We’ve all been there. One day you’re brushing your teeth without a care in the world, and the next you’re spitting your toothpaste into a backed-up sink. Blocked drains or backed up drains can be a hassle for anyone. Here are some tips for trying to naturally clear your clogged drain, but if it doesn’t clear after a few attempts, be sure to call a professional. You can find one at 1-800-CLOG-MASTER.
Unclogging your Drain
Whether it’s the kitchen or the bathroom, a clogged drain is a definite annoyance. There are a few steps you can take to try and unclog it yourself. Refrain from using harsh chemicals – anything with sulfuric acid. If it has a skull and crossbones on the bottle, it’s best to leave it at the store. Instead, a natural remedy for mildly clogged drains may already be in your pantry. For mildly clogged drains, pour about a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. If you have kids, now is the time to call them over to watch the chemical reaction that takes place. When the foaming excitement is over, let the mixture sit for up to three hours, then bring a kettle of water to boil, and pour it down the drain. If that doesn’t loosen up the clogged drain, find a local licensed plumber by calling 1-800-CLOG-MASTER.
The kitchen is a different story. A clogged drain in the kitchen is more likely to be brought on by grease or food. If you suspect the clog is from grease, pour a half cup of salt and a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a kettle of boiling water. There’s no interesting chemical reaction to call the kids over for this time. Allow to sit overnight, then flush with more water. Again, if that didn’t loosen up the clog, then call a professional plumber.
Signs that it’s time to call a Professional
Finally, you may be able to clear the drain with a plumber’s snake – a long thin tool used to remove clogs in drains. Be careful – whatever you pull out of the drain isn’t likely to be pretty. If you’ve tried the remedies suggested above and the drain is still backed up, call 1-800-CLOG-MASTER to locate a licensed plumber near you.
Again, pouring harsh chemicals down the drain or exerting too much force on your pipes may permanently damage them, leading to a much more expensive repair than a simple call to a licensed plumber about clearing a blocked drain. Call 1-800-CLOG-MASTER to locate a licensed plumber near you.
Now that (we hope) your pipes are running smoothly again, there is a simple home remedy you can employ to make sure your drains remain clog free. Combine one cup of baking soda, one cup of salt, and a quarter cup of cream of tartar. Once weekly, pour a quarter cup of the mixture down the drain, and immediately flush with boiling water.