Get Your Flow Back!
Every home needs the attention of a professional plumber from time to time. Call Culbert Construction & Plumbing when the jobs are just too big, complex, and potentially dangerous for amateurs to attempt. But one of the most common problems, a clogged or slow drain can be one of the easiest for the average homeowner to fix.
The next time you have a drain problem, try one of these do-it-yourself solutions:
The Science Fair Project: Did you ever make a model volcano when you were a child? If so, you know what kind of reaction you get when vinegar and baking soda mix. One safe way to break up a drain clog is to dump about a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a stopper and wait for at least a half hour while the foaming volcano rages in the pipe. Then pour a large pot of boiling water down the drain to get everything flowing better.
Get Slippery: For stubborn clogs like hairballs and grease, you might be tempted to reach for a harsh liquid drain cleaner, but some of these can damage your household plumbing. A high-quality liquid dish soap is a much gentler alternative. Squirt a generous amount into the clogged drain, wait a few minutes for the soap to works it way down. Then pour a large pot of boiling water down the drain. The soap, hot water and gravity can work together to cut through the grease and lubricate obstructions so they finally wash away.
Elbow Grease: You can let your muscles do the work of clearing the clog if you have a plumber’s helper, a plunger. While flange-style plungers are specifically designed for toilets, plungers with a standard cup can be used on most drains. Smaller plungers for sinks can be found in most hardware stores. Just be sure to use proper technique, make sure you have a good seal and just enough standing water to cover the plunger cup. Plugging up nearby drains will help put more pressure on the clog. It is important to make sure the rim is making contact all the way around the drain and the plunger handle is pointed straight up.
Send in the Snake: If homemade solutions or your trusty plunger can’t get the job done, you might be able to clear the clog with a plumbing snake. Professional plumbers use a variety of snakes in all lengths and styles, but the kind you’ll find in the hardware store can be effective for clearing many clogs. Some models are designed to attach to your power drill, taking much of the hard work out of the process.
You have a variety of options when it comes to clearing clogged drains. But why go to the trouble when it’s cheaper and easier just to prevent clogs in the first place? Taking care of a drain mostly requires that you be careful. Add to that a few proactive cleanings each year, and your chances of developing a serious clog become very low.
So, if you’re not comfortable clearing the drain yourself … Don’t worry! You can always call on your trusted local plumbers at Culbert Construction & Plumbing for around the clock emergency service!