Drain clogging is more common than what most people might think. The sink for example will take more time to drain and if you notice water getting accumulated and bad odors then you might have a clogged drain problem in your hands. To prevent permanent drain blockage, you need to take some measures. To remove that extra gunk from the drain, here are some things that you can try:
- Try a Wire Hanger That Is Bent
This may sound simple but it is very effective to unclog drains if the damage is not too severe. You just need to bend one end of the hanger to make a small hook like structure and sink this into the cover of the drain you want to unclog. Push and start making movements like fishing. This will get all the rubbish like hair, clogged stuff and other rubbish out from the drain. When you are pulling the gunk out, don’t push it in. When you have removed the excesses amount, wash the drain with hot water. This will clear things to a great extent and you will be able to unclog your drain to a good extent.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is one of the most effective and commonly used methods to unclog drains. You just need to mix about a third of a cup of acetic acid (vinegar) to one third of a cup of baking soda. As soon as to make the mixture, pour it down the clogged drain without wasting any time. This is because the fizzing action is important to remove all the waste that your drain has. Let the mixture sit overnight before flushing the whole thing with hot water. You can also put the baking soda directly in the drain and put vinegar after that.
- Vacuum (Wet and Dry)
If you have a wet and dry vacuum then this too can be used to unclog your drains. You just need to set it to vacuum liquid mode and also close or cover the vent to avoid any kind of mess. When you have made a tight seal, you can get any plunger that you might have to use it here. This will be a powerful tool in drain cleaning and works most of the times.
- Water at Boiling Temperature
Another tip that is really easy to follow and won’t take much of your time is clearing your drain with boiling water. You can boil water in a kettle and pour it slowly down the drain in multiple stages. The pouring should be done in stages because this will give enough time for the process to work. Therefore, do remember to keep a gap of only some minutes while pouring hot water in the drain. The process is very simple and will clean your drain quickly. If you don’t have enough time and also if your drain does not have much clogging then try this method.
- Caustic Soda
Another good way to clean your drain is by using caustic soda or sodium hydroxide but this method will require some protective measures like rubber gloves and working goggles. If the chemical has a very high potency, then it can cause burns on your skin and therefore proceed with caution. You need to pour about three fourth gallon of really cold water in a bucket used for cleaning and then add about three cups of caustic soda on the top of this. Stir the whole mixture nicely (wooden spoon preferred) and pour the whole thing in the drain as it begins to fizz. Leave the whole thing for about 30 minutes before flushing the whole thing with boiling water. Use this if you have heavy clogging in your drains.
- Salt and Baking Soda
This is an easy method and you just have to mix half cup of table salt with half cup of baking soda. Pour the whole thing in the blocked drain and leave it alone for about 30 minutes. In the end, pour hot boiling water and see your heavily clogged drain clear up in minutes.
The above were some ways in which you can unclog your drain easily.
