About Cleaning Drains Properly

If you have a clogged drain do not panic, there are many different things that you can try which will often be enough to clear your drain without having to hire an expensive plumber to clear the drain for you. Clogged drains are caused by food, hair, grease and other debris that become lodged on the sidewalls of your drainage pipe leading to a blockage in your pipes.

Plunger - If your drain is clogged, the first thing you should try is a standard household plunger. This plumber's tool is often enough to open up a clogged drain. Place the plunger on the affected drain ensuring that it has a proper seal so that it can force pressure into your pipe and break the debris free allowing your drain to open. You may have to do this more than once if you have a stubborn clog.

Vinegar & Baking Soda - A great home remedy for a clogged drain is using a combination of vinegar and baking soda. These all natural ingredients create a chemical combustion when combined that is powerful enough to clear a stubborn blockage. Add three-quarters of a cup of dry baking soda into your drain, and then add two cups of vinegar to the affected drain. Place a wet rag into the drain opening to block it off so that the chemical reaction can begin to work. Wait for fifteen minutes before removing the rag and checking the drain to see if the blockage has been removed. Repeat the process if your drain is still draining slowly or not at all.

Degreaser - If your clogged drain is in your kitchen sink, it may be due to grease and oil buildup that has been allowed to solidify on the walls of your drainage pipe. Boil a pot of water on the stove until it is at a rolling boil. Add a quarter of a cup of dish soap to the affected drain and then immediately follow with your pot of boiling water. You may need to use a plunger to help the detergent get to the area where the blockage is located.