Unclogging A Drain – The Basics Of Cleaning And Maintenance
By Apex Plumbing Services|May 11, 2023
Plumbing services are essential for homeowners, as plumbing problems can arise at any time. One common plumbing issue that most homeowners face is a clogged drain.
A clogged drain can be frustrating and cause inconvenience to the household. It can also lead to unpleasant odors and even burst pipes if not taken care of in time. In this article, we will discuss some basics of cleaning and maintenance that can help you unclog a drain.
Before we proceed, let us clarify that some plumbing problems may require professional assistance. While there are some basic steps you can take to unclog a drain, some plumbing issues may require calling a professional plumber.
At Apex Plumbing Services, we are a family-owned and operated business that offers upfront pricing for all our services. We highly recommend calling a plumber if you are unsure about how to proceed with a plumbing issue. Now, let us discuss some basics of cleaning and maintenance that can help you unclog a drain.
1. Pour boiling water down the drain
One of the simplest ways to unclog a drain is by pouring boiling water down the drain. Boiling water can dissolve soap scum, grease, and other substances that may be blocking the drain. However, be cautious when using boiling water, especially if you have a plastic drain. Hot water can melt plastic, causing more problems than you had initially.
2. Use baking soda and vinegar
If boiling water doesn't work, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. Mix a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar, pour it down the drain, and let it sit for a few minutes. The mixture will fizz and help break down any substances blocking the drain. After a few minutes, pour boiling water down the drain to flush out the mixture and any debris.
3. Use drain cleaners
Drain cleaners are readily available in most hardware stores. However, we do not recommend using them as they can damage your pipes. They are also harmful to the environment and can cause health problems if inhaled. Instead, use baking soda and vinegar or call a plumber for professional drain cleaning services.
4. Clean drain stoppers
If you have a clogged sink drain, there may be something blocking the drain stopper. In this case, remove the drain stopper and clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush and hot water to remove any debris. After cleaning, replace the drain stopper and test your sink to see if it drains properly.
5. Use drain cleaning tools
If the above methods don't work, you can try using drain cleaning tools. Drain snakes, also known as plumbing augers, are long, flexible wires that can reach deep into the drain to remove any blockages. However, be careful when using a drain snake as it can damage your pipes if not used correctly. Also, we recommend calling a plumber for professional drain cleaning services if you are unsure of how to use the tools.
In conclusion, clogged drains can be a major headache for homeowners, but with the right knowledge and tools, they can be easily unclogged and maintained. At Apex Plumbing Services, we understand the importance of having peace of mind when it comes to the functionality of your home's plumbing.
Our team of experts is equipped to handle any drain cleaning and maintenance needs, whether it's a stubborn shower drain, clogged garbage disposal, or a backed-up kitchen sink. Don't let clogged drains disrupt your daily routine - contact Apex Plumbing Services today for reliable and efficient plumbing solutions.
A clogged drain can be frustrating and cause inconvenience to the household. It can also lead to unpleasant odors and even burst pipes if not taken care of in time. In this article, we will discuss some basics of cleaning and maintenance that can help you unclog a drain.
Before we proceed, let us clarify that some plumbing problems may require professional assistance. While there are some basic steps you can take to unclog a drain, some plumbing issues may require calling a professional plumber.
At Apex Plumbing Services, we are a family-owned and operated business that offers upfront pricing for all our services. We highly recommend calling a plumber if you are unsure about how to proceed with a plumbing issue. Now, let us discuss some basics of cleaning and maintenance that can help you unclog a drain.
1. Pour boiling water down the drain
One of the simplest ways to unclog a drain is by pouring boiling water down the drain. Boiling water can dissolve soap scum, grease, and other substances that may be blocking the drain. However, be cautious when using boiling water, especially if you have a plastic drain. Hot water can melt plastic, causing more problems than you had initially.
2. Use baking soda and vinegar
If boiling water doesn't work, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. Mix a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar, pour it down the drain, and let it sit for a few minutes. The mixture will fizz and help break down any substances blocking the drain. After a few minutes, pour boiling water down the drain to flush out the mixture and any debris.
3. Use drain cleaners
Drain cleaners are readily available in most hardware stores. However, we do not recommend using them as they can damage your pipes. They are also harmful to the environment and can cause health problems if inhaled. Instead, use baking soda and vinegar or call a plumber for professional drain cleaning services.
4. Clean drain stoppers
If you have a clogged sink drain, there may be something blocking the drain stopper. In this case, remove the drain stopper and clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush and hot water to remove any debris. After cleaning, replace the drain stopper and test your sink to see if it drains properly.
5. Use drain cleaning tools
If the above methods don't work, you can try using drain cleaning tools. Drain snakes, also known as plumbing augers, are long, flexible wires that can reach deep into the drain to remove any blockages. However, be careful when using a drain snake as it can damage your pipes if not used correctly. Also, we recommend calling a plumber for professional drain cleaning services if you are unsure of how to use the tools.
In conclusion, clogged drains can be a major headache for homeowners, but with the right knowledge and tools, they can be easily unclogged and maintained. At Apex Plumbing Services, we understand the importance of having peace of mind when it comes to the functionality of your home's plumbing.
Our team of experts is equipped to handle any drain cleaning and maintenance needs, whether it's a stubborn shower drain, clogged garbage disposal, or a backed-up kitchen sink. Don't let clogged drains disrupt your daily routine - contact Apex Plumbing Services today for reliable and efficient plumbing solutions.
