Drain Cleaning Hacks Every Homeowner Should Know

Clogged drains are a pain. They’re smelly, they’re messy, and they always seem to happen at the most inopportune times. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent clogs from happening in the first place. And, when they do happen, these five drain cleaning hacks will help you get your drain flowing freely again in no time.

1. Boil water and pour it down the drain.

This is a simple hack that can be used to prevent or remove light clogs. Just bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it down the drain. The hot water will help break up any grease or soap scum that may be causing the clog.

2. Use baking soda and vinegar.

If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, try this tried-and-true method for removing clogs. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow it with ½ cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and foam, helping to break up the clog. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water.

3. Use a plunger.

For tougher clogs, you may need to use a plunger. Be sure to cover the overflow hole with a rag before you start so that you can create a seal and generate enough pressure to remove the clog. Plunge up and down vigorously for several minutes before flushing with hot water.

4. Use a wire hanger.

If you don’t have a plunger on hand, you can use a wire hanger to remove the clog yourself. Just straighten out the hanger and bend one end into a small hook shape. Feed the hanger down the drain until you feel resistance—this is where the clog is located. Gently pull the hanger back up, being careful not to snag or tear the pipes in the process. Flush with hot water when finished.

5. Call a professional.

If all else fails, or if you don’t feel comfortable attempting to remove the clog yourself, call a professional plumber like Fox Plumbing who provides a Seattle drain cleaning service. They have all of the necessary tools and experience to get your drain flowing freely again quickly and safely.

6. Prevention is the best solution.

The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This can be as simple as making sure you don’t pour grease or other fatty substances down your drains, not putting eggshells down your garbage disposal, and never flushing non-flushable items like baby wipes or paper towels down your toilet.

Conclusion

Clogged drains are never fun, but they’re definitely something every homeowner has to deal with at some point or another. By following these simple hacks, you can help prevent them from happening in the first place, and clear them up quickly if they do occur. So next time your drain starts acting up, save yourself some time and hassle by trying one of these methods first.

Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash