If you are a homeowner, then you must have encountered clogged-drain problems at least once. While some blockages on your sewer or pipe are nothing to worry about as they are easy to make a DIY work, there are clogged drain problems that might happen at the wrong time, causing you to have an entirely bad day, or worse.

There are multiple home remedies you can use when trying to fix a clogged drain problem quickly without needing professional assistance. If you know these drain-unclogging solutions and apply them well, then you can take care of the worst frustrating blockages. This practice can also help you reduce future clogged drain problems that affect your home from time to time. Read on to see 10 quick tips to fix clogged drain problems.

10 Ways to Fix Clogged Drain Problems

1. Prepare Homemade Chemical Agents and Use Them

There are chemical solutions that can help you eliminate clogs on your drainage line. Even though they are chemical mixtures, the solution you prepare must be hazard-free. Get them at home improvement stores near you and make sure you read the label thoroughly to prevent getting a mixture that will cause damage to your drainage pipe, or avoid health risks.

For instance, vinegar and baking soda are tested and trusted mixtures that can help you get rid of home drainage clogs by yourself. When you add these mixtures, they react by dissolving the clogs down the drain. Other agents can be fully prepared chemical cleaners, but ensure that you protect your pipe by following instructions, and your health by wearing protective items like gloves and a face mask.

2. Hot Water Technique

Most people already have the natural wisdom of using hot water to force things down the drain. This method of unclogging is conventional and simple when you are dealing with your bathroom or kitchen clogs. The heat flush works by adding force and pressure to burst through the blockages and free the pipe. Using this option can be a start to your unclogging attempt. You will only need heated water and a faucet to carry out this procedure.

3. Use Drain Snakes

You can handle your drainage problem by using drain snaking methods. Drain snakes are valuable home-fixing tools that you must have in your store. Drain snakes and augers are some of the tools that drain specialists use to knock away clogs. You do not need special training to use them which is why it is easy to purchase them at a nearby home improvement store.

Drain snakes can dismantle substances in a minute, and uproot stubborn grime substances that affect your drains. Drain snakes are effective handy tools that can help you unclog large lumps out of your drain pipe at the entry area, especially if the clogs are moderate.

4. Conceal Overflow Vents

Even though you can use a plunging method to remove stubborn clogs, you still need to cover up your vents. Your overflow vents are the holes and slits at the edge of your sink that prevent overflow from happening. Since they open toward the drainage pipe, you must conceal them to prevent them from escaping through the plunging force.

5. Use a Plunger

Most homeowners often buy plungers while shopping for home improvement wares. But not all of them can use them or know what they should do with a plunger when there is a clogged drain problem. A standard plunger is one of the best tools for dismantling gunk from your drain.

All you need to do is fill the affected tub or sink with water, to about 2 to 3 inches high and create a tight seal close to the pipe entry point using your plunger. Once you secure the seal, push slowly to the front and the back rhythmically for at least one minute. Doing this helps you build air pressure inside your drain line and with every push, you will gradually remove clogged concentrations. 

6. Use Soda

Using soda to get rid of clogs is a home remedy that you might have practiced already. Soda is an excellent clog-removing solution especially if they are carbonated products. They dissolve clogged substances because they contain phosphoric acid, which is a good dissolving agent.

You can also use a sugary soda, as the solution can eat away clogs and grease more safely than most commercial cleaning agents that could contain harmful chemicals. Always flush down the solution with water to remove loose substances from your drain line.

7. Seek Expert Assistance

You cannot do everything by yourself. If you know that your clogged drain problem is severe and you have limited tools or knowledge about solving the problem, then hire a drain specialist. The professional knows best how to diagnose problems and has the tools and experience to fix them appropriately to avoid future clogs.

8. Check and Clean Plumbing Traps

Most times, all you need to do is remove and clean certain drain fixtures. You will hardly encounter problems if you check and clean your plumbing traps from time to time. Your plumbing traps are curvatures that extend to the drainage pipe.

9. Prevent Clogs Completely

If you want to avoid clogged drain problems, then you should not start the problem. Take caution about the things you allow to go down your drain and prevent the following materials from entering your drain:

• Food wrappers, as they are non-biodegradable substances.
• Fibrous food substances including stringy vegetables and food skin.
• Paper or products made of plastics.  
• Remains of cartilage and animal bones.
• Kitchen oil and grease.
• Expandable substances.

10. Inspect your Drains From Time to Time

If you must avoid clogged drain surprises, then it is pertinent for you to  check your drain from time to time. If there are problems that require professional assistance, make sure you hire a drain fixing plumber to help you. Some of the signs of a damaged drain pipe include unusual odours and water backup.

Conclusion

You should make it a frequent habit to check your drainage line from time to time as problems can spring up at any time. You can inspect your drains for grime buildup, clogging, and any other abnormalities at least once every month. You should also hire a drain specialist if the problem is more than you can handle on your own. Drain Cleaner Melbourne has certified professionals that can help you.