DIY Solutions for Blocked Drains
By Fluid Plumbing|December 06, 2017
Getting a blocked drain in your home or business can be incredibly frustrating. Of course, you'll want to address the issue as quickly as possible so there is minimal risk of damage to your home or office. Before you reach for the phone to call a plumber, though, here are a few simple methods that may get the job done without you needing outside help.
Boiling Water
In many cases, all you need to clear a blocked drain is a pot of boiling water. Simply bring the water to a boil, then pour it down the drain in question. The extreme heat will help to break up any grease or food build-up. Take care if you have PVC pipes, though, as boiling water could loosen the connecting joints. Try hot tap water instead.
Natural Cleaner
Grease build-up can often be cleared using a natural concoction that you likely already have in your home. Start with half a cup of bicarb soda (baking soda) and pour it down the blocked drain. Next, add half a cup of white vinegar. This will create a chemical reaction that will cause the mixture to bubble and froth. This oxygenation will scour the pipes and possibly remove the blockage.
Chemical Cleaner
If natural cleaner doesn't do the trick, you may have to try a traditional chemical cleaner. However, chemical cleaners are only suitable for certain types of blockages, like food, grease and hair. In addition, chemical cleaners are incredibly harmful for the environment, so you should try to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary. You can find common household drain cleaners at your local hardware store or supermarket.
Plunger
As with a toilet, plungers can also be used to clear blocked drains in your sink, shower or other areas of your home. For sinks and bathtubs, be sure to cover the overflow caps so that you can get a tight seal. Then, work the plunger up and down as you would in the toilet. The back-and-forth pressure can help to dislodge items that have become stuck in your pipes.
For Your Most Stubborn Drains
In some cases, a blockage is too severe to be able to be cleared with DIY methods. In these cases, you'll need to call in a professional. Fluid Plumbing are your local plumbers on the Central Coast. Get in touch with us today for help with blocked drains and other residential and commercial plumbing needs.
Call Fluid Plumbing Services for Your Blocked Drains
Fluid Plumbing Services are your local plumbers on the Central Coast. We are always happy to assist residential and commercial clients with all their plumbing needs, including blocked drains. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.
Boiling Water
In many cases, all you need to clear a blocked drain is a pot of boiling water. Simply bring the water to a boil, then pour it down the drain in question. The extreme heat will help to break up any grease or food build-up. Take care if you have PVC pipes, though, as boiling water could loosen the connecting joints. Try hot tap water instead.
Natural Cleaner
Grease build-up can often be cleared using a natural concoction that you likely already have in your home. Start with half a cup of bicarb soda (baking soda) and pour it down the blocked drain. Next, add half a cup of white vinegar. This will create a chemical reaction that will cause the mixture to bubble and froth. This oxygenation will scour the pipes and possibly remove the blockage.
Chemical Cleaner
If natural cleaner doesn't do the trick, you may have to try a traditional chemical cleaner. However, chemical cleaners are only suitable for certain types of blockages, like food, grease and hair. In addition, chemical cleaners are incredibly harmful for the environment, so you should try to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary. You can find common household drain cleaners at your local hardware store or supermarket.
Plunger
As with a toilet, plungers can also be used to clear blocked drains in your sink, shower or other areas of your home. For sinks and bathtubs, be sure to cover the overflow caps so that you can get a tight seal. Then, work the plunger up and down as you would in the toilet. The back-and-forth pressure can help to dislodge items that have become stuck in your pipes.
For Your Most Stubborn Drains
In some cases, a blockage is too severe to be able to be cleared with DIY methods. In these cases, you'll need to call in a professional. Fluid Plumbing are your local plumbers on the Central Coast. Get in touch with us today for help with blocked drains and other residential and commercial plumbing needs.
Call Fluid Plumbing Services for Your Blocked Drains
Fluid Plumbing Services are your local plumbers on the Central Coast. We are always happy to assist residential and commercial clients with all their plumbing needs, including blocked drains. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.
