How to Unclog a Drain

Clogged drains are the top three most common plumbing problems that homeowners face.

When left unattended, the drain may let off a rank odor, harbor bacteria, and eventually, cause costly repairs. Because of this, homeowners should seek plumbing advice on learning how to unclog a drain to prevent more problems. Perhaps you’ve currently got a clogged drain but you’re not sure how to fix it.

Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are different ways to unclog a drain. 

Use a Bent Wire Hanger 

Whether you’ve got a hair-clogged drain or food debris, grab a hanger to remove the particles. 

Straighten out the hanger, bend one end into a u-shape, and push it slowly down the plughole. Avoid pushing too hard, otherwise, you’ll the debris will be trapped further down the pipe. Instead, gently prod the debris until you’ve fully removed the gunk. 

Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar

Homeowners who have clogged pipes should mix baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to clear them.

Start by pouring the water down the drain to loosen the debris. Then, pour the blend of baking soda and vinegar before plugging the shower drain for 10 minutes. When that’s finished, pour boiling water down the drain and your pipes should be cleared. 

Use Dish Detergent 

Grab a bottle of dish detergent and use it to tackle clogged pipes.

Pour a cup of the solution followed by boiling water. Once you’ve done that, use a plunger to remove stubborn particles. And if that’s not enough, then don a pair of rubber gloves and use your hands to pull out any remaining debris. 

Pour Coke Down the Sink 

Another tip for clearing your sink drain is coke. Pour a two-liter bottle of coca-cola down the drain and you’ll notice it will clear up any debris. It’s a great option for homeowners who don’t want to use a commercial drain cleaner. 

Wait for the solution to work its magic, which is around one hour, and drain it away with boiling water.  

Grab a Plunger 

Depending on how severe the problem is, homeowners should tackle clogged drains with a plunger. But instead of your regular one, you’ll need a cup plunger as it’s designed for smaller drains.

To use it, remove the stopper and apply the plunger. Try and create a tight seal before vigorously plunging. Then run water to see if the clog has cleared. 

And if none of these methods are helping, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Research local plumbers and don’t forget to choose one that has glowing reviews as it proves they’re credible.   

Unclog a Drain Today

Hopefully, after reading this article, you’re ready to unclog a drain. 

There are many methods to try such as using a bent wire hanger, using a cup plunger, and trying dish detergent. You should also pour coke down the sink or a mix of baking soda with vinegar. Good luck!

Found this article helpful? Great! Then check out the rest of our blog.