How to Clear Drains: 4 Tips and Tricks to Try

Have you ever taken a shower and noticed water sitting at your feet? Or you are doing dishes in the kitchen sink and notice the water is not draining properly? Well, this may be a sign that you have a clog in your pipes! Now sometimes a clog is not a big deal at all and can be fixed with a simple solution. Other times, the clog can be a warning sign for a much bigger problem and requires professional drain cleaning. It is smart to test out all options before jumping to the worst conclusion, which can save you peace of mind and money! Here are a few tips & tricks to help with your clogged drain!

• Boiling Water

1. Fill a tea kettle and heat the water to boiling
2. Pour the water slowly down the drain in several stages, waiting between pours to let the hot water work its way through the clog
3. Repeat until the drain is flowing again

If you are experiencing a clogged drain, an easy first step to try and unclog the drain is to pour boiling water down the drain in intervals. If you pour the water down all at once the boiling water may overwhelm the drain not allowing it to work. The boiling water can break down particles in the drain that may be blocking the water flow. If this method does not work, then you may need something stronger to break down the clog.

• Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Mix ⅓ cup of vinegar and ⅓ cup of baking soda
2. The reaction is immediate so pour it down the drain quickly
3. Wait an hour and flush with hot water

Baking soda and vinegar can help break down particles that boiling water can not. This trick is a step up from boiling water but will only really work on a blockage that isn’t 100%. There are different ways you can do this step but the most effective way is to pour baking soda down the clogged drain, about ½ cup, and let sit. Meanwhile, boil water and put about a cup of vinegar into the water. Pour water and vinegar down affected drain and let sit for about 30 minutes. Once time is up run water down the drain and see if the blockage has cleared. If not, you may have to manually remove debris.

• Snake the Drain

1. Unwind the cable to feed it down the drain until you feel butt up against an obstruction
2. Gently move the head around until it snags the clump and carefully reel it back up

If the drain is still persistent on not being cleared, your next move should be to try to clear the drain by hand. If you do not have the proper equipment to snake a drain, you can use a wire hanger as well. This can get messy, so you may want to keep a towel nearby. Sometimes all you need to do is clear the drain by hand and physically get the debris out. If you clear the drain and the problem is still persistent you may need to call a professional.

• Use a Coat Hanger

1. Straighten out a wire coat hanger
2. Bend one end to make a small hook
3. Guide it through the drain cover

If the clog is closer to the drain opening, you may be able to work it loose with a coat hanger. Work the wire hanger around until you feel it take hold of something, then gently bring it back up. You’ll likely have a glob of hair dangling from the end.

If the drain is not easily cleared by these 4 simple tips, you may have a more serious underlying issue. Call a plumbing professional, like Aztec Plumbing & Drains, who can properly assess your situation and fix your home right away! Aztec Plumbing, we have you covered from A to Z!

Learn More in Our Drain Cleaning Series:

• Why Do My Drains Gurgle
• Why Does My Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs
• Is Drain Lining Worth It?
• Why Is My Drain Pipe Leaking
• Chemical Free Ways to Unclog Drains
• What Causes Drain Flies
• Is Drain Cleaner Dangerous
• Can You Put Paint Thinner Down the Drain
• Why Do My Drains Back Up When it Rains?
• Is Hydro Jetting Better than Snaking?