How to Unclog a Drain

Clogging of drains can happen in any house at any point of time. It is one of the common household problems which can happen even after taking every possible step to prevent it. Most people opt for the service of professional plumbers, who may charge a lot. Why spend money, when you can fix the problem by yourself. If you know how to unclog a drain with simple remedies, you can at least try them.

Tips to Unclog a Drain

Unclogging a drain can be done manually or with the help of cleaning products. It all depends on the degree of clogging and the type of drain. The following tips and guidelines are for those who face such problems and for those who may face such situations in future.

Mild Clogging
If the drain is not completely clogged, then your task can be performed very easily. Start with simple home remedies for unclogging drains. Start with hot salt water, which can open the drain within a few minutes. Another method is to use some chemical drain opener, which is available in many different forms. Make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer, while using such cleaning products. If you want to use some homemade drain opener, then, use ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar. Pour the baking soda into the drain, followed by vinegar. Keep it overnight and next morning, pour hot water to flush away the accumulated dirt.

If you are keen on unclogging drains without chemicals, then you may either go for the hot water method or adopt any of the following solutions. A suction cup may prove effective in unclogging drains, both partially and fully clogged ones. All you have to do is to remove the basket strainer from the drain and place a suction plunger above the drain. Pump it up and down for a few minutes and the drain will open. If it fails to open the drain, then you have to try other methods.

Stubborn Clogs
Now, you know how to unclog a drain with baking soda, hot water and suction cup plunger. However, these methods may fail in case of stubborn clogs. In such cases, you have to look for other methods to open the clogged drain. You may use an auger or plumbing snake for this purpose. It can be purchased from any hardware store and is a spring steel cable, which can explore up to 15 to 25 feet down into pipes. Use this device to find the clog and once, you find it, you can hook, loosen and break up the clog. If this device also fails to serve your purpose, then, you are left with no choice, but, to seek the help of a professional plumber.

It is always better to clean the drains regularly, especially, those, which are prone to get clogged. Regular cleaning can help you prevent drain clogging, which can land you in untimely trouble.