Your drains can easily become clogged with debris and residue. A clogged drain is an inconvenience that can severely disrupt the flow of your kitchen or bathroom.
Whether it is a slow-moving sink, shower, or tub drain, you can take action to restore your drains back to their original condition quickly and easily with simple household items like baking soda and vinegar. Learn how to unclog a drain without professional help so you don’t have to wait days for it to be fixed. Get your drains running in no time with this guide from the expert team at Titan Plumbing And Electric.
5 Top Ways to Unclog a Drain
While there may be many ways to unclog a drain, the following are some of the most effective and commonly used methods.
- Plunger
- Hair remover tool
- Drain snake
- Removing the sink trap
- Liquid drain cleaner
The method you choose will depend on the type of clog, the severity of the blockage, and how much time you want to spend unclogging it.
Plunger
This is probably the most common and simplest way to unclog a drain. A plunger is a cone or bell-shaped device and is used to clear any obstructions in the drain. The plunger is designed to create a vacuum seal that forces the clog out of the drain. It works by pushing air down the drain while forming a vacuum that will help break up or dislodge anything blocking it. To clean your drains with a plunger, you need to fill the sink or tub with enough water so that it covers the plunger's cup. Place the plunger over the drain so that it is completely sealed, then pump vigorously up and down in rapid succession for several minutes to create a suction that should dislodge the blockage.
Hair Remover Tool
This tool is specifically designed to remove hair clogs from drains. It is a plastic cord that works by using tiny hooks or barbs on its surface to catch the hair and pull it out of the drain. To use this tool, first, remove the drain stopper from the basin. Next, lower the hair remover tool, spiked end first, into the drain and pull it out slowly while rotating it in a circular motion to make sure that all of the hair is removed. If you feel something hard, push the tool against it by moving the tool up and down a few times. Finally, remove the tool slowly and wipe the clog off with paper towels. While hair remover tools are effective to different degrees in removing clogs from bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs, they are not so effective in kitchen and toilet sinks. Some of these tools have handles that you can use to push the tool further down the pipes.
Drain Snake
A drain snake or drain auger is a tool used to clear clogs from drains that have been caused by large fibrous items. It is a flexible metal cable with an auger at one end. Drain snakes work by boring through the clog or blockage and breaking it up with their sharp coils. To use a drain snake, insert the auger end into the drain opening and turn the handle on the other end to feed it further down until you feel resistance. The cable can go as far as 25 feet into the affected drain. Turn the handle in a clockwise direction while pushing it further down until you break through the clog. Continue feeding the cable until all of the debris is cleared away and then slowly withdraw it from the drain. Drain augers are effective at removing clogs from showers and bathtubs as well as kitchen, toilet, and bathroom sinks.
Removing the Sink Trap
This method is best used for bathroom or kitchen sinks and involves removing the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink, known as the sink trap or P-trap. This part of your plumbing system can become clogged with dirt and grime over time and needs to be removed in order to properly clean out the drain. Before you begin, place a bucket and rags under the trap. After detaching the sink trap, you have to use a wire brush or your gloved hand to clean out the sink trap, paying close attention to any bends or curves in the pipe. Once it is completely cleaned out, reattach the sink trap and flush it with water. If the clog still persists, you can try using an auger or snake to break up the clog further down in your plumbing system.
Liquid Drain Cleaner
This is a chemical-based cleaner that helps dissolve whatever has caused the clog in your drain. It is non-acidic and contains enzymes, bacteria, and live culture. It works by releasing chemicals down the drain at high pressure, which breaks up and pushes out anything blocking the pipes. It works best on organic materials like hair and paper products. To use a liquid drain cleaner, you should first remove as much water from the sink as possible. Then, pour the cleaner into the drain and let it sit for a few hours or according to the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions will also tell you how much cleaner to use on your sinks, toilets, showers, or tubs. Finally, run hot water through your drain for a few minutes to flush away all of the debris that was loosened by the cleaner.
Using these five methods can help you unclog any stubborn drain in your home. Remember to always be careful when using any tools or chemicals and make sure to read the instructions carefully before starting. With a little perseverance, you can unclog most drains with these methods.
Contact Titan Plumbing And Electric if You Need Professional Help
If you need help unclogging your drain, our experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose and solve the problem, saving you time and energy. We provide 24/7 plumbing services to make sure that your home's drains are always in top shape. Contact us today at [phone] for more information! We're happy to assist!
