How to Fix a Clogged Drain

Plumbing Tip #4: Clearing a Clogged Drain

Drains, drains, drains! They can be the bain of our existence when they are clogged! What should you do to prevent that unbearable, ever-looming drain crisis? When the inevitable does happen and you’ve got that nasty clog that you’re trying to clear, what can you do before you call a plumber? Trying to fix a clogged drain yourself could be an easy enough task.

To stop a clog from ever forming, a great prevention is to use a strainer over the any drain in your house. This will keep unnecessary food from going down the kitchen sink drain and will stop hair from sliding down the bathroom sink. It’s also recommended that every few weeks you remove the stoppers found in bathroom sinks and tubs and give them a good rinsing. There is an overflow plate located in your tub that should be removed so you can pull up the stopper to get to the spring arm. Every quarter it is advised that you should remove the hair that has accumulated on the spring arm. Did you know that you can also prevent clogs in your drain from your washing machine? Just by putting a lint trap on the discharge hose, you can help prevent a major mess.

What about those clogs that have you feeling down? Maybe you’ll be able to take care of it by yourself. It’s worth a try. It’s always best to try to mechanically unclog a drain rather than using harsh chemicals. The reason for this is that many of the chemical drain cleaners on the market can damage your pipes. This is very true for homeowners who have cast iron or steel pipes as the chemicals can break down the pipes and cause corrosion. If you must use a chemical, use as little as possible.

Instead of those commercial harsh products, try using the vinegar and baking soda method. Just once a month, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and rinse it with a cup of vinegar. Because the bathroom sink and shower/bathtub usually are more problematic, you can also try a once a month cure of three gallons of boiling water to clear out tough grease and hair. Obviously, be careful when doing this! Sometimes those shower drains can be extra difficult. If plunging the drain doesn’t work, it would be advised to next use a snake down the drain. A snake can be purchased at your local hardware store.

When all else fails, it might be time to call a professional. You’ve come to the right place. Denver Plumber Reviews is the place to go to find great Colorado plumbers in your area. Read what other people have to say about our featured plumbers and give one of them a call for any of your plumbing needs.