Some Simple Ways to Fix a Clogged Drain

Is the water in your sink slow to drain? Have you noticed water accumulating at the bottom of the tub while you shower? These are all signs that you’re dealing with a clogged drain. While more significant blockages need professional drain cleaning services, homeowners can sometimes resolve smaller clogs themselves. 

So if you’re struggling with a minor clog, check out these five simple ways to fix a clogged drain below. 

If your clog isn’t small and your home needs expert drain cleaning, the technicians at Kellie Plumbing in Franklin, IN, 46131, USA, can help. We’ll take care of any severe blockages and make sure your pipes are clear for use. 

Drain Snakes and Augers

A plumbing snake or drain auger is a tool used to remove blockages in drains and pipes. These tools have three main parts一a handle, a long, flexible metal pole, and a metal auger on the end. To use a snake, you simply slide the auger end down the drain, and once you’ve got it inserted, you rotate the handle to extend the coil. Most drain snakes are about 50 feet long and work for a majority of drains.

Plungers

Plungers are another great way to fix a clogged drain. A plunger consists of a rubber suction cup attached to a shaft that is either wood or plastic. To clear a blocked drain using a plunger, you simply place the suction cup directly, tightly over the drain. Make sure that it covers the entirety of the drain’s opening. You then suction the clog out with forceful movements, pushing the plunger towards the drain and away without breaking the cup’s seal around the drain. 

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Hot Water

Some minor blockages can actually be dissolvable with the use of certain substances you have in your home. A popular mixture includes baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. To try this, you would first slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the clogged drain. Immediately after, pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain. (If you do not have baking soda, salt is an adequate substitute.) 

Leave this to sit for at least five minutes, and then pour one cup of vinegar into the drain. Allow this to sit for 20 minutes. You will likely hear a fizzling sound during this time, which is the vinegar combining with the baking soda. Once 20 minutes have passed, rinse the drain clean by slowly pouring another pot of boiling water inside.

This method works most effectively on bathroom sinks and shower drains. It is less effective on kitchen sinks, where food materials may be causing the clogs. 

Dish Soap and Hot Water

Another way to use things found in your home to clear a clogged drain is by utilizing the combination of dish soap and boiling water. This method for breaking up a blockage is straightforward. All you need to do is slowly pour a gallon of boiling water down the drain and then squirt a substantial amount of dish detergent into the drain. 

The hot water will help dissolve the blockage, while the dish soap acts as a slippery lubricant to help move the blockage downwards. Allow this combination to sit for at least 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing with another gallon of boiling water. Once this has run through, any minor blockages should clear away.

Drain Cleaning Products

We do not recommend commercial drain cleaning products for frequent use, as they’re made of harsh chemicals that can erode some pipes. With that said, if you must use them occasionally to clear minor clogs, they should be fine. From Drano to CLR, you can find a wide array of drain cleaning products in hardware and home improvement stores. To use these, you should always follow the instructions included in each product’s packaging.

Call Kellie Plumbing for Drain Cleaning Services

Have you found yourself googling “plumbers near me?” Is that why you’re here? Well, your search for the perfect plumbing services is officially over. Kellie Plumbing is a leading provider of plumbing services in Indiana. Our professionals can tackle everything from drain cleaning to toilet repairs. 

We are located in Franklin, IN, 46131, USA, and serve numerous surrounding cities in the area. The Kellie Plumbing team boasts industry veterans who arrive at every job with a fully loaded truck, prepared to battle your clogs (or any other plumbing issue) and set your plumbing free again. Call us today to schedule your appointment!