9 Ways to Unclog a Clogged Drain

9 Ways to Unclog a Clogged Drain

How often do you think about the drains in your house? Typically, drains quietly do their job without much attention from us, and that’s how we like it.

We usually take any drain for granted–until, of course, it stops working. That’s when we’re finally forced to pay attention to this little device that does its job in complete silence.

It’s only when there’s something wrong with the drain that we begin to truly appreciate just how much we rely on it–not to mention, a clogged drain can quickly go from inconvenience to disaster.

Fortunately, unclogging a drain and protecting your plumbing is straightforward: Just call the Mendota drain cleaning experts at Triple Service to help clear your clogs! We’ve also compiled some of our best drain cleaning tips for unclogging your drains and keeping them fresh!

1) Start with a Plunger

The first step: grab your trusty plunger. Fill the sink about a quarter full with water. If you have a double sink, block the other drain with a towel. Then, plunge rapidly until the water begins to drain. This technique works well for most small obstructions and blockages.

2) DIY It

Shine a powerful flashlight down the drain to see if you can spot the blockage. If you can see the offending gunk, straighten out a coat hanger and create a small hook at the end. If the clog is near the surface, you should be able to reach it and carefully pull it out. If this isn’t effective, don’t spend too much time there; you might push the clog further into the pipes. If you manage to remove a good portion of the clog, flush the drain with hot water to get things flowing again.

3) Mix Up a Saltwater Solution

For a simple DIY maintenance tip, try using a saltwater solution to help reduce odors and prevent clogs. Saltwater solutions can effectively minimize grease buildup in your pipes.

4) Use Boiling Water

Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain in stages, allowing a few seconds between each pour. The hot water can help dissolve small grease clogs and get things moving smoothly again.

5) Try a Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

Remember making volcanoes in school with baking soda and vinegar? This mixture can also help with clogged drains! Combine 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar. It will start bubbling quickly, so pour it down the drain immediately. Wait about an hour, then flush with hot water.

6) Use Dish Soap for Toilet Clogs

For a clogged toilet, add 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid to the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then follow with hot water and some plunging. Dish soap is effective at breaking down greasy clogs, making this a useful trick to try.

7) Utilize a Plumbing Snake

If other methods don’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to tackle tough clogs. These tools can be threaded into a clogged drain to manually remove blockages. Snakes are also useful for your home’s main drain. Insert the snake into the drain, push through the clog, and use a garden hose to flush out the remaining debris.

8) Maintain Your Drains

Why is it essential to maintain our drains? Think about all the work we put on them and the various items that go down our bathroom and kitchen drains: dirt, pet hair, soap, bits of food, and sometimes unidentified objects. We want everything we wash away to stay away, but a blocked drain forces these things to stick around. This can lead to dirty sinks, plumbing damage, and health issues. Keeping your drains clear is crucial, and thankfully, it’s also relatively easy.

9) Contact a Professional Mendota Plumber

If your efforts don’t clear the clog, it’s time to call a professional. The expert Mendota plumbers at Triple Service can help you unblock your drain and offer tips to prevent future clogs. That’s great news for your plumbing system!

Contact our team today to schedule your appointment!

Learn More About Drain Cleaning in Mendota & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• Things You Should Never Put Down Your Drain
• How to Prevent Clogged Drains in Mendota
• 8 Warning Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
• 7 Common Causes of Clogged Drains (And How to Fix Them!)
• What to Do When Drano Doesn’t Work: 5 Alternatives for Homeowners