A blocked drain is one of the reasons why people call plumbers. But before you start calling your trusted plumber, it’s best to try unblocking the drain on your own.
Usually, blocked drains are easy to fix. You can even use common household items to clear your drains. In this article, we will share with you household items that can help in unclogging your drains.
Bent Wire Hanger
A wire hanger is one of the most effective tools for unclogging drains.
To use the hanger, you must first straighten it out. After that, make sure to bend the other end to create a small hook.
Once done, just push the hanger down the sink and start fishing. Just make sure that you are pulling the stuff out of the sink. Avoid doing gestures that might further push the clogs down your drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help to fix blocked drain Sydney. Just mix 1/3rd of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar. Mix them well, then pour it down your blocked drain. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will apply pressure and corrosive action to the stuff that blocks your drain. If you’re using metallic pipes, you should consider skipping this solution. The baking soda can corrode the pipe’s surface. Also, some people use boiling water to clear the baking soda and vinegar mixture. If you are using plastic pipes, you should avoid doing this. The boiling water can melt the plastic pipes.
Wet & Dry Vacuum
Using a wet and dry vacuum can also help in unclogging your drain. Set the equipment to vacuum liquids, then cover up the vent to prevent a mess. Also, make sure to create the tightest seal for the drain. Once everything is in place, turn on the vacuum to its highest setting. The vacuum can suck the clog up the pipe and into the vacuum bag. Take note that this method doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a shot.
Caustic Soda
Caustic soda or Sodium Hydroxide can dissolve clogs in your drain. You can buy this substance from your local hardware store. Just make sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using it. This substance can cause chemical burns.
To use caustic soda, just mix it with water. Pour 3/4 gallon of cold water into a mop bucket, and then add 3 cups of caustic soda. After mixing, pour it down the clogged drain. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and after that, rinse the drain with boiling water.
Dish Detergent
Dish detergent can unclog your drains too. Just pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent into the sink. The dish detergent will act as a lubricant, and it can also help in dissolving the greasy residue in your sink. After putting dish detergent, pour hot water as well before you start plunging.
Other Ways for Unclogging Drain
If the solutions above don’t work, you can also try cleaning the pipe or use a drain snake. A drain snake is a simple device that is used for clearing clogs. It’s just a long flexible metal rope with a spiral of metal at the end.
Final Thoughts
Make sure to the solutions above before you call a plumber. The solutions in this article can unclog drains easily. But if the clog is still there even after doing all the solutions above, then it’s time to call a plumber.
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