6 Ways To Unclog A Drain

We all know the warnings signs – water going down the drain at a snail’s pace, or pooling around your feet in the shower. And the smell that it begins to omit after a while? Not exactly the aroma you want in the room you prepare all your meals. These are signs you soon may have a clogged drain. It’s something you need to deal with quickly, or you could find yourself facing the wrath of a burst pipe.

Some things that might cure that pesky clog:

• Flush the drain with boiling water.

  Nothing could be simpler, and it could be all the drain needs.

• Homemade unclogger.

  Baking soda and vinegar create a bubbling when mixed, so be careful when pouring down the drain. Alternatively, salt and baking soda may also work. Mix 1/2 cup of table salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour down the blocked drain. Leave for 10-20 minutes, follow with boiling water. Either of these concoctions will produce a chemical reaction that should dissolve some of the nastiest blockages.

• Plunge it.

  Make sure the overflow drain a the top of the sink is stopped up. Plumber’s tape will work. This will push water or air into the drain and clog, instead of escaping through the overflow drain.

• Dish soap.

  Pour dish soap into the drain followed by boiling water. If there’s a greasy clog, this may take care of it.

• Use a wire coat hanger.

  Make a small bend at the end to snake the drain. Be very careful. You don’t want to inadvertently damage the pipes or drain you’re trying to clear.

• Wet and dry vacuum.

  This can be a clog’s arch enemy. Set the vacuum to liquids, covering the vent to prevent a mess. Then, create a tight seal over the drain. With the vacuum on the highest setting, it can be powerful enough to draw the clog up the pipe and into the vacuum bag.

Use a drain basket or screen to keep hair or food out. Never pour grease down the drain. To keep drains healthy, mix a cup of baking soda, a cup of salt with a quarter cup of cream of tartar. Add a bit to the drain. Pour a cup of boiling water in right after doing that. After about 10 seconds, let the cold water flow. Doing this weekly will keep drains in perfect condition.