How to unclog a drain: 10 easy ways to clear your pipes

Do you need to know how to unclog a drain? Clogged pipes are one of the main plumbing problems that can occur in a house. And they can result in expensive repairs! However, there are ways to prevent this type of situation. Find out how! If your pipes show signs of obstruction on a recurring basis, it is best to clean them immediately. If not, maintenance is required at least every two years. Here are 10 easy ways to unclog your drain!

With vinegar and baking soda

It is normal for the drains to fill with dirt and debris but if it is not removed every so often, your pipes could stop working properly. Avoid this type of situation with a powerful mixture made of ⅓ cup of vinegar and ⅓ of baking soda. In a few seconds, you will see how a kind of effervescence or bubbles begin to form. This will be the indication to pour the mixture into the drain and wait at least an hour to wash away the grime.

How to unclog a drain? Wet/dry vacuuming

A vacuum isn’t exactly a plumbing tool, but wet/dry vacuuming can help you in extreme cases, especially when a lot of debris and grime has built up in your drains. To do this, you will need to set your vacuum cleaner on «wet» mode at maximum power, in order to suck up any possible obstruction and get it to lodge in the vacuum cleaner bag. It may not always be an effective solution, but it’s worth a try.

Boiling water unclogs drains

Of all the remedies that you can implement to unclog a pipe or give it regular cleaning, this is the simplest, since you will only need a container of boiling water. First, make sure to get the water boiling hot (you choose the amount, but it is recommended that it be at least 1.5 liters) and then, little by little, pour it into the drain, allowing a few seconds for more cleaning.

Lye

You must be very careful with lye because, although it is effective, it can also cause burns or light-headedness if it’s not handled correctly. Therefore, make sure you have special gloves and goggles. To prepare this product, add approximately ¼ gallon (3.4 liters) of cold water to a container with 3 cups of lye and mix until bubbly. Pour the mixture and let stand for at least 20 minutes.

Salt and baking soda

As you can see, cleaning pipes and drains does not have to be so complicated, especially when it comes to avoiding the accumulation of residue and dirt. With this mix, you’ll be able to keep your pipes looking like new. Combine half a cup of water with half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt and let stand between ten and twenty minutes. For a greater effect, deposit the mixture in the drain and add boiling water to dissolve the blockages.

Baking soda and lemon juice

Like other similar types of mixtures, baking soda and lemon juice concentrate can unclog your drains without powerful chemicals. You just have to combine half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of lemon juice and pour it down the drain. It is recommended to let the mixture stand for an hour and then finish cleaning with a little hot water to break up the residue.

How to unclog a drain reliably

Before calling a plumber, try using a toilet plunger. After all, this will be the first tool a plumber uses when trying to fix your problem. You can use a drain cleaner in showers, sinks and showers, as long as the dirt is mild or the obstruction is slight. Otherwise, you’ll need a different instrument.

Snake to unclog pipes

A snake a tool that you insert into the pipe to reach the place where the obstruction is located in order to remove it safely. This instrument can be obtained in manual or electric versions. In both cases, you will know that you have reached the obstruction when you feel resistance.

Bleach

Bleach is a safe way to clean your drains is with. Put four tablespoons of this substance directly into the drain, then add ¼ cup of water so that the bleach settles in the deepest corners. To achieve the desired effect, before letting the hot water run, let this mixture rest for at least half an hour.

Change the siphon

In general, most pipe damage occurs in the siphon, or p trap. It prevents the accumulation of gases. However, due to its shape, it is common for debris to accumulate there. In any case, remember to carry out all your cleaning processes taking precautions and if you encountering difficulties, consult a plumbing expert to avoid incurring further repairs.

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