Blocked drains can pose a nasty little problem to homeowners. When ignored, the issue may escalate to the point that professional help must be employed in order to take care of the issue. This may end up being an expensive and stressful experience. To avoid this, homeowners need simply be aware of a few simple solutions for clogged drain pipes.
Nothing is worse than having a toilet back up or seeing dirty dishwater sit in the sink instead of drain away. Of course, like most inconveniences, clogs always occur at the most inopportune times. Usually the cause is a simple blockage that needs to be removed in order for water to flow freely once more. A mild clog can often be easily handled.
Before employing any other methods of blockage removal, the homeowner should begin by removing any strainers from the drain. He must then reach into the pipe and remove as much solid gunk as possible. The majority of this will probably simply be hair that has gotten caught up in the drain. Usually, this is enough to restore a good flow.
If water still does not drain normally, a sink plunger must be used. This kind of plunge differs from a toilet plunger in that the bottom edge is smooth. The homeowner should fill the sink with about 2 to 3 inches of water in order for the plunger to function effectively. Gently, the plunger must be pushed down and then up a few times. If blockage remains, more aggressive plunging is in order.
Strong chemicals that disintegrate drain blockage are available for purchase in stores. These products can be very dangerous and must be handled carefully. In fact, many of these drain cleaners are not even powerful enough to handle many clogs. But there is a much easier and safer way to handle pesky drain clogs. In fact, most homeowners have the simple ingredients needed to make quick work of blocked drains.
Baking soda and vinegar are a natural way to dissipate things like hair, dirt, and paper that may be clogging sinks or bathroom drains. Most recognize these ingredients from science fair projects involving a mild volcano explosion. What many do not know is that the chemical reaction is just as effective for clearing drains.
The homeowner may measure out about 3/4 cup of baking soda that needs to be poured into the sink's drain. This is to be followed by 1/2 cup of regular white vinegar and the immediate covering of the drain with a plug or spare rags. After allowing the mixture to work its magic for 30 minutes, the homeowner can slowly pour boiling water down the drain to finish dissolving any leftover blockage. This little trick should fix any blocked drains and spare the need for a plumber.
Nothing is worse than having a toilet back up or seeing dirty dishwater sit in the sink instead of drain away. Of course, like most inconveniences, clogs always occur at the most inopportune times. Usually the cause is a simple blockage that needs to be removed in order for water to flow freely once more. A mild clog can often be easily handled.
Before employing any other methods of blockage removal, the homeowner should begin by removing any strainers from the drain. He must then reach into the pipe and remove as much solid gunk as possible. The majority of this will probably simply be hair that has gotten caught up in the drain. Usually, this is enough to restore a good flow.
If water still does not drain normally, a sink plunger must be used. This kind of plunge differs from a toilet plunger in that the bottom edge is smooth. The homeowner should fill the sink with about 2 to 3 inches of water in order for the plunger to function effectively. Gently, the plunger must be pushed down and then up a few times. If blockage remains, more aggressive plunging is in order.
Strong chemicals that disintegrate drain blockage are available for purchase in stores. These products can be very dangerous and must be handled carefully. In fact, many of these drain cleaners are not even powerful enough to handle many clogs. But there is a much easier and safer way to handle pesky drain clogs. In fact, most homeowners have the simple ingredients needed to make quick work of blocked drains.
Baking soda and vinegar are a natural way to dissipate things like hair, dirt, and paper that may be clogging sinks or bathroom drains. Most recognize these ingredients from science fair projects involving a mild volcano explosion. What many do not know is that the chemical reaction is just as effective for clearing drains.
The homeowner may measure out about 3/4 cup of baking soda that needs to be poured into the sink's drain. This is to be followed by 1/2 cup of regular white vinegar and the immediate covering of the drain with a plug or spare rags. After allowing the mixture to work its magic for 30 minutes, the homeowner can slowly pour boiling water down the drain to finish dissolving any leftover blockage. This little trick should fix any blocked drains and spare the need for a plumber.