There’s a special kind of dread that comes with drain clogs. It starts as a minor inconvenience. You notice it takes forever for the sink to drain, or you discover you’re taking a shower in a puddle of soapy water. Ew. While some blockages require professional attention, many can be handled with simple tools and a little know-how. This guide will walk you through effective DIY solutions to try first, and more importantly, help you recognize when it’s time to call the experts at Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to ensure the problem is solved for good.
The DIY approach: Tackling minor Drain clogs yourself
We get it. Most homeowners like to try to handle drain clogs on their own before they call in the professionals. The good news is that there are a lot of steps you can take to resolve the drain clogs problem on your own. Pull on your rubber gloves and get ready to perform a water flowing miracle at home.
The plunger method: A plunger is often the simplest tool for tackling a stubborn drain clog, but using the right type makes all the difference. For sink, shower, or tub drains, grab your trusty cup plunger, the kind with a flat rim. This works best because it can create a tight seal against the flat surface of the drain. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the rubber cap. Then place the plunger directly over the drain, pressing down gently to remove air. Push and pull firmly several times without breaking the seal. The repeated pressure and suction can dislodge hair, soap scum, or other debris blocking the pipe. After a few plunges, lift the plunger to see if water drains freely. If it does, you’ve successfully cleared the clog.
Boiling water and dish soap: If you’re dealing with a minor drain clog, a couple of household items may be all you need to restore the flow. Dish soap helps tackle the greasy buildup, while hot water can help dissolve and dislodge it. Start with a pot or kettle of boiling water. While you’re waiting for the water to reach the boiling point, squirt a generous amount of dish soap down the drain so it can start mixing and mingling with the clog. Once your water is at a boil, carefully pour it down the drain. The heat can melt the grease and other fatty substances, giving the soap a better chance of breaking them up. Let it sit for a few minutes before trying to rinse it away with cold water. If it works, you have definitely earned bragging rights for unclogging the drain safely and effectively.
Baking soda and vinegar: This one is fun, because you can watch chemicals in action. Call the kids and let them see what happens when you mix these two substances. Start by pouring about a cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, pour the same amount of vinegar on top of it. You’ll be rewarded with a bubbling effect that may be able to remove the clog and grime. Give it about 30 minutes to work. Follow with a flush of boiling water to see if that tackles the buildup. This method is fun, easy, and safe for the environment.
The drain snake or auger: A drain snake or auger tool grabs the hair and other debris that is clogging the drain. To use it, start by slowly feeding the coiled cable into the drain. Once you feel resistance, you’ve likely hit the clog. Lock the cable in place and then gently turn the handle in a clockwise motion. This action allows the coiled tip to either break up the blockage or grab onto it, especially in the case of hair clogs. Avoid forcing the snake, as excessive pressure can damage your pipes. After a few rotations, pull the snake out slowly and remove any debris that has been captured. Repeat the process as needed until the water flows freely.
Remember to stay away from the caustic chemicals that are billed as drain cleaners. While they may be effective at restoring water flow, they pose significant risks, including respiratory problems in the user and corroding in the very drains you’re trying to fix. They are also bad for the environment.
When is it time to call in the professionals for a drain clog?
If you’ve tried the above methods and the water is still standing, it’s time to put down the plunger and call in the professional plumbers at Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is armed with powerful tools like hydrojetting to blast away years of build-up or root intrusions, and video camera inspections to locate the exact problem. We can also handle damaged or clogged sewer lines, which always call for a professional.
Tired of slow-moving drains? Give our DIY steps a try to see if you’re dealing with a clog that resolves easily. If you’re still struggling, reach out now to Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing at (320) 559-3407 or schedule an appointment online. Flush those clogs down the drain with Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.