When you have trouble with your drains, the best thing you can do is reach out to a team of skilled professional plumbers. That is, of course, unless you can unclog it on your own. You may think that, as a plumbing company, we’d try to stop you from doing the job on your own. But we’re here to help. If we can save you the hassle and cost of calling in a plumber, we will do whatever we can.
However, there is a right and a wrong way to unclog a drain. Sometimes, you really do need to call in the pros. But we want to give you some ideas of what you might try
first.
#1: The Natural Method
If there’s a small clog near your drain opening, made up of hair or perhaps small particles of food, you may be able to help control it with a few ingredients from the kitchen. All you need is:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- A cup or more of vinegar
- Boiling water
Just like those elementary school science experiments involving a molded volcano, be sure to add the baking soda first. Follow it up with the vinegar and then wait about 5-10 minutes. Finally, follow that with boiling hot water and wait a few minutes again before testing it out. The reaction may be strong enough to clear out the drains!
Didn’t work? At the very least, your drains are a little cleaner now, and less likely to stink!
#2: A Plunger
Next, we would always recommend a plunger before taking any extreme measures. When a clog is in your toilet, this may be an obvious option for you. But plungers are just as strongly recommended for sinks: just make sure you have the right one! A toilet plunger should have an extra attachment—a flange—at the bottom, while a sink plunger is cupped.
Be sure to get a tight seal around the drain opening. Then, continuously move the plunger up and down, putting as much force into pushing down as you do pull up. Don’t be worried if it takes 20 or 30 times (but know when to give up too).
#3: A Drain Auger
Drain augers and drain snakes can be found in many stores. They may be right for your clog, but only if you use them right. Use them incorrectly and the clog might get pushed further along in the drain and sewer lines.
Just in case you don’t want to attempt this on your own, professionals have the right tools.
Notice What’s Missing From This List?
If you were reading closely, you’ve probably noticed that we haven’t mentioned those drain cleaners sold on store shelves. Those are a major worry in our area. Not only are they toxic, but they can damage the insides of the pipes!
Let the experts at Ottagan Plumbing assist. We will clean out the insides of your drains so future clogs are less likely to occur.
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