built up down there. If you’re strapped for time, leave it for 60 minutes – but for the best results, leave it overnight. Then, flush the drain with hot water.
3. Get A Drain Snake
This is for people who know there is one specific blockage that just needs one good prod to remove. A drain snake is a thin metal pipe that can bend to move through curved pipes and force its way through any resistance that it might meet along the way. This solution is perfect for unclogging drains that frequently block up from hair.
4. Use A Wet/Dry Vacuum
Wet/dry vacuums are extremely useful and it’s possible you already own one. If you do, you might find you get really great results when using it to unblock your drains. Start by setting it to “wet” mode and then find a way to create the tightest seal you can around the plughole – you might be able to get creative and repurpose an old plunger head to do this. Crank the vacuum power up and, if all goes well, it should suck the blockage out.
5. Boiling Water
By far the oldest and easiest method for unblocking a drain, this is one your grandparents would approve of. Simply boil the kettle and pour the boiling water down the drain in three or four stages, leaving a gap of a few seconds between each pour so the water can do its work, softening up whatever is causing the blockage and letting it move freely down the pipe. Surprisingly effective and easy to arrange, this is a simple and handy DIY drain unclogger.
These are just a few of the most popular DIY solutions for unblocking a drain. What are you favourite home remedies for this situation? Share your advice in the comments below!
