How Do I Fix a Clogged Drain?

There are some home remedies you can try to clear a clogged drain. There are also things that you can do at home to help keep it from happening again.

Try these tips at home before investing in some of the harsh chemicals they sell at the store. Often these products can cause damage to your pipes or may just move the clog further along in the pipe line, rather than removing the issue.

• Pour boiling water down the drain. Add salt to help break up the clog.
• Pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain together. Allow the combination to foam for a few minutes and follow up with boiling water.
• Try a closet auger, a smaller kind of drain snake. This is like a long thin tube with a hook or bristles at the end. You can feed this into the drain and try to grab the clog.
• Make sure you are using the correct size plunger. A smaller plunger for a smaller job, and add water if there isn’t any standing to help with the suction.

If none of these options work, contact us.

What is it that clogs a drain?

Bathroom Clogs – hair and soap residue will clog sink and shower drains and flushing large amounts of paper or other paper products down the toilet can cause a clog.

Kitchen Clogs – food, grease and dirt will clog a kitchen. Utilize your garbage disposal whenever you can and don’t put grease down the sink.

Washing machine clogs – rocks, coins, safety pins, and fiber buildup will clog your wash machine drain. You can pick up and enzyme drain cleaner at your local store that will help things move smoothly.

Main Drain Clog – if everything in your house is clogging up it is probably your main drain. Often its tree roots, dirt and leaf accumulation that causes this.

How can I avoid a clogged drain?

• Use a drain catch in all your drains. These are sometimes called strainers. They keep hair and food from traveling down your pipes.
• Run hot water after every use. This will keep potential fresh build up from sticking to the side of your pipes and will flush it through line.
• Once in a while rinse a solution of baking soda and hot water down your drain, or pour vinegar down it. Both are good natural cleaners and will also reduce odors.

If none of these home remedies work, call us! You may need to remove the pipe and unclog it manually. Clogs often form in the u-shaped part of the pipe. This is something that you can attempt to do at home, but please don’t attempt to do this if you are unsure how to proceed. Call one of the technicians in our office.