Tips for Cleaning a Blocked Drain

Blocked drains are probably one of the most common causes of calling a plumber. Blocked drains could be the focal cause of numerous small issues, from bad smells to water which simply does not want to drain away. However, if these problems are permitted to deteriorate, life can quickly turn into a nightmare.

On the bright side, if you suspect a clogged drain, you may be able to unclog it yourself. Untreated clogs can lead to spillage from your drains that could damage your house or business. Also, severe blockages can lead to burst pipes, which might require a good deal more costly repairs.

Here are the general remedies for clearing clogged drains that you can do.

1) Boiling Water

Pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain is a fairly simple and quick cure for clogged drains. In many situations, it's enough to dislodge or dissolve the blockage without more drastic measures. Be sure only to use this technique on metal or ceramic pipes, since heat can loosen PVC pipe joints. In that case, hot, not boiling, tap water is sufficient. This process may be useful when clearing oil or food-based deposits, but it's hard to believe it will work for any effective removal of solid blockages.

2) Homemade Natural Cleaner

To create a natural cleaner in-house, you can mix bicarb soda (baking soda) with white vinegar. Pour the bicarb and then the vinegar; cover your drain so that the solution does not spout out of the pipe. The chemical reaction between bicarb and vinegar produces oxygen, which scrubs and cleans out the interior of the pipes. You may have to repeat the procedure several times to ensure that the blockage is completely removed. Once the solution has passed beyond the block, flush your pipes with hot water to flush away the remaining residual.

3) Cleaner With Caustic

Caustic chemical drain cleaners are available at your local hardware shop or supermarket. These chemicals can dissolve oil, hair, food, and other typical clogs. They are, however, hazardous to the environment and should be handled with caution. Caustic cleaners are ineffective on solid masses such as tree roots or tiny household objects. When local cleaner are with chemical, always cover hands and face, and flush your pipes with water afterwards to remove any leftover chemicals.

4) Plunger

A plunger will clear a blocked drain or toilet. Before you start plunging, close the overflow spouts to get a good seal. The up-and-down pressure of the plunger can help loosen whatever is causing the blockage, and your pipes should flow freely again. However, plunging is most effective for solid obstructions but is ineffective against grease buildup and mineral deposits.

5) Snake And A CCTV

In serious blockages, use a plumber's snake or electric eel tool. The rotation of the end coil removes blockages through chipping them off. Since snakes have limited reach, they can be effective only if the obstruction is close to the entrance of the drain. They may also damage the pipes, so other methods first should be explored. Plumbers' snakes are available in most hardware stores, or you may hire a qualified plumber to handle the work for you.

We hope the foregoing recommendations guide you in clearing your obstructed drain. However, if you cannot solve it on your own, then it is always better to call in a professional or an experienced blocked drain repair. They are the go-to option if you can't figure out the problem or get rid of the bad odour. It is also a practical solution if you do not have enough time to do the task on your own.

Author Bio: Harley Lawrence is an avid professional blogger who likes writing on numerous topics related to business, home, home decor, etc. And, in the above article, he covers brilliant tips about how local cleaners in the Hills help you clean your clogged drain.