Is one of your drains blocked? Here are some clever ways to break it free!
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Slow or clogged drains, especially when showering, are a test of patience. The reasons for the clogging of the drain are many. Let's take a quick look at a few ways to clean and unclean your shower or sink drains. But before you do that, put on some rubber gloves and let the cleaning game begin.
1. Manual removal of clogs
If you have a recent blockage, it is usually due to dirt stuck in the drain that can be easily removed with your hands. If the dirt gets stuck a little further down the drain, a wire hanger or hook that is inserted into the drain will help. Eliminating odors, preventing leaks, and better drainage are some of the benefits of clean the drains.
2. Use a drain snake
If the blockage is slightly larger, a drain snake or a plumber's snake is the best alternative. It's available at your nearest hardware store and comes in very handy when you need to fix a clog. The drain line is available in both a metallic and a disposable plastic version. After using the drain coil, make sure it is cleaned thoroughly.
3. Pour boiling water
If the drain coil isn't working, the next option is to clear a clogged drain by pouring a hot pot of water down the drain. The boiling water will help dissolve the debris in the drain, which usually contains soap scum and other debris. The process can be repeated two or three times until the drain is not clogged.
4. Get a plunger
A common misconception about the plunger is that it is only used for the toilet. This is not true at all and can be used for unclogging drains. The best type of flask is the cup-shaped one. About 6 pumps of the piston are good at clearing a clog. If the blockage persists, move on to a few more pumps.
5. Use a natural drain cleaner
Quite a few people prefer to use natural detergents to remove clogs and clean their sinks several advantages. The most common natural remedy used is white vinegar and baking soda. A cup of baking soda is poured down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Mixing these two ingredients will help free the block. The products must be set for at least an hour, after which water must be used to flush the drain.
6. Use soda, caustic soda, and dish detergent
Soda and detergents are other great ways to help clear drains. Detergents are made up of mild chemicals and are used to treat minor blockages. If you are looking for a stronger alternative for a larger constipation, caustic soda is used. Soda pops like Coca-Cola are potent and corrosive. They are milder than cleaners, but a good 2 liters of soda is known to clear blockages.
7. Clean the drain trap
It is not uncommon for the blockage to be in the siphon itself. The siphon, also known as a U-pipe, is usually located under the sink or the drain. The drain from the pipe must be emptied into a bucket after loosening the nuts on both sides of the pipe. Reattach the tube after cleaning.
8. Use strong chemicals
Strong chemical cleaners are easily available in both hardware stores and supermarkets. These are quite dangerous to human skin. Take precautions such as wearing gloves and inhaling the chemicals while using it. Make sure the chemicals are not mixed together and follow the directions on the back of the package. If you have high quality fittings, such as fittings from Oltsw faucets, make sure these strong chemicals don't fall on it.
9. Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner
It's not very often that people use a vacuum cleaner to remove a blockage, but it works, especially when the degree of blockage is high. To use this, a gasket like the head of a plunger must be placed over the drain to avoid creating a big mess. Then start using the vacuum with the strongest suction while turning on the liquid setting. This must be done for about 1 or 2 minutes before checking that the drain is not clogged. Repeat the process if necessary.
10. Call a plumber
If nothing works, the last step is to call a plumber. The plumber is a professional who has dealt with all drainage scenarios. He would know the problem with your drain and help fix it easily.
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Using the bathroom with a clogged drain can be quite a hassle. Both man-made chemicals and natural chemicals are good solutions to remedy the problem. We hope the above tips will help you clean and clear your drains. If not, hope you called your next plumber.
