Everything from grease to hair can clog a drain. That’s why it’s important to know some key drain cleaning tricks. Although you may need to call a plumber to handle a tougher clog, you can often address minor backups on your own. If your drain is clogged, try the following tricks.

5 Essential Drain Cleaning Tips

1. Use Hot Water

When heat and water pressure are combined, they can easily remove many contaminants from your pipes. Try cleaning your drain by flushing it with hot water for at least 15 minutes. This simple trick is often very effective.

2. Use a Drain Snake

A plumber’s drain snake can be very helpful if the source of the clog isn’t far into your pipes. Just purchase one at your local hardware and insert it into your pipes until you reach a blockage. Rotate it against the blockage to hook onto the material, and slowly pull it out.

3. Make a Homemade Drain Cleaning Solution

Many liquid drain cleaners contain chemicals that could damage your pipes. That said, you can make your own safe liquid cleaner at home. Just pour one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda into the drain. After about five minutes, pour some boiling water in as well. This inexpensive solution often breaks up material clogging your drain.

4. Use a Sink Plunger

Plungers aren’t just for toilets. Head to the plumbing section of your local hardware store and ask if they carry sink plungers. They work the same way as toilet plungers — simply cover the drain opening and pump back and forth steadily for one or two minutes.

5. Try Pouring Soda Down the Drain

It may seem like a strange idea, but it can work — pouring soda down your drain when vinegar and baking soda don’t do the trick. Soda works because it contains phosphoric acid, which dissolves a lot of materials that might be causing a backup.

If none of these solutions work, call a professional. A clogged drain could lead to a burst pipe if water pressure builds up. Schedule service fast to keep a minor issue from turning into a major problem.

 

If you need drain cleaning service in Cleveland, OH, or the surrounding communities, get in touch with The Plumbing Source. Serving the region since 1985, they have the expertise to solve your problem efficiently. Contact them online to learn more, or call (877) 768-7239.