24 HOUR HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING EMERGENCY SERVICE
(405) 823-9641 Schedule Online Buy Filters

Clever Ways To Unclog A Drain

August 27, 2021 | Blog

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!

Why Choose Norman Air

Discover the Norman Air difference.

quality-icon
Quality Products
Our trucks are fully stocked with the latest tools, technology and parts to provide you with high-quality repairs and installation.
Service-gear-icon
Amazing Service
Quality, local same-day and emergency services with upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
team-icon
Professional Team
Our trustworthy, professional team of technicians are highly trained, licensed, background checked and drug tested before working in your home or business.

What Our Customers Say

Professional and Knowledgeable

They came they diagnosed and fixed the problem. Jimmy did a great job of telling me about my heater and fixed it within about an hour. Will call again, I just hope not too soon. Thanks

Kevin L.

Efficient & Professional

Brenden is awesome! He is super polite, highly informative, and very efficient. If you need Dryer Vent cleaned, Plumbing Inspection, new HVAC system, Hot Water Tank, Air Duct cleaning, and etc, call Norman Heat, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Thanks to your staff!

Kimberly M.

Knowledgeable and Friendly

Jake was knowledgeable and friendly. We have always had a great experience with Norman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Hot water within hours of calling. Thanks again Jake.

Barry K.

Knowledgable & Helpful

We had a tech, Jake, come out and help fix a job from another company that was not exactly done right. Jake explained what he was doing at every step and allowed us to ask a lot of questions without any issue.

Erik P.

Personable and Knowledgeable

We’ve been using this company for about a year now. Every technician I’ve had has been nothing but kind, personable and knowledgeable about their task. I’ve had Jimmy and James both twice now. Super great guys.

Brade R.