Flooded sink, musty bathroom, and slower house chores— these are just a few of the many inconveniences that sluggish drains can bring into your home. If you prolong the required drain cleaning, you’re also at risk of a flooded yard due to potential burst pipes.
So, what should you do to keep your home protected? While clogged drains require immediate solution, your first response doesn’t have to be an instant call to a plumber for a repair. Before calling for help, there are plenty of quick and simple DIY solutions you can try to get that water flowing again.
In this guide, Doug the Plumber will share five proven drain-unclogging hacks every homeowner should know.
1. Grab the Plunger
Yes, the trusty plunger. It’s been a household hero for years and for a number of good reasons. If your drain is flowing slower than usual, the plunger can serve as your first line of defense. Whether it’s your sink, shower, or bathtub, the plunger can dislodge minor and early clogs.
Start by filling the basin with water, just enough to cover the plunger’s cup. Lay the plunger directly over the drain and push it down firmly to achieve a watertight seal. Then, use quick, forceful plunges to try and move the clog through the pipe. It may take a few tries, but this simple tool is often a reliable companion when your drains choke.
2. Try the Classic Baking Soda and Vinegar Duo
This natural duo is a tried-and-true method for tackling minor clogs and bad odors in drains. The key step is to mix about a cup of each ingredient and pour it down the drain. You’ll hear a nice little fizzing action as the two ingredients react.
You would want the mixture to do its work by letting it sit for a good 10-15 minutes before finally flushing it down with hot water. The fizzy reaction helps break down grease, soap scum, and other debris that might be slowing your drain. It’s a cheap, eco-friendly way to give your pipes a nice little clean-out!
3. The Boiling Water Trick
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best ones. Sudden drain clogs are often caused by minor blockages like grease and soap buildup. These clogs are organic and can easily melt when exposed to extreme temperatures.
So, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain, bit by bit, letting it work its way through the pipes. The hot water will help break down greasy clogs and soap scum that might have built up over time. For extra power, you can use this method after trying the baking soda and vinegar combo to flush out any remaining gunk.
4. Turn to the Drain Snake
So you’ve tried the plunger, but the clog just won’t budge? It’s time to grab a drain snake. This handy little tool is perfect for deeper blockages that a plunger can’t reach. The drain snake is a flexible metal tool that you can feed into the drain and twist around to break up those stubborn clogs. It’s especially useful for hair or food debris caught further down the pipes.
Simply insert the snake, twist it to break up the clog, and pull out whatever’s stuck. It might take a bit more effort, but it’s a great way to clear out deeper blockages without resorting to harmful drain chemicals.
5. Keep the Drain Trap Clean
Sometimes the culprit for sluggish drains is right under your nose—literally! The drain trap, that U-shaped pipe under your sink, is a common place for debris to collect. Food particles, soap, and hair can get stuck there, causing a clog.
If you suspect that’s the issue, it’s easy to clean it out. First, grab a wrench and loosen the nuts holding the trap in place. Once removed, you can clean the gunk inside by hand or rinse it out with water. Reassemble the trap, making sure everything is tight, and check for leaks. If you find one, it might be time to call a plumber for a more thorough repair or replacement.
Stubborn Drain Clogs? Call Doug the Plumber To Restore Optimal Draining Fast
These DIY solutions should help with most sluggish drain issues. However, there are times when clogs are so persistent that no home remedy can clear them. If you’ve tried everything and your drain is still giving you trouble, it’s time to call in the pros.
At Doug the Plumber, we specialize in clearing tough clogs and providing long-term solutions to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly. No matter how deep the blockages are, we have the tools to clear them out without the hassle and mess!
Don’t let a stubborn drain slow you down—call Doug the Plumber today for expert drain cleaning that guarantees fast drain relief!
