One of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face are clogged drains. Dealing with a clogged drain can greatly compromise the comfort of your household. However, as annoying as a clogged drain is, it’s also a quick and simple fix that you might be able to handle yourself. So, if you’re dealing with a clogged drain, don’t panic. Instead, try out these easy ways to unclog drains from the pros at Freedom Air and Heat Inc.! Keep in mind that one unclogging method might not work for all the drains around your home. For the best results, try out different methods.
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Plunger
Using a plunger is one of the most common and easy ways to unclog drains in sinks, showers and toilets. However, there are different plungers that should be used for different types of drains. For a sink, shower or tub drain you should use a flat, cup-shaped plunger with a shorter handle for more control. Run the faucet and start plunging. The flat, cup shape allows the edge of the plunger to touch the bottom of the sink, creating a strong seal around the drain which allows for proper suction. However, if you’re dealing with a clog in your toilet, you will have to use a plunger with an extended, cylindrical flange. Because of its narrow shape it will easily fit the bottom of the toilet bowl and create a seal around the drain, as opposed to the flat, cup plunger.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is an effective method for mild clogs in sinks and shower drains. First pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it up with one cup of distilled white vinegar. Let the mixture sit in the drain for an hour, then flush it down with boiling water. You can use this method to unclog toilets as well. For best results, let the mixture sit overnight. Also, make sure the water doesn’t overflow or splash.
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Bent Wire Hanger
The bent wire hanger method is also effective in pulling out clogs, especially from sinks. Take a regular coat hanger and straighten it out so it looks like an elongated wire. Bend one end of the wire to make it look like a hook, push it past the drain stopper, then pull it out. You should be able to fish out any of the gunk that is clogging the drain. Afterwards, run some hot water and see if it’s easily draining away.
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Drain Snake
The drain snake or drain auger is an affordable plumber’s tool that is helpful in clearing up clogs in your toilet, tub or sink. You can find one at any home improvement store. It is best to go for the metal model as it will be sturdier and will last longer, though it will be a little more expensive. Slide the head of the metal snake into your drain slowly until you hit an obstruction. You can either break up the clog or pull out the snake and see if the obstruction comes out with it. The snake’s flexibility allows it to go through the twists of your drain and is helpful in clearing particularly stubborn clogs.
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Wet/Dry Vacuum
This might seem like a stretch, but hear us out. A wet and dry vacuum, which is built to handle both wet and dry conditions, might be helpful in unclogging your drain. You can purchase one or rent one out from your local home improvement store. By using a cylindrical head and setting it to suction mode, you can try using a wet and dry vacuum to unclog your drains as a last resort.
Contact the Pros at Freedom Air for All Your Plumbing Needs!
If these easy ways to unclog drains don’t work, you might have to get in touch with a plumber from Freedom Air and Heat Inc.! Our team of professionals have been serving the Brevard and Indian River areas with pride and professionalism. They will provide top-notch customer service and will ensure your drains are clog-free. Call us today at 321-631-6886 or schedule an appointment online!
