Drain problems? With the holidays right around the corner, a clogged drain is the last thing you need. You have too many things to contend with already.
If you need to know how to clean a drain before you start basting that turkey, it’s easier than you may think. The sections below outline the most efficient ways to unclog your drain, even if you don’t know a plumber’s wrench from a screwdriver. When you’re ready to unstop that clog, read on.
How to Clean a Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar
DIY drain cleaning is all about trying the simplest methods first. Fortunately, this method uses simple ingredients found in most households. Yep, you probably guessed it already; we’re talking about baking soda and vinegar.
Begin the process by grabbing yourself a half-gallon of hot water and pour it directly down the drain. It’ll help dissolve soap residue that may have congealed and created your clog. It may also rinse away excess detritus, reducing the severity of your clog.
If you have a plunger that fits snugly into the drain and still creates a tight seal, uses it next. That’s one of the best drain cleaning tips that most DIY sites forget to recommend. Plunge it at least 5 times before you rinse with another half-gallon of hot water.
If you don’t have a plunger that fits, move on to the next step.
Slowly pour a single cup of baking soda down into the center of the drain. Let it there for 1 minute. Next, grab yourself some white vinegar, a single cup worth. When you’re ready, pour it into the drain too.
As the baking soda and vinegar combine, they release gas and create bubbles. In a closed system, these bubbles create pressure much like a plunger. The difference being the pressure is directly next to the clog.
To create a closed system, you must cover your drain opening after you insert it in the vinegar. Use a drain plug or a round rubber piece that you cover with something heavy. If you don’t, the bubbles will push the rubber out of the way.
Let the mixture sit for an hour. Afterward, flush the drain with another half-gallon of hot water. Be sure to check for water leaks before you clean up.
How to Unclog It with an Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are a concentration of bacteria that will eat through fats, proteins, and other human waste. It’s better than Drano because Drano can corrode metal. These cleaners usually cost under $20.
All you need to do is follow the directions on the back of your enzyme cleaner. The only unfortunate thing about these cleaners is that you need to let them sit for 24 hours.
How to Clean It with a Pipe Snake
If you’re wondering how to clean a bathroom sink drain or how to clean a sink kitchen drain, pipe snakes are the most effective method. Aside from a wrench, a snake is a plumber’s second most used tool. Fortunately, you rent one or pick one up at your local hardware store for under $50.
If a snake doesn’t do the job, you may need to try the snake’s heavy-hitting cousin, the drain-cleaning bladder. A snake is built like a long metal jump rope. A bladder is a long rubber tube that shoots out water under pressure.
With either, you try to mechanically break up the clog. If you’ve tried all the above steps and still haven’t succeeded, it may be a sign you need a plumber.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to clean a drain, what do you do if the above steps didn’t solve your problem? Then, it’s time to call a professional. If you live near Longview Texas, reach out to your local plumbing expert today.
So long and good luck!