How to Clear a Clogged Drain

June 28, 2022
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Key Takeaways

Drain clogs are commonly caused by debris such as hair, grease, soap scum, and other buildup.
Simple methods like boiling water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture can sometimes clear minor clogs.
Tools like plungers or drain snakes can help remove blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
For severe or stubborn clogs, professional methods like hydro jetting may be required to fully clear the pipes.

As a homeowner, you take careful measures when cleaning your home. However, between mopping the floors and dusting the shelves, it can be easy to overlook the cleanliness of your plumbing system — until you encounter a drain clog.

Our sinks, tubs, and toilets can become clogged with hair, grease, and various other types of debris. However, you should avoid using store-bought drain cleaners when possible. Many of these cleaners contain dangerous chemicals such as sodium hydroxide that can damage your drain pipes. Fortunately, there are many other drain cleaning methods to choose from. Are you experiencing a slow drain or gurgling toilet? These are common signs of drain clogs. Instead of waiting for the problem to worsen, let’s review how to clear a clogged drain.

Boil a Pot of Water

When learning how to clear a clogged drain, you probably want the easiest and cheapest solution possible. If this rings true for you, you might want to consider simply pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain that is affected. Hot water can temporarily relieve smaller sink drain blockages, such as those caused by soap scum and grease. However, you will likely need to use a different method to remove the clog entirely.

Create a Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture

Do you want to try making your own homemade drain cleaner? All you need is a cup of baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and boiling water. Pour the baking soda down the clogged drain, immediately followed by the vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, pour boiling water down the drain to flush it out. Some people consider this to be the best method to clog drains because it is gentle on pipes and easy to try — all you need are a few pantry staples. Nonetheless, this method might not work as effectively on tougher or larger blockages.

Use a Drain Snake

Drain snakes, also known as “augers” or “plumbing snakes,” are common devices that clear out clogged drains. Plumbers will likely recommend this drain cleaning method for smaller sink clogs. For instance, snakes are excellent at removing hair and other types of debris that are easier to get ahold of. Some homeowners may consider snaking to be the best method to unclog drains because of its versatility. These devices come in various shapes and sizes, which means you can purchase one that perfectly matches the size of your clog. When learning how to clear a clogged drain, it’s critical to note that some methods should be handled by a professional. If you don’t feel comfortable handling a drain snake or fear damaging your drain, reach out to your local Butler County plumbers for assistance.

Try a Plunger

Do you have a clog in your sink drain or toilet bowl? You can try using a plunger to remove these kinds of blockages. If you want to know how to clear a clogged drain with a plunger, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. When plunging a sink, first remember to remove the stopper from the sink. Once you’ve done this, cover the overflow drain with a wet rag to prevent air from getting in the pipe, thus creating a vacuum. Finally, you can start plunging the drain! Maintain a quick up and down motion until the clog is removed. Instead of extracting the clog, you end up actually pushing the clog forward. When plunging the toilet, you will want to use a toilet plunger instead of one designed for a sink. Once you have the right equipment, make sure there is enough water in the toilet that it covers the head of the plunger. Next, ensure that the plunger cup has a solid seal around the drain hole. After you’ve completed these steps, you should be ready to plunge.

Consider Hydro Jetting Services

Do you suspect that you have a tough clog on your hands? You might want to consider hydro jetting. During one of these services, a professional plumber uses a stream of highly-pressurized water to blast apart the clog. This method is ideal for blockages caused by grease, hair, and even tree roots in some instances. Many homeowners consider hydro jetting to be the best method to unclog drains. Why? Hydro jetting services can be used on a wide range of clogs — from bathroom sinks to sewer lines. Plus, these services are known to thoroughly clean your pipes, which means they can help prevent clogs from reforming in the future.

Clear Your Clogged Drains With Arlinghaus

Our kitchen sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures can experience blockages when we least expect them to. Fortunately, there are many safe and powerful drain cleaning methods to consider. Are you struggling to unclog a drain by yourself? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a team of professional plumbers for assistance. If you’re ready to schedule a Northern Kentucky drain cleaning service, reach out to Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Our plumbing experts know how to clear a clogged drain effectively and safely. Contact us to learn how you can benefit from our services!

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