How Do You Unclog A Drain?
Drain clogs are almost a fact of life. However, they never become less frustrating when they occur. When you find a clogged drain anywhere on your property, you’ll want to get to the root of the problem ASAP.
So how do you unclog a drain? We’ll cover the details in this post.
Identify the Affected Drain and the Type of Clog
You need to first figure out the drain(s) affected and what type of clog you’re likely dealing with. This will help determine the approach you’ll use for the unclogging.
This is important because the clogged sink you’re looking at could be due to an issue with the main bathroom drain line. You may also believe you have a minor clog due to a food debris, only to find out that you have a foreign object lodged in the drain line.
Use the Right Approach for the Situation
Here are a few approaches you can use to unclog a drain in different scenarios:
Use a Sink Plunger for General Organic Debris
A plunger can help you clear toilet, tub, and shower drains, and because of how they force water down the drain – they work well. But for a bathroom sink? Not so much.
Use Liquid Drain Cleaners for Organic Clogs That Aren’t Too Deep
You’re probably thinking about commercial drain cleaners at this point, but they aren’t your only option here. Before you head out to the store, explore some homemade options (if you have the ingredients).
Add a cup of baking soda poured into a cup of vinegar. Stir the mixture and pour it down the drain. Allow it to sit for a while and then wash the mix down with some hot water.
If you must buy a commercial drain cleaner, always prioritize non-acidic options that feature a mix of organic bacteria and enzymes.
Use a Hair Clog Remover Tool for Hair and Other Minor Fibrous Debris
The hair clog remover tool is a thin, plastic cord with multiple spikes. The spikes can catch hair and other minor fibrous debris in the sink, working well for bathroom sinks and showers.
However, they probably won’t work for your kitchen sink where the debris is organic, slippery food particles.
Use a Drain Snake (or Auger) for Deeper Clogs
Drain snakes are great for removing fibrous clogs deep down your drain line. You can use them for clogs in your kitchen or bathroom drains that are up to 25 feet down.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
You should schedule a professional drain cleaning session if your DIY approaches don’t yield any results or if the clog returns shortly after. An experienced plumber has access to more powerful tools that will blast away all types of debris – from organic clogs to tree roots – no matter how far down the line they may be.
Get Expert Help with Your Clogged Drain
Are you looking for a local plumbing team that can help you unclog a drain in Pasadena, MD? Call Elite Plumbing at (443) 343-2284 to book an appointment today!
