A blocked drain can be considered as one of the most common plumbing problems that most homeowners encounter. There are instances wherein this can be easily addressed. However, there are also cases wherein only professional plumbers will be able to resolve the problem. In terms of the latter, the experts in clearing a blocked drain Canberra locals recommend are those who are equipped with the right skills and tools to trace the root cause of the problem. In terms of the former, below are some easy ways to clear a blocked drain.
1. Boiling Water
One of the easiest ways to clear a blocked drain is by pouring boiling water into it. More often than not, this is already sufficient to loosen or dissolve anything that is causing a clog in your drain. This means that you no longer need to resort to other drastic measures only to unclog your drain. However, you need to keep in mind that you should only do this if your pipes are made of metal or ceramic. The reason behind this is that the high temperature of boiling water can loosen the joints on pipes that are made from PVC.
2. Natural Cleaner
Another easy way to clear a blocked drain is to leverage a natural cleaner that is made from baking soda and white vinegar. In this case, you need to pour the baking soda first before you pour the white vinegar next. Make sure to cover the drain because the bubbles that form when the solution mixes may rise to the top. Rest assured that the chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar will be enough to clear your pipes out.
3. Caustic Cleaner
Apart from natural cleaners, you can also try to make use of caustic chemical drain cleaners which you can easily purchase from a hardware store. These chemicals are designed to dissolve the unknown objects that may be blocking your drains such as hair, grease, or food. The only drawback of going for a caustic cleaner is that these can be harmful not only to you but to the environment too. For this reason, ensure that you use them sparingly and that you wear the necessary protective gear when handling them.
4. Plunger
Apart from natural and caustic drain cleaners, you can also try to use a plunger to clear a blocked drain. However, this entails the need for you to cover any overflow spouts before you begin plunging to ensure that you get a strong seal. In this case, the blockage is cleared because of the constant up and down pressure created by your plunger. While this is an effective method in clearing solid blockages, a plunger may not work well with grease build-up.
5. Drain Snakes
Finally, there is also the option for you to leverage drain snakes or even a bent wire hanger, in an attempt to clear your pipes from any object causing a block. If you are using a bent hanger, create a small hook at its end for you to be able to get hair, as well as other stuff blocking your drain. On the other hand, you can also opt for the use of a plumber’s snake which is more suitable for more severe blockages.
The Bottomline
A blocked drain can be resolved by leveraging homemade solutions, as well as drain pipes. However, when the clog is already substantial or the root cause of the blockage cannot be traced, then it is best to leave the matter in the hands of the experts. Nevertheless, it is still better if you exert the extra effort to prevent a blocked drain from happening in the first place by using appropriate drain guards that can prevent unknown objects and unwanted materials from clogging your drain.
