How to Clear Up a Sluggish Drain Fast
A sluggish or clogged drain can be a real pain, especially if you’re trying to cook a big dinner, or do the dishes. It can put a big dent in your plans. Thankfully, there are quick and easy ways to take care of a clogged or sluggish drain.
Calling in a professional is the best way to clear a clog, but we don’t always have time for that. If you’re in a hurry, you want to get it done as soon as possible. Here are five ways to do just that.
Use a Plunger
The first thing you should try when it comes to a clogged drain is a plunger. That’s what they’re made for, clearing out drains. A cap plunger is your best bet, as the cup on the end is made specifically to fit over a drain, creating a sealed vacuum.
Using a plunger is easy. First, remove any excess water from the sink. Then, place the plunger over the open drain, making sure it fits over the drain completely. Run water, and pump the plunger for 30 seconds to a minute, repeating the process three times.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
While this is a classic homemade drain cleaner, it actually works! Using up to one cup of baking soda, pour it down the drain, trying to get it as far down the drain as possible. Follow the baking soda with an equal amount of vinegar. The two substances will react to each other almost immediately, and you’ll see and hear a “fizzing” action in the drain.
Let the solution sit for two minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain to flush it. If the clog’s still a problem, try repeating the process up to three times. Make sure to flush the drain out between attempts.
Hair Clogs
Hair clogs are more prevalent in the bathroom. The best way to clear these out is to simply reach into the drain, and pull the hair out. The homemade method of doing this involves using a bent wire clothes hanger. Use the hook-end to pull out the hair.
If that’s not working for you, there are tools specifically made for pulling hair and clogs out of drains. These tools are safe, effective, and usually fairly cheap.
Clean the P-Trap
Cleaning the p-trap beneath your sink is a bit more involved than the other methods described here, but it could do the trick. The p-trap is located under the sink, and connected to the line that runs into the wall. It always has a small amount of water in it, and prevents sewer gas from invading your bathroom. Sometimes, however, debris and grease can work together to clog the p-trap.
The best way to remove a clog from the p-trap is to clean it out. This means taking it apart. First, turn off the water to the sink. Place a bucket beneath the trap to catch any extra water in the system. Remove the two slip nuts holding the trap in place, and clean out the inside of the trap in the bucket. Just a warning: It might be gross.
Boiling Water
This won’t work on everything, but if you’re really in a bind, and need a quick solution, you can try slowly pouring boiling water down the drain. You can also try pouring the water down the drain in stages, alternating detergent in as well, in order to break up any grease that is present.
Hopefully, one of these tips works. And if it does, keep in mind that these are quick fixes, and not permanent solutions to your drain issues. There may still be some underlying issues in your drains that will require a professional.
Clogged drain experts in the Schererville, IN, area. If you have questions about how to clear clogged drains, or any other plumbing questions for that matter, feel free to reach out to Reichelt Plumbing. Schedule an appointment today at (219) 322-4906.