Many different things, including food scraps, grease, and hair, can accumulate in drain pipes and eventually cause them to get clogged. Though it may be costly to have a plumber clear your pipes, there are a number of do-it-yourself approaches you may test first. Some of the best and simplest ways to clean drain pipes without resorting to expensive or complicated equipment are discussed in this article.
When is it feasible to handle plumbing concerns on your own?
Yet, a plumber may not be needed for every case of a slow or stopped drain. There may be no need to call a professional if the blockage is little and can be removed using a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Further, if the obstruction is localized to a single appliance, such a sink or a toilet, you might be able to resolve the problem on your own. But, if the blockage is very stubborn or if your do-it-yourself efforts have failed, it's better to hire a plumber to come take a look so you don't make things worse and maybe cause more damage to your plumbing system.
Simple do-it-yourself strategies for clearing up drains
Hot Water:
A clogged drain can be cleaned using boiling water, which is also one of the safest and most effective methods. Carefully pour boiling water down the drain from a big pot. In addition of killing any bacteria or germs in the pipes, the high temperature of the water can assist dissolve any accumulation or debris that is creating the blockage. Please note that this technique may not work for all clogs, especially those produced by solid objects.
Baking soda and vinegar:
Baking soda and vinegar is another tried and true Home approach for cleaning drain pipes. A cup of baking soda should be poured down the drain first, followed by a cup of vinegar. The fizzing sound the combination makes as it begins to break down the buildup and debris is a good indicator of its efficacy. Once the mixture has sat for 30 minutes, you can flush it out by pouring boiling water down the drain. Although though this technique can clear modest blockages, it may not be sufficient for severe obstructions.
Salt and baking soda:
When combined, salt and baking soda make an excellent drain cleaner. Combine half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt, and then flush the drain with the mixture. You should let it sit for 10-20 minutes before pouring boiling water down the drain to get rid of the smell. Together, the salt and baking soda dissolve the clog and flush out the rest of the gunk in the pipes. This technique works well for minor to moderate blockages, however it may not be useful for more severe blockages.
To plunge:
A plunger can be used to clean drain pipes if that fails. To begin, bring the water level in the sink or tub up to where the bottom of the plunger cup will be submerged. Pump the plunger up and down the drain forcefully. The obstruction should be broken up and the water should be able to drain freely. Although this technique can clear minor blockages, it may not be as successful on more severe clogs or those deeper down the pipe.
Snake:
Tougher obstructions may require the use of a plumbing snake or drain auger. You may move the snake through the pipes by inserting it into a drain and turning the handle. To remove a clog, reach it with the snake and crank the handle in the other direction. While this technique is effective, it may take more time and effort than others to do, especially for more severe clogs.
When should one hire a plumber to fix a drain that won't go down?
If you're a homeowner with a clogged drain, you might be tempted to tackle the problem on your own. In some cases, though, it's preferable to have a licensed plumber take a look. When money is involved, it often makes sense to hire a plumber to fix a clogged drain. DIY solutions to problems often make things worse and wind up costing more money in the long term, even if they seemed like a good idea at the time. It may be more cost-effective in the long run to hire a plumber because of the expert knowledge and speed with which the problem may be diagnosed and fixed.
Clogged drains are a common enough problem that you should consider calling a plumber if the issue persists. If you have recurring problems with a clogged drain, it could be an indication of a larger problem, such as tree roots making their way into the pipes or a broken sewage line. Having a plumber inspect and repair any problems with your plumbing system is essential to avoiding costly repairs and maintaining the system's efficiency.
Conclusion:
A few common home materials and some good old-fashioned elbow grease are all you need to clear up a clogged drain line. All of the items you need to implement the aforementioned strategies are already lying about your house, and yet the results are impressive. Always use caution when dealing with hot water or chemicals, and if the clog persists, a plumber may need to be called. Keep your pipes in good working order and save money with these easy do-it-yourself solutions.
