Fix your clogged drain today!

Nothing is worse than jumping in the shower to relax after a long day only to find that you are standing in water.

Another frustrating moment is when your garbage disposal breaks and your sink fills up with water.

Whatever the reason, clogged drains can be a huge pain.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should call a plumber. We will show you how to spot a novice clog and how to fix them without the assistance of a professional plumber.

Bathroom sinks

Clogs in bathroom sinks can be caused from hair, toothpaste hardening, or shaving debris. They are usually the easiest to clear.

Mix half a cup baking soda with half a cup white vinegar and pour it down the sink. Let it sit for a few minutes and then pour two quarts of boiling water down the drain. If needed, repeat the process.

If your blockage doesn’t seem to be moving over a prolonged period of time it is best to let your pride go and call a professional to stop it from getting worse.

Tub and shower drains

Hair, particularly long styles, is the main problem in these situations. The drain stopper will usually have a cross underneath it where hair can get stuck.

If you can remove the drain stopper you can usually remove the blockage in a matter of minutes.  Tweezers work well for this job. 

If you don’t see any hairs after you take out the drain stopper, the blockage could be deep in your pipes making it more difficult to clear. Although Drano may seem like the obvious choice, you should think twice.  Many chemical-based products can cause pipe damage.

A better option is a cleaner that contains an all-natural enzyme. This will introduce good bacteria to the drain system, and won’t cause any damage to the pipes. While it takes some time for the cleaner to get rid of the buildup in the drains, it is an excellent maintenance product. The enzyme-based cleaner can be used once per week or every few weeks to keep your drains open. And the best part is that it does not harm the environment.

Floor drains

If you have a plugged floor drain, you can try using the baking soda and vinegar solution discussed above.

Another option is to remove the floor drain cover and push a garden down the drain. Use an old towel to wrap the hose around it so that the water will not spray back. This will make a DIY pressure washer for the drain.

Kitchen sinks

Grease and food are the main causes of kitchen sink clogs. It’s important to remove any food crumbs from your plate and put them in the trash before you give it a rinse. Do not rely on the garage disposal to do all the work.  Dawn soap can be used to clear a kitchen sink blockage. Dawn soap cuts through grease like no other.

If none of these options work to unclog your drain, it is time to call a professional plumber.