Unclogging small clogs in your home is possible with some guidance, but it is important to note that unclogging drains require professional plumbers to prevent further costly damages. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will provide you with a lot of resourceful information.
For a quick fix, use boiling water. It can break down grease or soap residue and move obstructing elements along the pipe.
Boiling Water
Boiling water is a great quick fix for certain types of clogs. The high temperature of boiling water can break up organic clogs like hair or food particles that have bonded together inside pipes. It can also help melt grease-based blockages that have hardened in drains.
The best way to use this method is to pour a pot of boiling water down the clogged drain in stages. Make sure to mix in a cup of salt, which will act as a natural scouring agent to force out any remaining clog materials and restore proper drain flow.
This trick should not be used on a regular basis, as repeated exposure to boiling water can damage household plumbing. This is especially true for PVC pipes, which can soften and melt over time if exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, plunging can be difficult if the clog is too far down the pipe. This is when a plumber’s snake or the wire hanger hook technique may be needed.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an inexpensive, non-toxic household product that can unclog drains. It can be used alone or with a combination of methods to clear minor clogs and prevent them from returning.
A favorite drain-clearing hack involves mixing baking soda and vinegar to create fizzing bubbles that eat away at the clog. While this method is generally effective, it’s not as powerful as a professional drain cleaning service. It may also harm your pipes.
To use baking soda to clean your drain, first dry out the inside of your sinks and tub. Then, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour and then rinse with hot water.
Leaving the baking soda and vinegar mixture in your drain overnight can increase its effectiveness. It will give the mixture time to penetrate the clog more thoroughly and dissolve more stubborn grease build-up.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural drain cleaner, and while it won’t remove a severe clog as well as baking soda, it can help unclog a slow drain. Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar (apple cider vinegar is better for a smelly clog) down the drain, and wait for a fizzing reaction. Plug the drain, and flush it with hot water.
This popular hack isn’t as effective as it sounds, but it can be a quick fix for simple drain clogs. The vinegar and baking soda make carbon dioxide gas that creates pressure, which can push out a clog.
This method works best if the clog is caused by hair, and not a bigger problem such as a broken pipe or a sludge blockage. If the baking soda and vinegar solution doesn’t work, try mixing equal parts of table salt and vinegar together, then pouring down the drain. This can also help dissolve a small amount of grease clogs.
Soda Crystals
Soda crystals are a household staple that many people don’t think to use, but they can be very effective at tackling a blocked drain. To use them, pour a mug of boiling water down the drain and then follow this with a cup of soda crystals. After a few minutes you should hear the mixture sizzling and the blockage will start to dissolve. This is an excellent option for grease and fat blockages as it will help to break down the oily gunk.
Soda crystals are free of harsh chemicals and very affordable, making them a great alternative to expensive drain unblockers. They are also biodegradable and can be used in homes with septic tanks. You can also add a mug of soda crystals to your kettle and washing machine to help prevent drain blockages, as they will soften hard water and help reduce build up on your kettle and iron. Just remember that this alkaline substance is corrosive on aluminum so don’t use it on your pans!
