Few things can make your day worse than a clogged sink, tub or shower drain. While it’s your first instinct to immediately call the plumber, you might want to wait. There’s a very good chance you can fix the problem on your own, which will save you a lot of money. Today we’re going to discuss various tactics for managing an obstructed sink, tub or shower drain that even we not-handy folk can perform!
Plunger
Plungers aren’t only for clogged toilets! Depending on the level of a clog, they may also help to push a clog forward in a sink, tub or shower drain. If the drain is small (as in, a sink or shower drain), a regular toilet plunger likely won’t work — you’ll want to reach for a cup plunger instead, which you can find at any hardware or home improvement store.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
For mild clogs, vinegar and baking soda are miracles in a bottle. Start by pouring in about one cup of boiling water down the drain. Once the water has drained down, you can also pour half a cup of baking soda and then another cup of boiling water. Then, pour in one cup of distilled vinegar. You’ll want to leave the solution on the clog for about one hour to allow it to really break down the clog.
Hair Removal Tool
A clogged sink, tub or shower drain is usually caused by a buildup of hair. Hair removal tools work by sticking them down into the drain, then pulling them back up, and they attract a clog of hair along the way. This tool is most effective on sink clogs, but may also work on clogged shower and tub drains.
Wire Hanger
If you don’t have a hair removal tool, grab a wire hanger and unbend it so it’s a straightened wire. Bend a small hook on one end, then insert the hanger into the drain, carefully, and swipe it around to help break free any clogs.
Drain Snake
A drain snake (or “auger”) is an extendable tool that locates and traps clogs in the drain. These tools tend to be effective on sink, tub and shower drains.
Chemical Drain Cleaner
Sometimes you need to bring in the chemicals to help open a drain. Commercial drain cleaners such as Drano and Bio-Clean typically do the job. Just be sure to take all the safety precautions when you use chemical drain cleaners.
When To Call A Professional
If you’ve plugged and unplugged your drain in every possible way and find that nothing seems to work, it’s time to bring in a professional plumber. Certainly, there are blockages that simply aren’t going to budge with these DIY techniques. New Post: However, hopefully you can try these first, and solve the issue yourself!”