Having a blocked drain is bad news. The good news is that there are many ways to fix the issue. This article will go over ten easy methods that you can use to unblock a clogged sink, toilet, or shower drain.
How to Clear a Blocked Drain
There are various methods used to clear blocked drains, but some work better than others. Here are ten of the most common strategies used by professional plumbers.
Boiling Water
This is the easiest way to clear a blocked drain. You simply pour boiling water down the drain and wait for 15 minutes. The hot water will melt any grease or other substances that may have clogged your drain pipes.
Natural cleaners
Another way to clear a drain is by using natural cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar or even lemon juice. These cleaners work to dissolve grease and other organic material that may be clogging your drain.
Caustic Cleaners
Caustic cleaners are substances like bleach and lye that contain strong acids that can dissolve blockages. Caustic cleaners are very effective, but they can also damage pipes over time if used too often.
Plunger
A plunger is one of the most affordable ways to unclog a blocked drain without calling for professional help. It’s simple, effective and requires very little effort. Just keep in mind that it could take a few tries before working effectively.
DIY Drain Snake
A DIY drain snake is an inexpensive tool that you can buy at any hardware store or online. You simply feed one end into your pipe until it reaches the clog, then turn it to push out whatever’s in there, hair and debris included!
Plumbers Drain Snake
A plumber’s snake is similar to a DIY drain snake, but it has more powerful suction and can be used on tougher clogs like grease or hair. That said, a plumber’s snake will also cost you considerably more than a DIY drain snake.
CCTV
A drain specialist can send down a cable with a camera attached to it, which will show them exactly what’s causing the problem and how deep the obstruction is. This means they can use the most appropriate equipment for the job.
Hydro Jet
If you have a clogged drain, you can use the hydro jetting option to clear the clog. The hydro jetting machine uses high-pressure water to dislodge any object that is blocking the drain.
Excavation
Sometimes, you may need to excavate and repair your pipes instead of using a hydro jetting tool. This involves digging up the dirt around your pipes to expose them so that they can be repaired by an expert plumber.
Pipe Relining
Pipe relining involves the use of epoxy injection to seal the inside of the pipe, preventing any further blockages. The procedure can be done in one day and is much less invasive than other methods such as excavation or replacing the pipes.
Conclusion
Unclogging a blocked drain can sometimes be easy, but other times you may need a plumber to look at severe blockages. In any case, we hope this article serves you well and helps you get your drains back to proper working condition ASAP.