5 Important DIY Tips for Unclogging a Drain
One of the most important things to understand before charging in is that different drains require different tools. While you won’t always be able to DIY a problem, especially if the issues you are seeing are a result of a larger undiagnosed problem.
The following are five important tips/methods to help you get that drain unclogged without having to spend money on a professional plumber.
1) Make Sure You Have the Right Plunger
Hey, did you know there’s one type of plunger for a toilet and one for a sink? They’re designed differently, too. Depending on which type of clog you’re dealing with, make sure you have the right plunger to help with the job. A simple image search of this question makes it easy to find and just 20 minutes of online reading will have you a virtual expert when it comes to shopping for plungers.
Use the Baking Soda & Vinegar Method
A popular home remedy, this is good for light and moderate clogs although it won’t bust out the toughest ones. However, it may soften it up for a follow up method to finish the job! For this you need a pot of boiling water on the stove, 1/3 cup baking soda, and a cup of vinegar.
Start by pouring one cup of boiling water to the side, then take the rest of the boiling pot of water, slowly pouring it down the drain. Dump the baking soda in immediately and leave it for 5 minutes. Mix the cup of vinegar with the left over water. Expect fizzing.
Sit for 20 minutes, then follow it out with another pot of boiling water.
The Wire Hanger
Take an old metal wire hanger, unwinding the neck but keeping the hook at the end. Get it down there, see what you can catch, and move that drain clog to at least get enough for another method to move.
Cheap Drain Snakes
These are inexpensive and easy to pick up from the store. Consider it the professional version of the wire hanger method. Learn to use these tools and see if you can do it yourself before paying a plumber to basically do the same.
Combo Methods
Combining these methods can be very effective. Start with the homemade draino, move things around with a wire hanger or drain snake, follow up with more boiling water and use a plunger if need be.
Time To Call a Plumber Near You?
If this combination DIY efforts doesn’t get it done…it probably is time to call the professionals.