Clogged drains are a common problem in the UK. Thames Water alone spends PS18m each year on clearing blockages in household drains. But there’s no need to despair – there are many simple solutions to unblock drains and bring them back to full function.
Baking soda and vinegar
If a snake doesn’t work, you may want to try mixing baking soda and vinegar. The two substances react violently, and the fizzing action can dislodge the clog. Repeat this process as necessary. You may also want to try pouring boiling water down the drain after adding the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Alternatively, you can also use boiling water, vinegar, and dish soap to unclog the drain. This method is less effective than a snake, but it’s still effective. Make sure you scoop out any standing water first to maximize the efficiency of this DIY method.
Another way to unclog a drain is to use a plunger. The plunger should be used slowly, and you should keep pushing the plunger every few minutes to prevent it from getting stuck in the drain. If a plunger doesn’t work, you can also use a drain snake, which is made of plastic or wire and has a knotted end. When it reaches the end of the pipe, it will entangle with the clog and pull it out. This method will remove the clog and restore the flow of water.
If neither of these options works, you can try baking soda and vinegar as a homemade drain cleaner. Baking soda has the ability to dissolve grease and mineral deposits in the drain. In addition, it also has mild disinfectant properties and can help combat odor-causing bacteria and fungi. A good cleaning routine will prevent clogs from occurring, so it’s a good idea to try this method before calling a plumber.
Using a wire coat hanger as a snake
Using a wire coat hanger as an unclogging snake is a simple DIY plumbing tool that can unclog a drain without the use of harsh chemicals or disassembling the drain. Using a pair of pliers, unwind the wire coat hanger from its hook. Once unwound, angle it down the drain until the water drains and flush the toilet.
You can also use a plumber’s auger to unclog a drain. This tool is available at most hardware stores and can be connected to a sink to create a specialized snake trap. Before using a drain snake, you must first hook the trap to the sink.
Using a wire coat hanger as an unclogging snake will not damage the toilet, but you have to be careful not to damage the plumbing or scratch the toilet. Before using the snake to unclog a drain, make sure that you’ve covered yourself with gloves. The splashback from bringing the snake up could damage your hands.
Using a wire coat hanger as an unclogging snake is a great DIY plumbing solution that will save you money in the long run. However, it requires more manual effort than a store-bought snake.
Using a traditional plunger
When using a traditional plunger to unclog your drain, make sure to follow the directions on the packaging. Pushing water down the drain will unclog the drain by flushing the loose buildup through the system. If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try another method, such as a drain auger. If neither of these methods work, you may need to call a plumber.
Another technique that will work is to use hot water to break up the clog. This method can also work without plunging, as hot water can help break up the clog. In addition to this method, you can try using dishwasher detergent to break up the clog.
The handle of the snake should be kept as close to the drain pipe as possible, and it should rotate in a consistent manner. If you’re using a snake, check to make sure that the thumbscrew is tight, as loose thumbscrews can prevent the snake from rotating and pick up debris.
A plunger is an excellent option for unclogging a drain, and is small enough to store under the sink. It is a good idea to use it slowly, as the vacuum created by the plunger can move the clog and create a blowback.
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