Clogged Drain

Water not draining out of the wash basin, kitchen sink or bathtub is a bothersome experience for one and all. This happens mainly when some debris like food particles, oil, dirt, soap and hair, blocks the passage of water. It may also occur as a result of mineral build up inside the drain caused by hard water. We feel absolutely helpless in such a condition. What makes the problem all the more difficult is that most of us do not have the knowledge of plumbing. So, we tend to rely on the professionals to clear the clogged drain pipe. However, hiring a professional is an expensive affair. For that reason, in the following section we are going to discuss some homemade solution to unclog drain.

Clogged Drains Home Remedies

In most of the cases, it is found that the clogged drain is not a major problem and it can be handled with some simple tools and materials that are easily available in our homes. Following are a few of such remedies:

Hot Water: This is an old remedy, that works well where the drain is not completely clogged, but water is draining out quite slowly. Pour some hot water to which some salt has been added into the drain. The hot water will wash off all the greasy stuff that disrupt the draining process. Once the drain has been opened up, make sure you pour hot salted water into the drain once a week, to prevent any such clogging in future.

Baking Soda: Baking soda can be used to prepare homemade drain cleaner. Take one cup each of baking soda and salt, and one-fourth cup of cream of tartar in a container. Mix them properly and pour a part of this dry mixture into the drain. Then pour two cups of boiling water into the drain. Leave it untouched overnight. Next morning, flush the drain with hot water and you will find the drain cleared up. Similarly, you can use a solution of baking soda and white vinegar to open clogging of the drain. Both these drain cleaners can open up even badly clogged up drain.

Washing Soda: Take about 3 gallons of boiling water in a container and add some washing soda into it and mix thoroughly to get a soapy solution. Pour it into the clogged drain at night and allow it to stand overnight. The next morning, you will find that all the grease and dirt build up has been washed off.

Commercial Drain Cleaners: You can get commercial drain cleaners from any home improvement stores in your area. Read the instructions given on the label and use it accordingly. These drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can burn the skin and give out toxic fumes. Therefore, they should be handled carefully. Protect yourself with gloves, face mask and goggles and keep the work area well ventilated.

Plumber Snake: You must have seen a plumber snake with the professional plumbers who use it to unclog toilet drains. But it can be used to clear other drains as well. This tool consist of a long wire, which has a length of about 20 feet and diameter is about three-eighth of an inch. First of all, remove the stopper at the opening of the drain. Push the auger straight inside the drain. As you feel the block in the drain, turn its handle in order to bore through the clogging stuff. Then either push the clogging material so that it passes through the drain pipe or pull it out of the drain.

Once the clogged drain is cleared, you should take some preventive measures to prevent its further recurrence. Never try to drain down the cooking grease through the kitchen sink. Dispose them off in cans. The bathroom drains are clogged up mostly by hair. So remove them regularly to avoid clogging up.