Drain Clogging: Top 5 Simple & Effective Ways To Fix Blockage!

Drain clogging is the most common plumbing issue which every homeowner faces. There’s nothing worse than taking a shower standing in a few inches of water.

Water clogging can occur in toilets, sinks, and bathrooms. It may start as a minor issue, but it can quickly escalate into a significant problem when it is unattended.

The primary causes for clogging include the deposit of:

• Hair
• Food waste
• Grease
• Toilet paper
• Dirt

You can’t fix a clogged pipe if you don’t know the causes of the problem. This article will discuss some of the effective ways to clearing clogs and speed up the slow-flowing pipes.

Drain Clogging: 5 Effective Ways To Fix Blockage In Pipes

Overlooking water clogging can produce unpleasant smells, affect the entire home, and cause headaches and nausea.

For that reason, it is necessary to get rid of the clogs as soon as possible. Here are some of the DIY techniques to fix blocked in pipes:

#1 Boiling Water

Pouring boiling water into your drain can loosen the blockage caused by hair, dirt, food, or soap. Here are the simple ways to do it:

• Use a kettle to boil the water
• Put the boiled water directly into the drain
• Turn on the faucet to check if the water is flowing smoothly. If not, then repeat the process.

Note: Don’t try this method if your drains are attached to PVC pipes. Boiled water can cause severe damage to the plastic pipes.

#2 Use Baking Soda And Vinegar

This combination is one of the best home remedies for clogged drains. It can do wonders for any clogging. Here are the simple steps to do it:

• Remove standing water using a cup
• Put one cup of baking soda
• Put one cup of white vinegar down the drain opening
• Cover or seal the opening
• Wait for at least 15 minutes and run hot tap water.

The baking soda will create a chemical reaction that dissolves some blockages.

#3 Work With Plunger

Using a plunger is one of the effective ways to clear clogging without opening any pipes. The general idea behind using a plunger is to break up the clog and force it down the drain.

While using a plunger, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves and follow all the plunging guidelines, such as:

• Fill the sink with 2 inches of water.
• Cover overflow holes with a cloth.
• Make your plunger a lighter one.
• Add water as needed to keep the plunger covered.

#4 Clean The P-Trap

After all the efforts, if clogging remains the same, then there is a blockage in a p-trap (an elbow-shaped pipe under your sink). Food, grease, or dirt get stored in the p-trap, leading to blockage.

Make sure to undertake the cleaning task with all the precautions. Consider wearing goggles, rubber gloves, and towels. Once you’re ready, follow the below steps:

• Place a bucket underneath the pipe to catch blocked items.
• Unscrew the connectors on the p-trap.
• Remove the p-trap and clean it.
• Reconnect the trap.
• Open the faucet to check if the water is flowing smoothly.

#5 Seek Help

Thankfully, fixing blockage in pipes is easy to repair with a DIY spirit. Still, it would help if you considered calling a plumber specialising in clearing clogs. Due to the lack of knowledge of plumbing systems, you are more likely to turn a minor problem into a major one.

The most significant advantage of seeking help from professionals is that they have a wide array of tools available to aid in clearing clogs. Modern devices include hydro-jet, pipe wrenches, blow-torches, etc.

The Bottom Line

Once you’re familiar with how to fix a clogging, don’t turn a blind eye to the chances of getting the clogs again. Prevention is better than a cure, after all.

The tips mentioned above are sure to keep you away from clogging and help you flush out the toxic chemicals.