By Rachelle Wilber
We've all been there before. You're in the middle of a nice hot shower when suddenly, the water starts draining extremely slowly. Or maybe you go to do the dishes and find that your sink is backing up. Clogged drains are a common household problem, but thankfully, there are a few things you can do to clear them yourself before calling a professional. Read on for 4 ways to clear common drains.
Plunger
A clogged drain can be a real hassle, but luckily there's an easy solution! To quickly unclog your drain, all you have to do is start by using a plunger. Simply insert the plunger into the drain and move it up and down rapidly; once you hear any changes in suction, continue doing this until the clog begins to loosen. After that, flush your pipe with some hot water and you'll be back in business!
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Unclogging a drain no longer has to be a stressful chore, thanks to the combination of baking soda and vinegar. To clear out a clogged drain, start by pouring a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for several minutes, then pour hot water down the drain to flush everything out. The reaction between the two ingredients can break up tough blockages quickly, without spending too much money on store-bought products or industrial-strength cleaners.
Wire Hanger
Unclogging your drain can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't need to be. With the right materials and some help from an expert guide (like this one!), you can easily remove any clog that might be clogging up your sink or shower drain. All you need is a regular wire hanger and patience - the process is easy! Use the hook of the hanger to fish out any blockage at the bottom, and pull it up using your hands or with a pair of pliers. If there's still residue in the pipe afterward, use boiling water to rinse away any last bits. You'll be enjoying freshly-unclogged drains in no time!
Call a Professional
If you're dealing with a clogged drain, it is important to first try home remedies for unclogging before calling in a professional. If none of the methods are successful, then it might be time to call in a professional plumber, such as Continental Plumbers LLC. Not only will they have the right tools and expertise to unclog your drains, they can also help identify any underlying issues that might be causing the blockage. You may end up paying more in the short term getting a pro onsite but this could save you money in the long run since they can identify any potential maintenance or preventative measures needed.
When you have a clogged drain, it can be tempting to call a professional right away. However, there are several things you can try at home first that may just do the trick and save you some money. So before you pick up the phone, grab a plunger and give it a go. If that doesn't work, mix together some baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. If not, then it's time to break out the wire hanger. Reach deep into the drain until you feel the clog, then pull it out. And if all of these fail, then yes, call in reinforcements because sometimes only a professional will do.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilber
