What To Do When You Have a Clogged Drains?

Clogged drains are a bane to any homeowner's existence. Not only can they cause messy, potentially unhealthy problems in your home (like flooded basements), they can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, potentially causing costly damage and repairs. Major clogs need an emergency plumber. Contacting a plumbing service immediately can save you money in the long run. Luckily, there are several different ways to clear clogged drains. You will want to find the best method for your clog and situation. Here are some steps and tips from Leak Detection of Atlanta that you can use to get rid of stubborn drain clogs.

Boiling Water

This is one of the easiest methods of unclogging a drain. It works by heating up the water in the drainpipe so that it expands and pushes out any debris that might be causing the problem. The best way to do this is by pouring boiling water down your drain every 20 minutes for about 30 minutes. This method should be used as a last resort because it can cause damage if you overdo it.

Salt and Boiling Water

You can also use salt and boiling water to unclog your drain. Pour 1 cup of salt down the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with cold water until the sink drains freely again. This method works well on hair clogs in sinks or showers and can be used in conjunction with other methods if necessary.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you've got a slow drain, try pouring about a cup of vinegar down it and then following that up with a cup of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with boiling hot water. If you've got a clog that won't budge, this can help loosen it up so you can get rid of it permanently.

Plunger

A plunger is one of the oldest tools in any plumber's toolbox, and for a good reason — it works! You push down on one end of the plunger while pulling up on the other until all the air has been pushed out between the plunger head and your drain pipe (which creates suction). Then slowly release each hand until you've created enough suction to clear whatever debris is causing the clog. Be sure to plunge from multiple angles for the best results.

Plumbing Snake

The best way to unclog a drain is with a plumbing snake. These tools are available at most home improvement stores or online retailers like Amazon. A snake has a flexible cable attached to two handles that rotate inside the pipe when you turn the crank handle on one end of the cable. The cable moves through the pipe like an auger until it reaches the blockage, where it expands and pushes debris out of the way so water can flow freely.

Avoid Clogs Before They Happen

The first step in preventing clogged drains is knowing how they happen and what causes them. Food particles are the most common cause of clogs in drains. Anything from peanut butter to meat scraps can eventually get stuck in your pipes if left there long enough. The best way to avoid this is to make sure that you dispose of all food scraps properly. In addition to disposing of food properly, it’s important to avoid pouring grease down the drain or leaving it on plates that go into your sink or garbage disposal. Grease will solidify and stick together over time until it becomes one big mass difficult for even a professional plumber to remove from your pipes.

Leak Detection of Atlanta

To prevent future clogs and other plumbing problems, call Leak Detection of Atlanta. We can clean your drains without leaving a trace of damage so that you can enjoy clear drains every time. Leak Detection of Atlanta also provides access to an emergency plumber in Lilburn if necessary.