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While some household chores are best left to the professionals, like carpet cleaning and deep cleaning, you can unclog a blocked drain with a few savvy plumbing hacks.
But with this, it’s still important to call a drainage service if the hacks listed below don’t suffice. Because clogs can harden and fester over time, neglecting a clogged drain can later lead to extensive plumbing system damage.
Bicarb, Vinegar, And Boiling Water
Before you head to your local store for a chemical drain cleaner, you might be able to loosen the clog with a simple and safe solution of bicarb, vinegar, and boiling water.
Pour a cup of bicarb down the blocked drain, and then pour a cup of spirit vinegar down. Next, place the cup over the drain to allow the solution to bubble and break up the blockage. Then, pour boiling water down the drain for several minutes to clear the blockage.
Bicarb And Salt
If you don’t have vinegar available, you can substitute this ingredient with salt. Follow the same process mentioned above and follow with boiling water.
Bicarb And Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another excellent substitute for vinegar. The acidity is capable of breaking up a build-up of debris in a few minutes.
Be sure to use at least a cup of lemon juice, and repeat the process if the first attempt doesn’t yield the results you are after.
Wet And Dry Vacuum
Another exceptionally straightforward way to unblock minor drain clogs is to use a wet and dry vacuum to suck the clog out.
It’s essential to set the vacuum to the wet function and then cover the vent. You must ensure the vacuum pipe is sealed correctly over the drain. It’s wise to use insulation or another means of creating a seal.
A Homemade Drain Snake
If you have a wire clothing hanger at home or another type of long, bendy, but sturdy wire, you can create a makeshift drain snake.
Simply unwind the hanger to elongate the wire, and be sure to twist the end into a hook. Then feed the wire into the blocked drain. When you feel the end of the wire meet with the blockage, pull the wire back up and pour boiling water down to break up the blockage even more.
If the DIY solutions listed above don’t get your drain unblocked, you must contact a local plumbing and drainage service immediately. As mentioned, clogs can worsen over time and lead to damages that can be a lot more costly to fix. Blocked drains and pipes can eventually cause low water pressure, pipe corrosion, flooding, and in more severe cases, sewage system blocks.
When it comes to choosing a suitable plumbing service, consider the company’s reputation, pricing, and years of experience. You can read through customer reviews to determine the company’s reputation. And when it comes to pricing, consider plumbing services that are in line with averages while considering your own budget.