Dealing with a clogged drain is a common issue that anyone with a drainage system can encounter at any time. Drainage systems often have dams built of grease, soap residue or other bits of debris that appear over time and need to be broken down to solve a slow-draining sink, a blocked shower drain or other similar problems. Unlike solving plumbing issues, solutions for drainage issues focus on removing/ breaking down a barrier stopping liquid from flowing out of your house instead of removing/ breaking down a barrier stopping liquid from flowing in. Here is a comprehensive list of the best household drain-unblocking techniques to remove these barriers and when it is best to contact a professional.
Home Remedies:
1. Boiling Water:
One of the simplest yet most effective methods for unclogging drains is pouring boiling water down the drain. This can help dissolve and flush away built-up grease and soap residue, which are usually the most common issues for drainage systems.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar:
For a natural and eco-friendly solution, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can create a foaming action that helps break down debris and clear clogs. After pouring the baking soda down the drain, follow it with vinegar and let it sit for at least an hour before rinsing with hot water.
3. Salt and Hot Water:
A solution of salt and hot water can be used to tackle minor drain blockages. Mix a few handfuls of salt with a kettle’s worth of hot water and pour it down the drain, with the salt helping dissolve build-up and clear minor clogs.
4. Plunger:
When home remedies don’t do the trick, a good quality plunger may be needed to apply pressure and force the clog to move and clear. It’s important to ensure a proper seal around the drain before plunging. Also, be careful when plunging as when plunging drainage there can be potential splash back from any liquid trapped before the blockage.
When to seek professional assistance
Always contact a professional if you notice strong smells, if the blockage is likely due to vermin, or is likely to be past your internal home waste pipes. For any other situations, it is best to contact a professional when none of these home remedies has worked, the issue has evolved and is no longer mendable by general means, or if you are still unsure of what to do and want to ensure that your drainage is with a safe pair of hands.
Professionals will use all kinds of techniques to unblock your drains, including drain snakes, high-pressure water jetting, CCTV drain surveys and more.
Preventive Measures
Aside from knowing the best techniques for unblocking drains, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures to avoid future clogs. Using drain strainers to catch hair and debris, regularly flushing drains with boiling water, and being mindful of what goes down the drain can help prevent blockages from occurring.
Never flush wipes, sanitary items, materials, grease, cat litter or foodstuffs down your drains, as these are some of the biggest culprits for bad blockages in your drains at home.
If you need more help and want to talk with a professional, get in touch today with Express Drainage Solutions for help with your blocked or sluggish drains.