Drain clogs don’t just happen overnight. They leave subtle signs like slow draining, loud gurgling noises, and others for some time before they become blocked. If you’re familiar with blocked drain London, you probably already know that this problem can quickly become complicated if not addressed.
The truth is only some people are willing to call on a plumber and spend money on unclogging their drains. So, if you’re in these shoes, here are some ways to unblock your drain without calling a professional plumber.
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Try The Bent Wire Method
Homeowners looking to save money through DIY methods have become creative over the years. If you’ve called out a plumber in the past, you’re probably already familiar with the unblocking method and may get creative by looking for household items that can replace the plumber’s tools.
One household item that can be fashioned into an unblocking tool is the wire hanger. Most homeowners straighten out their clothes hangers while creating a small hook at its top. The makeshift tool is then pushed down the drain to fish for solid items that may have clogged the pipeline.
This method can effectively break down the solid waste and pull or push it out of the pipe. However, it may not be as effective when the gunk has stored further down the pipe.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The combination of baking soda and vinegar has been around for many years, especially among DIY homeowners. This solution involves mixing one-third of baking soda with an equal amount of vinegar in a measuring cup. The mixture will create an immediate fizz which should be poured down the drain as quickly as possible.
The mixture’s fizzing helps break the solid particles in the pipeline, thus creating an opening for wastewater to pass through. You can also pour a generous amount of hot water down the drain after the fizzing mixture has subsided to further break the gunk and particles inside the pipe.
The Wet And Dry Vacuum
This is an uncommon way to unclog your drain, especially because not every household has a wet and dry vacuum. But if you have one of those vacuums, it can do an excellent job of unblocking your drain without creating a mess.
To get started, set the vacuum to liquids and cover up the vent. Try to create a tight seal around the drain and turn the vacuum on to its highest setting. Most powerful vacuums can suck out the clog through the pipe and into the waste bag.
Boiling Water
This is the most commonest and simplest drain pipe unblocking solution you’ll ever come across. It is so simple that most households do this at least once every other week. Using boiling water is simple; you just pour the water down the drain.
Pouring hot water down the drain is expected to melt grease, oil, and other materials that hold up solid waste to cause clogs. By breaking down the adhesives, the solid wastes can easily flow through the pipe and out of the drain.
Caustic Soda
DIY homeowners have tried a lot of options to save money on regular visits from their plumbers. With caustic soda, you need to be a little more careful than any of the other DIY methods listed above.
Grab some eye protection goggles and protective gloves, as this chemical can cause nasty chemical burns when mishandled. Pour three-quarters gallon of cold water into a mop bucket and add about 3-4 cups of your caustic soda into it. Stir the mixture well using a wooden spoon or wood and pour it down the drain as soon as you feel it heating up or beginning to fizz.
Leave the drain for 20 to 30 minutes before flushing it using boiling water. You can repeat these steps two to three times to get the most effective result.
Buy A Drain Snake
If you’re willing to invest in your DIY dream, you can visit the nearest convenience or hardware store to buy a drain snake. The affordable options will work in most cases unless there’s a bigger problem that needs professional attention.
Use the drain snake to unclog your blocked drain anytime you notice the common signs of a blocked drain, whether stagnant or standing wastewater, loud gurgling sound, foul odor from the drains, or others.
Salt And Baking Soda
Another homemade recipe for cleaning and clearing your drain is the mixture of salt and baking soda. Add half a cup of table salt to an equal amount of baking soda and pour the mix down the drain. Leave the powder mix inside the drain for about half an hour before flushing it with boiling water.
It is important to note that not all of these DIY drain unblocking methods will work, especially if you’re dealing with a very bad drain clog. Contact a local plumber for professional help if all else fails.
