Drain cleaning is an essential part of proper home maintenance. Having a clogged drain can be frustrating, no matter where it is. A clogged toilet, a slow bathtub drain, and a stopped up sink drain can all put a stop in your day. If you’re struggling with a drain in your home that just won’t clear, here are 5 possible solutions to get your drain back in working order.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
One, good, old-fashioned trick is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to try and clear the drain in your home. Mix together about 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of vinegar. It will start to fizz immediately, so put it down the drain as soon as it starts fizzing. The fizz will help to break down hair, buildup, and junk. Let it sit for at least an hour and overnight if you can, then try and run hot water down the drain to clear it out.
The Proper Plunger
If your toilet is clogged, your whole home could be at a standstill. Having the right plunger, and knowing how to use it, can get your home back in operation. Make sure that you’re using a plunger made for toilets, not sinks. Toilet plungers are not the standard red cup-shaped plunger you’re probably used to. Those are meant for sinks. The funny shaped ones, usually black, are the ones you need for a toilet. When you’re plunging, make sure you’re trying to pull the clog out- not push it down. Try and form a seal on the toilet and use the vacuum to pull. Get the clog up and try and flush it down another way.
Dish Detergent and Boiling Water
If you can’t find the right plunger, or a plunger isn’t cutting it, you can try this DIY trick with dish soap and hot water. Pout about 1/3 cup of dish detergent in a bowl, and add hot boiling water. Pour the mixture into the toilet. The soap will act as a lubricant to try and loosen up the clog and the hot water will push the soap down into the clog. Let this sit for a little while, about an hour or more, and then try to plunge again.
Drain Snake
For really tough clogs in your home, you can try renting a drain snake. This is a machine that sends a long “snake” like cord down your drain to break up clogs. These can be rented at stores like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes and should always be handled with care. Follow the instructions carefully because if these snakes are used incorrectly you could do more damage than good.
Home Service Doctors to the Rescue
If none of these tips are working for you, then the best thing you can do is to call your local plumberologist to take a look. We can assess the clog and get you back on your feet in no time.
Don’t Stress Over Clogged Drains in Your Home! Call Home Service Doctors Today and Ask About Our Drain Cleaning Services!
If you have a tough clog, call Home Service Doctors for a drain cleaning service today!
