8 Solutions to a Sluggish and Clogged Drain
Believe it or not, you can fix the majority of problems in your house without a mechanic. What is even more important, you can do it equally efficient while saving a lot of money. There are some "little secrets of the great masters" and it's high time you used them:
Plunge the drain
When your drain is clogged or sluggish, plunging is the first step you need to take. A plunger is a tool that creates a pressure that forces a clog to move. It's completely safe and won't cause any damage to your drain. Before getting to plunging, remove all the debris from the sink. Fill the clogged sink with water and start. Make sure to put enough pressure and be persistent.
Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a perfect DIY solution for a clogged drain. This potent combination of acid (vinegar) and base (baking soda) creates carbon dioxide gas. This fuzzy mix will immediately carry away all the dirt. Baking soda is a natural abrasive and it's great for scrubbing. Vinegar is great at removing stains, especially those made by hard water.
Baking soda and Salt
Another mighty combination that can work wonders is that of baking soda and salt. Put 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of salt into the clogged drain. Let it sit in the drain for several hours and then pour the boiling water into the drain. If the drain is still clogged, pour more boiling water until it starts to flow.
Dish Detergent
There are many benefits of using dish detergent for unclogging the drain. First, it won't leave any corrosive effects on your pipes, so you can use it as much as you want. Second, it can use dish detergent combined with any other natural method - such as baking soda or vinegar. However, avoid using dish detergent with chemicals. Always use boiling rather than cold water when flushing the drain.
Boiling Water
If your drain is sluggish because of a small blockage, boiling water will be enough. Simply flush your drain with boiling water several times. It's important to know that boiling water works only with metal pipes. If you have PVC pipes boiling water can melt the joins of the pipes.
So, be careful.
Boiling Water and Salt
If the blockage in your drain is not that small, boiling water won't be enough to unclog it. Try using salt before. Pour one cup of salt directly into a sink and wait for several hours. Then, flush it with boiling water and make sure to pour it directly into the drain for better results. Repeat the process a few times until the drain starts to work.
Chemical Cleaners
Besides those DIY natural cleaners, there are some plumber recommended drain cleaners. These include Drano Max Gel Clog remover, Green GobblerDISSOLVE Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover, etc. The pros of chemical cleaners are that they are safe on your drain pipes and guarantee faster results. They are usually used for bigger blockages.
Coat hanger
Another interesting solution for a clogged drain is surprising, a coat hanger. Stick the hook end into the shower and rotate the hanger while pushing it down. Then, pull it out and remove all the gunk.
As you have seen, unclogging the drain doesn't need to be a nightmare. Follow these simple steps and forget about calling a plumber. All you need is a little patience and energy.
