Having a blocked drain in your home is not just a headache, but if it’s not unclogged, the problem will continue to worsen. Most of the time you can get an idea of what is clogging the pipe based on where it is used. For instance, if it’s in the kitchen, it may food or grease from cooking. A bathroom drain can indicate hair or even a soap bar.
Plunger
If you’re like most people, when a drain is blocked, you reach for a plunger to try and force the clog loose. This may work for many clogs, especially if it involves the toilet. In order for success to occur, the plunger needs to fit over the opening of the drain and create a seal while forcibly plunging several times.
A plunger can be effective if it properly fits drain and the blockage is only minor.
Boiled Water for Grease
If your blocked drain is in the kitchen and you suspect it’s caused from grease, a plunger is not going to help. First, you’ll need to remove as much standing water in the sink as possible. First, boil some water and slowly pour it down the drain. The idea is that the hot water will melt the grease and get the water moving. This is most effective when the clog is new.
Boiled water can be used to loosen up grease and fat build up in kitchen sinks.
Using Drain Cleaners
Depending on the type of blockage you’re dealing with, drain cleaners can be effective. For instance, if you noticed your bathtub is draining slow, it may be due to hair and some drain cleaners can work on this issue. Typically, you pour the bottle of cleaner down the drain and let it set for 30 minutes or more. Just be careful not to let the liquid splash on your while pouring it in the drain. Next open the hot water tap to help dissolve the clog.
Drain cleaners can be particularly hazardous and extreme care should be used when using them. Do not get drain cleaner on any part of your skin. Use thick rubber gloves and ensure there are no children or pets nearby. Drain cleaners are rarely effective and given the level of threat they pose it may be best to avoid using them.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
A more natural way to unclog a drain is by using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. If you have standing water in the sink, you’ll want to remove that first. Next, mix equal portions or white vinegar and baking soda in a bottle and shake it. Pour it directly down the drain. You’ll need to let it stand for 30 or more minutes. Afterwards, you can use an appropriate sized plunger to plunge the drain. If you can see the clog, such as hair, you can use a wire hanger to remove it. Lastly flush the drain with boiling water.
Of course, while there are several methods you can use at home to unclog a drain, it doesn’t always work. It really depends on the type of clog and how long it’s been there. Home methods often work best on slow draining pipes. If a drain is holding standing water and will not drain at all, the clog could blocking a larger portion of the pipe.
Call the Perth Plumbing Professionals
If you’ve tried your best to clear a blocked drain and it has not been successful, calling a licensed plumber at Westend Plumbing WA is the easiest way to get your pipes draining correctly. They handle residential and commercial plumbing and will arrive at home as quickly as possible to diagnose and fix your drain. Contact WestEnd Plumbing
