Drain clogs are just about inevitable for most people. Between the occasionally blocked sink and the dreaded pooling of water at your feet in the shower, everyone deals with a clogged drain at some point. But some tough clogs require you to get creative before they’ll give way! Here are a few clever ways to unclog your drain:
Boiling Water
Most people jump straight to the toughest solution they can find to defeat drain clogs. But when it comes to small clogs, boiling water can sometimes be enough to break the blockage up and send it down the drain. Simply boil a pot of water and slowly pour it down the clogged drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
While this method isn’t the most creative way to clear a drain, it’s effective — and it feels like doing a science experiment! Baking soda and vinegar is a go-to cleaning combination because the reaction it creates works so well. If your clog is made of buildup, this method should take care of it with ease. Follow these steps:
- Boil a small pot of water and pour it down the clogged drain to loosen the clog.
- Slowly pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain, working it as far down as possible, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and watch it fizz as it reacts with the baking soda!
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with boiling water.
- Repeat the process up to three times. If the drain is still clogged, move on to a different method.
Wire Hangers
Once you’ve used a wire hanger to unclog a drain, you’ll never again underestimate a common item’s potential to become a tool! Wire hangers are surprisingly useful drain cleaner tools when it comes to hair clogging up a sink or shower drain. Simply:
- Unwind the neck of a wire hanger.
- Straighten the corners of the hanger as much as possible, leaving the hook at one end and bending a handle into the other end.
- Remove the drain cover and lower the wire until you feel resistance from the clog.
- Push the hanger down and back up about five times to ensure you catch the bulk of the blockage in the hook.
- Pull the wire out of the drain, hopefully with a nasty clog on the end.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum, also called a shop vacuum, may be the perfect solution to your tough drain clog. You’ll need to follow your wet/dry vacuum’s instructions regarding drain cleaning to make the most out of the method, but suffice to say that tough clogs are no match for the power of a strong vacuum!
Call on the Pros
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how clever you get — you just can’t get your drain unclogged. If you’re struggling to get rid of a drain clog, you may have a more serious problem. Sewer clogs usually seem like drain clogs at first, but they happen deep in your pipes and require professional help to remove. If you suspect a sewer clog, don’t try to DIY it! Call on the experts at Norman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help.
Contact Norman Plumbing today to schedule your drain cleaning visit!
