Clogged drains can be very inconvenient. The good news is that most soft stoppages can be fixed at home—so before you head out to buy some Drano, learn these methods of identifying and clearing clogged drains at home.

Signs of a Clogged Drain

You may be experiencing a clogged drain if your:

  • Shower, bath or sink pools with water during use.
  • Water takes a long time to drain out.

Clogged Drain Causes

Drains usually become clogged over time from debris:

  • Grease and oil
  • Food
  • Paper
  • Dirt
  • Hair
  • Skin flakes
  • Soap
  • Floss
  • Cotton swabs
  • Foreign objects

 

Methods to Unblock a Clogged Drain at Home

If your drain becomes clogged, try these methods of drain cleaning that you can achieve at home.

  1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
    This simple DIY is an easy fix for small clogs. Using boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, you can break through and eliminate blockage within 30 minutes. The baking soda loosens up the debris, while the vinegar helps flush it away.For detailed instructions on fixing clogs with baking soda and vinegar, click here.
  2. Use a Wire Hanger

Another easy method you can try at home is to use a wire hanger. By straightening out the hanger, and using the hook to scoop out the clog, you can effectively remove any blockage and quickly get your drain back in working order.

For steps on to unclogging a drain with a wire hanger, click here.

  1. Use a Plunger

A sink or tub drain could also be fixed with a plunger. With this method, you run the water and use your plunger to suck the clog out.
To see how to unclog drains with a plunger, click here.

 

When to Hire a Professional Plumber

 

If these methods aren’t successful at fixing your clogged drain, it’s a tough clog that will require professional attention. Tough clogs include roots, grease and other tough debris that involve experience in locating and require special tools and techniques to remove.

Avoid damaging your drain, flooding, and other disastrous results that could occur from trying to handle a tough plumbing problem on your own–for day or night plumbing services, plus emergency plumbing services, count on us to quickly get your home drains working again.

Learn more about our residential drain cleaning services.

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