Clogged drains are a common problem in most homes. Whether it’s a sink draining slower than molasses or a toilet completely backed up, drain issues can be a real pain. Luckily, clearing a drain isn’t as scary as it might seem. In fact, you can often fix it yourself with a few simple tricks.
But what if the clog is too stubborn to handle on your own? Don’t worry. We have DYI and pro options to clear a clogged drain anytime you need.
How To Clear a Clogged Drain
You may be wondering how to tackle these pesky clogs. You could call a plumber right off the bat, but many drain clogs are simple enough to fix on your own. With a few basic tools and some guidance, you can save both time and money.
But, if the clog won’t budge or you’d rather not deal with it, Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers affordable, professional drain clearing services. Our team is always ready to jump in and save the day.
A Word About Liquid Drain Cleaning Chemicals
Liquid drain cleaners seem like a quick fix for clogged drains. Pour them in. They break down whatever is blocking your pipe, such as hair, grease, or soap scum. Problem solved! Well, not quite, as they aren’t always effective.
For partially clogged drains, liquid cleaners may help, but they aren’t the best choice for fully blocked pipes. In fact, they can damage your pipes over time, especially in older homes, and be a hazard to your health. So, if your drain is completely blocked, steer clear of these chemicals. They might end up doing more harm than good.
DIY Methods to Clear a Clogged Drain
Before calling a pro, you can try some easy, do-it-yourself methods to clear your drain. These DIY tricks are straightforward and often get the job done.
1. The Boiling Water Method
One of the simplest ways to tackle a slow or mild clog is using boiling water. This method works particularly well in kitchen sinks where grease buildup is often the culprit.
- How to do it: Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain in stages. This allows the hot water to move through and break up the blockage.
- When to use it: This method is best for slow drains or minor clogs. But if your drain is fully blocked, you’ll likely need a stronger solution.
2. The Household Cleaner Method
Do you have dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar lying around? These everyday items can work wonders for clearing kitchen and bathroom drains.
- For kitchen clogs: If grease is the problem, pour a tad of dish soap into the drain and flush it with hot water. The soap helps dissolve the grease, making it easier for water to flow through.
- For bathroom drains: Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar (half a cup each) for a fun science experiment that actually clears your pipes. Pour the mixture into the drain and let it fizz for a few minutes before flushing it with boiling water. This method works well for breaking down soap scum and hair buildup.
Overall, these methods are safe for your pipes and work well on common clogs.
3. The Trusty Plunger
The plunger, a true household hero, is one of the most useful tools for clearing clogs in sinks, toilets, or showers.
- For sinks: Make sure the plunger has a good seal around the drain, and put some elbow grease into it. Push and pull it several times to create enough pressure to move the clog.
- For toilets: Use a flange plunger made for toilets. But first, check if there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger, then pump it up and down to force the clog out.
A good plunging session often does the trick, quickly solving many types of clogs.
4. The Drain Snake
If a plunger doesn’t work, you can use a drain snake. These handy tools can reach deeper into the pipes and pull out whatever is blocking the flow.
- For sinks: A plastic drain snake is a great option for pulling out hair or other debris. Insert it into the drain, twist it, and pull it out with the clog attached.
- For toilets: Use a closet auger, which is designed for toilets, to reach deeper into the pipes and break up tougher clogs.
Drain snakes are cheap and highly effective, especially for stubborn blockages.
Professional Methods to Clear Clogged Drains
But what if none of these DIY efforts work? That’s when it’s time to call the pros. They have high-tech tools and know-how to deal with severe clogs. For example, our team at Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing uses several advanced methods in our arsenal to clear clogged drains:
1. Manual Drain Snakes
A manual drain snake, much like the household version but sturdier, is one of the most common tools we use.
- How it works: We feed the snake into the drain until it reaches the blockage. By twisting and pulling, we break up or remove the clog. This tool can reach up to 100 feet into the plumbing system.
2. Motorized Drain Snakes
If manual tools can’t solve the problem, a motorized drain snake gives extra power to break through more severe blockages.
- How it works: The motor adds force to the snake, allowing it to push through dense clogs like tree roots or large debris. This tool is a must for clearing blockages deep in sewer lines.
3. High-Definition Drain Cameras
Sometimes, it’s hard to know what’s causing the clog. That’s where a high-definition drain camera comes in handy.
- How it works: We feed a small camera into the pipe to provide a clear view of the blockage. This helps us identify the issue, whether a broken pipe, tree roots, or a foreign object and decide on the best course of action.
4. Hydro-Jetting Machines
Hydro-jetting is one of the most effective ways to remove tough blockages and clean the inside of your pipes.
- How it works: Imagine a pressure washer for your plumbing. A nozzle is inserted into the pipe, and high-pressure water jets blast through the blockage. Hydro-jetting clears the clog and removes grease, debris, and other buildup along the pipe walls, leaving them clean and clear.
Needing to Clear Your Clogged Drain? Call Dependaworthy Team
A clogged drain doesn’t have to turn your day upside down. Give these DIY methods a shot; if all else fails, you know who to call. Our Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team is always ready to swoop in and save your pipes (and your sanity).
We have been serving the Charlotte area for years, providing reliable and affordable plumbing services, including drain clearing. Our promise to you is, “if we don’t fix it right, you don’t pay,” showing our commitment to delivering dependable, high-quality service. So, whether you need a simple fix or a more complex solution, we’re here to help. Give us a call today!