Handy Shares Important Tips to Open a Blocked Drain

Introduction

According to Handy, the drains in your house can get blocked due to various reasons such as the accumulation of regular waste materials or improper maintenance. It is crucial to treat blocked drains carefully since otherwise, you can accidentally damage them and cause a plumbing disaster.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips you can follow to open a blocked drain:

1. Boiling water – One of the easiest and quickest methods to get rid of pipe blocks due to grease or food build-up is to pour a pot of boiling water. Oftentimes, slowly pouring a pot of boiling water with breaks in between is enough to unblock the pipes.

However, ensure you only use this method if the pipes in your house are made of ceramic or metal. If you have PVC pipes, use hot water instead of boiling water since it can otherwise loosen the joints.

2. Biological cleaners – Typically, it is recommended that you avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and use biological cleaners to get rid of drain blockages since they are more environmentally friendly. And, although biological cleaners are not as powerful, the special enzymes in them can chew through any organic material such as hair, soap, and grease.

3. DIY natural cleaners – You can also use DIY natural cleaners to keep the plumbing pipes in good condition and get rid of blockages. A combination of baking soda and white vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaning solutions that you can create at home. Simply mix ⅓ cup of white vinegar with ⅓ cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain as soon as it starts to fizz. Let the natural cleaning solution work on the surface of the pipes for about an hour or preferably the whole night and then pour some hot water.

Alternatively, you can also mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of table salt and pour it down the blocked drain. Let the mixture work on the pipes for about 30 minutes and then pour hot water down the drain to get rid of the nastiest of pipe blockages.

4. Chemical cleaners – When you cannot get rid of pipe blockages using the methods mentioned above, your last option is to try caustic chemical cleaners since these are much stronger. Be sure to follow the product instructions so that you don’t cause accidental damage to yourself or the pipes.

Typically, you have to pour the chemical cleaners down the blocked drain and allow it to work its magic for a few hours, and then pour hot water to complete the cleaning process. In most cases, it will get rid of the blockage if it is not caused due to solid masses such as small household items or tree roots.

Conclusion

Handy suggests you hire a professional plumber if you cannot clear a blocked drain on your own or suspect a more serious fault in the plumbing system in your house. Professionals have the necessary knowledge and equipment such as hydro-jets, plumber’s snakes, and more that they can use to solve all kinds of plumbing problems.