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Clogged drain keeps bugging you? You can solve the issue once and for all. How you do it depends on where the drain in your house is clogged. Read on!
It doesn’t matter whether you live in the old or new house, clogged drains are just an inseparable part of run-of-the-mill. Everything usually starts with unpleasant odors in the bathroom or kitchen, and if you do not act immediately, all chances are you will end up with completely blocked drains, or even worse – burst pipes and a heck of a lot of mess around the house.
Prevention is key, and the best way to keep drains free is not to ignore the early signs of the problem. However, with our crazy busy lifestyle, we tend to leave stuff to the last minute and, as a result, face completely blocked drains. Staying in the middle of a useless bathroom without a chance not only to take shower but even brush your teeth is far from being a great experience. Is there anything you can do to save the situation?
Fortunately, even in such a terrible case, it is too early to be desperate. The famous DIY approach can serve you well in the majority of cases, of course, if you know which method to apply for a certain problem. Keep reading as we’re going to share with you expert advice on how to solve a clogged drain puzzle once and for all.
What's Inside
How to Unclog a Sink
Let’s start with the sink, which is arguably the most often clogged item in your house. Every day plenty of hair, skin particles, ordinary dirt, and food bind to the soap scum and stubbornly build up on the walls of the drain pipe. Even if you clean it regularly with a special detergent and brush, you can’t reach deep enough to completely eliminate the dirt and force it to leave your pipes.
If you notice that the water flow has started to slow down, do not wait too long to take the right step. According to sewer and drain experts from allserviceplumbers.com, a simple wire hanger is an efficient weapon that works in the great bulk of cases. Well, it probably won’t solve all your problems forever but will make your sink usable again so you won’t be late for work or an important meeting.
The big idea is pretty easy; you will need a regular wire hanger (next time do not toss out those you get with your dry cleaning), just straighten it out and form a small hook at one end. Now, start to push the hooked end slowly down the plughole and try to fish out as much of that gunk as you can. Just a heads up, be careful not to push the blockage further – the point is to remove dirt and let the water flow.
How to Unclog a Toilet
We bet you’ve heard about the miracles that Coca-Cola can work when mixed with baking soda, but if you have also tried this method, then you know, it is perhaps great for giving your toilet a shiny white look but not to unclog it.
The general advice of seasoned pros is to start with dish soap you usually use in the kitchen (not the one you put in your dishwasher). Pour about half a cup into the toilet; the slippery soap will play the role of lubricant and help the stuck debris slide down more easily. Be aware that it is not the case when the more the merrier, do not use too much of the soap at once.
If the soap method doesn’t work, do not worry, you still have a trick up your sleeve. Try adding hot water (NOT boiling! It will damage porcelain) by filling a pretty big bucket and strongly pouring the water into the toilet.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain
To start with, it is a good idea to remove all the hairs you can reach with your hands (do not forget to protect them with rubber gloves) or with the help of a hanger. Once you are done with this step, you will need a drain snake. They are widely available in the hardware stores, and you can even get a disposable plastic version if you do not want to clean it afterward. An unpretentious rubber suction cup will also be of great help. Not all people like the tip of using their vacuum for unclogging drains.
Annoying clogs just can’t be avoided, therefore, it is good to know a couple of tricks to get rid of them quickly and without much hassle. Of course, if you have tried all the aforementioned DIY methods but without success, you need professional help.
