Drains can become clogged for a variety of reasons. From hair to soap scum buildup, a drain clog can make daily life frustrating. You have plenty of options for drain clearing in all your sinks. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
1. Boiling Water
Drains that are partially clogged due to fat or grease buildup may benefit from boiling water. This is only useful for sinks that still drain. In sinks that are completely clogged and have standing water, the boiling water won’t be able to make its way down the pipes.
Boil several cups of water, then pour the water slowly and carefully down the drain. You may need to repeat this step a couple of times for the best results. Be careful about pouring boiling water into a porcelain sink or a sink with PVC pipes, as it could result in damage.
If you’re not sure whether boiling water is a safe option for your sink, get in touch with a local plumbing service.
2. Baking Soda Mixture
Using baking soda with other kitchen ingredients may help break up simple clogs. Some common mixtures include baking soda and vinegar, baking soda and salt, and baking soda and lemon juice.
Measure out equal parts of baking soda and the chosen complimentary ingredient. Pour baking soda in first followed by the second ingredient. You can let this mixture sit for up to an hour, then flush it out with hot water. Covering the drain after applying the mixture may help it take effect better.
3. Dish Soap
Dish soap is designed to eliminate grease, which means it can be an excellent tool for clearing out drains. Pour a small amount of dish soap into the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then add hot or boiling water to flush out the pipe. You may need to repeat this process multiple times to clean out all the grease and fat buildup.
Don’t add too much dish soap, as this can create suds. Once the dish soap gets foamy, it is less effective at breaking down grease or oil buildup.
4. Drain Snake
A drain snake is a simple tool that can clear out a variety of drain clogs. It’s also easy to use, which can make clearing the drain a quick process. Drain snakes are thin strips that have barbs along the end. The barbs get caught in the clogs and pull them out when the strip is removed.
To clean your drain with a snake, insert the strip into the sink drain as far as it can reach, then slowly pull the snake out. If there’s a big clog, removing the snake can be challenging, so take your time. Twist the snake around if it gets stuck to help loosen it up.
If the snake doesn’t go far into the drain, you may have to repeat the process to remove the clogs that are close to the drain opening first.
5. Professional Drain Clearing
While these tricks can be helpful if you need a quick solution, the most effective option you have is to use professional drain clearing services. Clogs can be made up of different types of materials, which can make them difficult to remove. A plumber understands clogs and knows how best to remove them. They also have a thorough understanding of different sink and pipe materials, so they will use the safest and most effective methods for your sink and drain.
Using professional sink and drain services will also make sure that the entire pipe is cleared. Home methods may remove only part of a clog or leave buildup that can turn into another clog down the road. With professional clog removal services, you can trust that your pipes will be fully cleared and your sink will drain smoothly.
Find Reliable Drain Clearing Services
A clogged drain can look like a slow-draining sink or one that doesn’t drain at all. Regardless of the severity of your clog, you have options. Try some home methods to clear out your drain and help your plumbing run smoothly. For complete pipe cleaning and clog removal services, look for a professional plumbing company near you that can keep your plumbing in good condition.
