If you’ve ever had all the drains in your house blocked simultaneously, you know how frustrating it can be. You may be tempted to call a drain plumber right away, but there are a few things you can try first.
This blog post will give you some tips on how to clear your drains without calling a professional.
Check all the drains in your house to see if they are blocked.
Checking all the drains in your house for blockages should be done regularly to maximize the efficiency of all plumbing features.
Blockages can occur from all materials, including dirt, debris, and even hair, which must be cleared out for drains to work correctly.
It’s essential to check all your drains if you hear gurgling or bubbling noises or experience a strong smell coming from any particular drain.
Doing this inspection regularly will help ensure that your plumbing systems are functioning as efficiently and effectively as possible.
If any drains are blocked, use a plunger or a drain snake to clear the blockage.
If all the drains in your house happen to be blocked, a plunger or a drain snake can be used as reliable solutions for unblocking them.
Plungers have been around for ages, creating the suction necessary to break away all the solid material from the surface of pipes or force air into them.
For tougher blockage, a drain snake could help extend down into the water pipe and quickly break it up.
Both tools are commonly found at home improvement stores, and they make all-encompassing solutions when restoring all the drainage systems to their optimal working order.
Boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain to melt any grease or soap that might be causing the blockage.
Unblocking a drain can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task. However, it can be easily solved with boiling water.
First, turn off the water supply to the blocked sink or drain.
Then, pour hot boiling water down the clogged drain– preferably in intervals of two to three cups. This will help melt away any grease or soap that may be causing the blockage.
Waiting 15-30 minutes between pours gives the water enough time to dissolve any obstructions before you repeat this process one or two more times.
The hot boiling water should help unclog the sink or drain and allow it to work as usual again.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the drain is clear.
There’s no “one size fits all” method for clearing a clogged drain. Repeating steps two and three may be required before the problem is solved, depending on the severity of the clog and the materials involved.
Step two typically involves pouring boiling water mixed with baking soda and vinegar down an affected drain. This is often enough to release minor clogs, but step three should be implemented if this works differently than intended.
Step three usually consists of using a metal or plastic drain snake or auger to physically remove the obstructions in your pipes before flushing them with boiling water again.
Repeating these steps makes it possible to clear most blocked drains quickly with minimal disruption to your plumbing system.
Prevent future clogs by using a drain cover or strainer
Clogs in pipes and drains can be a huge hassle to deal with. They happen often and can be time-consuming when cleaning them, not to mention potentially expensive if the problem becomes too severe for do-it-yourself remedies.
Fortunately, a drain cover or strainer is an easy way to reduce the chance of clogs forming. These prevent debris such as hair, food particles, and other objects from entering your plumbing system, significantly reducing the probability of a clog developing.
Once installed, they are cost-effective in saving both time and money spent later on repairs.
Plus, they generally last through plenty of usage, so once you have it in place, you can forget about it and get back to living your life without worrying about pipeline problems.
By following these simple steps, you can clear any drain blockage in your house and prevent future clogs from happening. Always check all the drains in your home regularly to nip any potential problems in the bud.
If you have any questions or need help unblocking a drain, feel free to contact Milbur Plumbing, and we would be happy to assist you.
Most of the time, it’s best to call professional help immediately when you notice a blocked drain. Plumbers have the experience and tools to unblock any drain and can also tell you how the blockage happened in the first place. They may also advise you on measures you can take to prevent it from happening again. Do-it-yourself solutions for blocked drains often don’t address the cause of the blockage, so you’ll probably have to use a plunger again sooner than you’d like. If you experience any of the following plumbing issues, it’s time to give Milbur Plumbing a call.