1. Make a “Volcano”
If you have ever made a “volcano” in school by using baking soda and vinegar, then you might find that you can also clear your drain blockage yourself. All you have to do is sprinkle a little bit of baking soda in the clogged drain, then pour some white vinegar on top. After allowing the mixture to do its thing for a few minutes, you can pour some boiling water behind it. In some cases, this chemical reaction can help loosen up clogs.
2. Use a Wire Clothes Hanger
If there is hair or another object blocking the drain, sometimes straightening it out, creating a hook and fishing out any debris from the drain can help the water flow more freely.
3. Boil Some Water
Depending on what is causing the clog, sometimes boiling hot water can get things moving. Just boil a pot full of water on your stove, then pour it fast down your clogged drain. Make sure that you avoid getting splashed by the hot water to avoid injury.
4. Use Your Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner
If you have a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, you should know that it can be perfect for unblocking drains. Just put the hose down the drain, and turn the vacuum on. This can help suck out whatever might be causing the clog.
5. Use a Little Dish Soap
Dish soap can serve as a lubricant that can help things pass through the drain when you’re dealing with a minor clog. Squiring a little bit of dish soap into the clogged drain and then following it with some hot water might help you get things moving like they’re supposed to.
6. Try Caustic Soda
Caustic soda will fizz up when mixed with cold water. This can cause a similar reaction as the baking soda and vinegar and can help break up clogs. Just pour the mixture of caustic soda and water down the drain and allow it to sit for 20 or 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
7. Invest in a Drain Snake
You can purchase a drain snake from a home improvement store, and in many cases, you might find that it’s more effective than just using a plunger when getting rid of clogs.
8. Remove and Clean the Pipe
If possible, consider turning off the water supply, unscrewing the clogged pipe and tipping it over to allow clogs to fall out.
9. Combine Salt and Baking Soda
If you mix equal parts salt and baking soda and pour them down your blocked drain for 10 or 20 minutes, then follow the mixture with boiling hot water, you can create a chemical reaction that can help with a clogged drain.
10. Use a “Volcano” Plus Pressure
If you have tried the first tip but found that it did not work, try doing it again. This time, use a plunger to create pressure on top of the reaction. This can help the chemical reaction be a little more effective.
As you can see, if you are dealing with a clogged drain, there are a few steps that you can take to remedy the situation. If you are looking for professional assistance with your drain clog or any other plumbing problem, contact us at Abacas Solutions. We provide services in the Southern and Northern Suburbs of Cape Town and can help with unblocking drains and so much more.
