Having problems with a clogged sink or drain? The process of a drain clogging starts as an inconvenience but quickly becomes a bigger problem when not taken care of properly. Homeowners’ first reactions to a clogged drain vary from totally ignoring the problem to immediately calling a drain plumber.
While it’s common for your kitchen, bathroom, or shower drain to need professional assistance, there are several things that you can try at home before calling a drain plumber.
Our expert drain plumbers experts at Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air have outlined six do-it-yourself drain cleaning tips to try to unclog that annoying drain.
Six DIY cleaning methods to try on your clogged sink before calling your plumber
1. Boiling Water
If you’re looking for a simple, age-old trick for drain cleaning, drain plumbers recommend starting with boiling water. You’ll want to remove all standing water from your sink, and then pour a full pot or kettle of hot water directly into the drain. This method may take several attempts with multiple pots of water, but it’s an inexpensive and easy trick to try for drain cleaning.
2. Salt
Another recommendation is to pour salt down the drain, allow a few minutes to sit, and then pour the boiling water. Boiling water flushes out the stuck food, and salt helps to break down any other stuck particles. Because of salt’s abrasive texture and disinfectant properties, the saltwater gently removes food particles and grease build-up while also flushing out bacteria and bad smells in your sink.
3. Baking soda and vinegar
If you’re looking for a drain cleaner without the harsh chemicals, the combination of baking soda and vinegar works in a similar fashion. After removing the standing water from your sink, pour a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Then, follow with pouring an equal amount of white vinegar into the drain. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes and then run hot water to see if the clog has cleared. The bubbling reaction from mixing the baking soda and vinegar paired with hot water helps loosen any materials blocking portions of the pipe. According to our Call Dixie drain plumbers, it’s important to note that this homemade drain cleaner should never be used with a chemical-based drain cleaner.
4. Wet/Dry vacuum
For those who own a wet/dry vacuum, you’ll be impressed to see how this tool works on your clogged sink. Wet/dry vacuums can be complicated to manage, so make sure that you read the instructions and are familiar with how this tool operates. While the concept of using a wet/dry vacuum is the same as a good old fashioned plunger, its high suction ability makes it more powerful with the potential for risk of your pipes. If you choose this method for drain cleaning, then air on the side of caution so as not to damage your plumbing system.
5. Unclogging tools to try
In addition to these suggestions, there are other tools that you can use to try and unclog your drain before requiring the assistance of a local drain plumber. A household plunger can be a quick, helpful drain cleaning solution that you probably already own at your home. You can also purchase mini-plungers. Mini-plungers have a special design that helps unclogging drains in the bathroom, kitchen, and shower. A drain snake is another standard, simple tool that helps collect the hair that could be potentially clogging your drain. A substitute that you can use instead of a snake is a wire coat hanger.
6. Prevention measures
Even with helpful drain cleaning methods, the goal is to prevent the clogs from happening in the first place. Some useful things to remember about your kitchen sink are to avoid pouring grease down your drain and always to run hot water with your garbage disposal. If your kitchen sink doesn’t have a garbage disposal, invest in a strainer to catch food particles.
Similarly, in the bathroom, using a drain cover or strainer can help with the build-up of soap and hair. Frequently cleaning the drain openings and being proactive about clearing out the visible portions of the drain will help clogs prevent from happening.
While not all clogs can be prevented or treated on your own, these tips should help with the clogging of your drains. However, if these simple solutions aren’t solving your plumbing problems, don’t keep pushing it.
Instead, call a local, expert drain plumber who can clear out your drains without any damage to your sink, shower, or plumbing system.
Call Dixie, and it’s done!
We are experts at clearing clogged sinks and drains. At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, your satisfaction is guaranteed. For plumbing, electrical, or heating and air services, our highly trained technicians will do it right the first time, on time, every time. For coupons and discounts on all the services Call Dixie has to offer, click here. To schedule a service with Call Dixie, call for 334.328.3570 Montgomery or 334.246.4914 for Auburn. You can also schedule an appointment online. For emergency service and immediate assistance, please call our 24/7 service line at 334.328.3570.
