Dealing with clogged drains may be a pain. Everyone must have encountered this issue. No need to hire a plumber for such simple drain blockages. All one needs to do is find the essential items and the proper approach for handling them.
The following are a few basic steps to clear any household blocked drain.
What causes blockage?
Cooking Oil – Cooking oil should never be poured down the drain because it is too thick to flow easily. Instead, it collects and clumps with food particles, resulting in an obstruction.
Scraps of food – Food leftovers, like frying oil, have no place in the drainage system. Coffee grinds are particularly susceptible to this.
Mineral Deposition – Constriction occurs when minerals such as calcium build up in the pipes. Although this may not produce a blockage in and of itself, it does make other forms of obstructions more likely.
Soap – Although liquid soap is unlikely to clog drains, solid soap bars can become trapped in pipes and break down. Using a mesh wire guard to cover plug holes is one technique to prevent this.
Hair – Long hair may be both beneficial and detrimental. Some will fall out when washing it in the bathtub or shower. As a result, it combines with other chemicals and becomes a primary cause of drain blockage.
Natural Debris – Natural debris might fall into the outdoor drains when people don’t employ gutter guards. This refers to leaves and twigs, although it can also refer to dirt and grit.
Measures to treat drain blockage
Boiling Water – Boiling water is one of the oldest techniques in the book. This is self-explanatory. Fill the kettle halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Then pour it down the drain in sections, pausing for a few seconds between each pour.
The hot water will move through the pipes, melting obstacles. This is the quickest way to unclog a drain, and you can do it all using the stuff around the house!
Baking soda with salt – Salt and baking soda are ingredients that almost everyone has in their kitchen cabinets. Pour a half-cup of table salt and baking soda down the clogged drain. Allow it to operate for 10-20 minutes before pouring hot water down.
When these three components are combined, they will create a chemical reaction that should remove some of the most stubborn obstructions.
Pipe-Cleaning – This is a little more sophisticated method of unblocking a drain, so one should probably avoid it if anyone is not comfortable dismantling a drainpipe. However, the method is straightforward.
Underneath the sink, place an empty bucket beneath the U-shaped pipe. During the procedure, the bucket will catch any water or leaks. Remove the pipe from both ends by loosening the slip nuts using a tool.
Fill the bucket with any remaining items. Some may need to search the pipes for any buried debris; an old toothbrush is an excellent tool. After rinsing the pipes, reassemble everything. This will clear the drain in the majority of situations.
Unblockers – Some retailers sell powerful drain unblockers that are more effective at removing obstructions. It dissolves grease, fat, and oils, making it suitable for removing more stubborn obstacles.
Before beginning, always read the package directions and ensure the space is well-ventilated.
Conclusion
Drain clogs are inconvenient, especially if they occur frequently. Before using strong chemicals, attempt to eliminate any physical impediments. However, if you must pour something down the drain, choose a gentler solution.