Blockages in drains are a common household problem. They can quickly grow into a big headache if they’re not fixed. If you have a slow-draining kitchen sink, a shower drain that’s clogged, or a toilet that’s backed up, plumbing problems can be frustrating. With the right knowledge and the appropriate tools, it is possible to unblock drains and restore proper drainage. In this article, you’ll learn how to unblock drains.
Drain Blockages: What Are The Causes?
Before you start looking for solutions, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of a blocked drain. It is important to understand the underlying causes in order to prevent future drain blockages. These are some of the most common causes.
- Shampoo and Soap Scum: In bathroom sink drains, hair scum is the most common cause of blockages. Over time, the scum can accumulate in drains and create a stubborn clog.
- Cooking Oils and Grease: The accumulation of cooking oil, grease, and food particles may cause the drain to become blocked. This is what happens if a sink drain strainer is not used.
- Foreign Objects: When you accidentally drop items like toys, jewellery, or small objects down the sink, it can lead to blockages.
- Toiletry Products and Hygiene: Flushing excess toilet paper, wipes, feminine hygiene products, or baby wipes into the toilet can cause toilet blockages.
- A Tree Root: When tree roots infiltrate outdoor drains or sewer lines, they can block water flow.
Unblocking Drains: A Step-By-Step Guide
Use a Plunger:
- Plungers are useful tools to unblock minor drains.
- Use the plunger to create a vacuum by sealing the drain and pushing and pulling the plunger. This can remove the obstruction and allow water flow.
Boiling the Water:
- Pouring boiling boiled water down a sink or kitchen drain to dissolve soap and grease can be helpful for minor clogs.
- Avoid using boiling water around PVC pipes. It can cause them to deteriorate.
Vinegar & Baking Soda:
- Baking soda and white vinegar combined can dissolve and remove clogs.
- Pour half of a cup of baking soda into the drain. Then, pour half of the white vinegar. Allow it 15 minutes to settle, then flush out with hot tap water.
Chemical drain Cleaners:
- The use of chemical drain cleaning agents can be helpful for stubborn clogs.
- Wear protective equipment and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Snake or Drain Agger:
- A plumbing auger or snake is a tool that is used to reach and clear blockages in sewer lines or deeper drains.
- To remove obstructions, insert the snake into the drain.
To Hire a Professional, Call:
- If your problem persists even after trying these DIY techniques, it is time to call in a professional.
- Plumbers possess the expertise and specialized tools to resolve severe blockages.
Conclusion
With the proper knowledge and skills, you will be able to restore the flow of water in your home. To avoid more damage and inconvenience, you should address blocked drains as soon as possible. Adopting prevention measures can also help prevent future plumbing issues and keep your pipes flowing smoothly. To ensure that your plumbing problems are resolved permanently, you’ll want to hire a professional plumber for any severe or persistent blockages.
