About Clearing Clogged Drains

Regardless of whether you live in a small studio apartment or a huge mansion, you have probably had to deal with a clogged drain. You may be washing dishes and all of a sudden you realize that water, which should be running down the drain, is instead creeping up around the sides of the sink. Getting the drain unclogged is a relatively simple matter, if you have the proper tools on hand.

Clogged drains tend to occur at the most inconvenient times.  They force you to stop what you are doing and usually emit a nasty smell. Clogged drains are the result of food, grease, hair or cleaning or beauty product buildup.

Clearing a clogged drain is one of the easier, plumbing projects you can do on your own. However, it can be a messy one.

There are basically three ways to clear a clogged drain:

1.  Drain Clearing Chemicals – A trip to your local hardware or big box store will provide you with dozens of options.  These chemicals breaks up the clog and allow the drain to run freely. The very thing that makes them so effective also makes them extremely toxic.  Follow the directions on the container exactly.

2.  Natural household remedy - Clearing a clogged drain does not require harsh chemicals. You can usually clear a drain using a few household products.  Try using 1/2-cup of baking soda followed by ½ cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and wait about 10 minutes. This will give the solution time to cut through the clog by dissolving fatty acids. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush out the clog.

3.  Manually - Sometimes a plunger can be used to clear a small clog. A plunger is a suction cup on a stick. It fits over the top of the drain by pressing down repeatedly on the stick; you create pressure that removes clogs. Large blockages may require a cable auger. Many experts insist that the only way to really clean out a drainpipe is to literally scrape it clean with an auger or “snake.” These tools are long flexible cables. They are inserted into a drain and grind their way through the blockage.

4.  Disassembly - Sometimes you can remove the blockage by going under the sink and unscrewing    the sink trap with a pipe wrench. Place a bucket underneath the trap to catch water and whatever gunk is in the pipe.

Generally, clearing a clogged drain is going to be a messy job. Wear gloves and work clothes. Be persistent. None of these options will always work on the first try.

Once you get your drain running clear, some regular maintenance will keep them that way. Running very hot water down the drain for about thirty seconds once a week helps to prevent clogs.  Regular use of the baking soda and distilled white vinegar method can also be effective.