It’s estimated that one in every three homes in the U.S. have a clogged drain. Common causes of clogged drains are hair, soap, food, grease, and chemicals. Other causes for clogged drains include clogged trap, blockages inside the drain pipe, and leaky plumbing. In some cases, clogged drain pipes are caused by a clogged drainage pipe, backed up sewer or faulty waste pipe connections. In many cases, clogged drain pipes can be solved by using a few simple tips and tricks.

Drain Cleaning Tips

One simple clogged drain trick is to use baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in two cups of warm water. Pour the solution into the drain. Sit back and relax while the solution works its way down the drain. Quickly after the solution makes it to the bottom, scoot the baking soda along the pipe until the clog is dissolved.

Another clogged drain trick is to use vinegar. Add one cup of white vinegar to a pot full of hot water. Slowly pour the vinegar mixture down the kitchen sink or toilet until a clot is formed. To unclog a clogged toilet, remove the toilet bowl from the flushing machine and pour the vinegar solution down the toilet bowl and onto the flushing cloth.

How to Fix a Clogged Tub

Clogging can also be caused by a clogged drain in a bathtub. The easiest way to clear a clogged drain in a bathtub is to add a cup of strong white vinegar to a bucket of warm water and scrub vigorously in an upward motion. Scrub in a circular pattern, continue to scrub until a strong suction is developed. Remove the bucket of vinegar and rinse the bathtub, allowing it to dry thoroughly. It is advisable to allow the bathtub to completely dry before replacing the towel or sponge inside the tub. Be sure to wipe down the walls and floor of the bathtub before returning the shower curtains to their location to ensure they are clear.

Another clogged drain problem can occur when hair collects in a drain trap. Hair usually forms clumps that can sometimes become dislodged from their little hole in the drain. To easily remove hair clumps, squeeze out the clump by pushing the drain open. Squeeze again and the clump should be released.

The Dreaded Clogged Sink Drain

A clogged drain pipe can sometimes be cleared with a few drops of dish soap and water. Using a clean sponge, scrub the area and wipe away any soap residue that is left behind. Rinse the area to remove any soap residue and place the sponge in a bowl of warm water. The sponge should then be placed onto the clogged drain pipe and worked into the pipe, causing the blockage to come out with a little bit of force. Once the block is removed, flush the toilet to remove the soap residue from the inside of the pipe.

Many people are unaware that certain household items, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, detergent, etc., can all cause a clog in your sinks or plumbing. These items can be removed by using basic household tools such as a hard bristle brush and a plunger and are available at most major plumbing supply stores. Using plunging tools that consist of an adjustable rubber stopper and spring-loaded plunger, unclogging drains can sometimes be accomplished in one fell swoop.

Another way to unclog a drain is by using bent hanger. Bent hanger is used to reach the far end of a clogged pipe and make the bend in the pipe. Then, using a hose or pipe wrench, you can safely and easily reach the bent portion of the hanger and remove the clog using water and a plunger. If these methods do not work, or if you are unable to remove the clog with these simple home remedies, it will be necessary to consult with a plumber or a licensed professional who is equipped to handle pipe clogs. A clogged drain can be very expensive to repair, so it is important that you take the time necessary to call EmergencyPlumberColumbus.com address the problem as soon as possible.