Most drain clearing products are made up of strong, unhealthy chemicals. While they are popular products, there are several more natural ways that work just as well. So before you spend your money on products that could potentially hurt you, try some of these natural alternatives.
Contents
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour baking soda into the clogged drain and then add vinegar. The chemical reaction will cause the mixture to bubble and fizzle. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with water. If the drain is better, but not completely clear, repeat this method.
Dish Soap
This won’t work if the drain is full of water. If your drain is slow, squirt a liberal amount of dishsoap down the drain. Flush the drain with a kettle of boiling water. This is especially good for kitchen sinks that may be clogged due to grease.
Plunger
Most people consider the toilet the only appropriate place for a plunger. The truth is, using a plunger on a sink is an easy way to break up tough clogs. When using a plunger, make sure the water is running while you are plunging. This allows the plunger to break up the clog while the water flushes it from the pipes. If the sink is backed up with water, there is no need to run more water into the sink.
Drain Snake
A plumber’s snake is a cable auger with a handle on one end. The cable is inserted into the drain until it makes contact with the clog. The handle can be turned to break up the clog. You can also hook part of the clog and pull it out of the drain. Flush the drain with water when you have finished using the snake. Some people find a wire coat hanger works like a snake as well. If you have one laying around the house, it may be worth trying.
Clean the Trap
Place a bucket under the u-shaped pipe to catch the water that will come out. Using a plumber’s wrench, loose the nuts on both ends. Once you have the trap lose, remove it and empty any debris into the bucket. Use your fingers or a tooth brush to feel around in the pipes. Remove any debris you feel before reassembling the trap
Hire A Plumber
If none of the above methods work, it’s time to call a professional like those at Shorty’s Plumbing and Heating Inc. A plumber can diagnose and repair the problem without causing damage to your pipes. Plumbers use their expert knowledge along with professional tools to fix the source of the problem so that drains work efficiently again.
Thank you for this valuable article. This problem is very common in the home kitchen and bathroom. Your tips are effective for homemakers. Keep it up and share more. Also, there are many professionals available who have years of experience in solving this problem.