One of the most annoying household issues anyone can face is a blocked drain. Whether it’s in your sink, shower, or toilet, you can just feel your anger rising with every passing moment because you can’t seem to find the source of the blockage. It’s not an enjoyable experience, but luckily, there are steps you can take to get rid of the issue and even prevent it from happening again. click here for more information.
What Causes Blocked Drains?
First, let’s look at what actually causes a blocked drain. In most cases, the cause has to do with grease buildup on the inside of the pipes. This normally occurs when people pour hot grease down their sinks or dump fats from cooking into the toilet, each of which will eventually solidify and lead to a nasty clog. Other objects like hair, food residue, soap scum, and even tree roots can also be sucked into the pipeline and lead to a blocked drain.
DIY Solutions to Unclog a Drain
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, there are a few DIY solutions you can try before calling a professional. To begin, you should try pouring boiling hot water down the sink. This can help break down some of the fatty deposits that have hardened in the pipe. Additionally, you can use baking soda and vinegar. First, pour half a box of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of vinegar. Then, wait about 5 minutes before flushing with hot water. You can also invest in a plunger or a snake tool to help unclog stubborn drain issues.
Another popular solution is to use a combination of baking soda and salt. Generally, dissolve 1/2 cup of salt into the same amount of baking soda and warm water. Once the mixture has been dissolved, pour it down the drain and let it sit for roughly 15 minutes. The mixture should break up the blockage, allowing the water to flow freely once more.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If none of the above solutions work, then it’s time to call a professional plumber. A specialist will be able to identify the cause of the blockage and then take the appropriate steps to remove it. Generally, this involves using a drain snake, which is a long, flexible metal cable that can be inserted into the drainage system. By doing so, the plumber can retrieve materials such as hair, debris, and other objects that might be caught in the piping.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains in the Future
Now that we know how to handle blocked drains, let’s take a quick look at how to prevent them from happening again. One of the simplest solutions is to place a strainer over the drain in order to catch any food scraps or other objects that could be sucked into the pipelines. Additionally, avoid pouring grease or fat down the drains, as this can lead to a nasty clog.
You should also invest in a regular drain cleaning service. It’s important to keep your drains clear and in good condition. If you don’t want to pay for professional services, then you can give them a good clean yourself. Either way, it’s worth investing in drain cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
Blocked drains can be a real nuisance, but there are steps you can take to unclog them and keep them from happening again. By following the tips and advice outlined in this article, you can effectively tackle any clogging problems and keep your drains flowing for years to come.