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Whether there’s a clog in the kitchen sink or it’s the tub that’s causing grief, the need for a plumber might not be necessary thanks to the numerous simple fixes you can try at home. Clogged drains are a nuisance, but with just a few products you have sitting around the house, you can alleviate that problem –and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Here are our best tips for repairing a clogged drain at home. Try them out the next time you have a clogged drain.
The plunger is the first trick to try to unclog your drain. The purchase of a professional strength plunger is worth the investment because they work wonders and cost only a few bucks. There should be a small amount of water in the sink or toilet that you want to plunge so that you have a vacuum seal.
If the plunger doesn’t work don’t be so quick to call the plumber until you’ve tried one or more of the solutions listed below.
Dawn dish liquid is great on grease –and clogged drains. It works best in the toilet but you can try it out in the sink, too. It is fairly simple. Just power about two tablespoons of Dawn dish liquid into the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for 15 – 20 minutes. Next, take a bucket of hot water to pour down the toilet. Pour quickly, but slowly enough to notice if it is not going down so not to cause a huge mess. Nine times out of 10 this trick will solve most of your minor clogged drain issues.
Baking soda is another tried and true clogged drain solution that also works wonders for the toilet. For this trick you’ll need to use about one cup of baking soda along with hot water. Pour the cup of baking soda into the toilet and wait a few seconds. Follow with the hot water. If the water flushes, pour in another gallon of hot water.
You might find that vinegar removes the clog as well, when used with baking soda. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain followed by one cup of white distilled vinegar. Now plug up the drain with the stopper. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then pour a gallon of hot water into the drain. If it doesn’t work the first time, double the amounts of vinegar and baking soda being used, wait about 30 minutes and try again.
If none of these tricks work you have a major problem with the plumbing system in your home. Your next step should be a ‘snaking’ of the septic system. Plumbing snakes are available for purchase and for short-term rental. The snake easily reaches into the drain to free any type of clog that is present. When the snake is also run through the septic system it reduces trees and limbs and roots that might be causing problems.
DJ Plumbing is there whenever you need us. We urge you to try the clogged drain solutions above first, but remember that we are here to help you with all of your plumbing needs when all else fails.
Simple Plumbing Tips To Fix A Clogged Toilet
We want to be the company that always comes to the rescue when you experience plumbing problems. But gaining your trust is also very important. With this being said, it is essential to understand that you don’t always need our services! Sometimes things such as a clogged toilet are easy fixes that you can do in a matter of minutes or a couple of hours, at a cost far less than what we could provide. Here are a few simple ideas to unclog your toilet.
Tip One: Plunger
Your first weapon of choice for a clogged toilet is a plunger. For minor clogs, it is the quickest and easiest way to unstop the toilet and get back to normal life. Purchase a professional grade plunger at your local home improvement shop for $10 or less and save time and money since these plungers perform the best.
Tip Two: Dawn Dish Liquid
Squirt a dab of Dawn dish liquid into the toilet. Let it sit for 10 minutes. As it sits, boil a pan of hot water on the stove. Pour this hot water into the toilet bowl over the dish liquid. Allow the mixture to sit four or five more minutes and flush. This is another inexpensive and quick clogged toilet solution that works for many people.
Tip Three: Baking Soda
Baking soda can also work wonders for a clogged toilet. This method works pretty much the same way as the Dawn dish liquid. If you don’t get results the first try, repeat the process a second time. You’ll need to use at least one half-gallon of water and one cup of baking soda. Also add one cup of vinegar to the mix.
Tip Four: Drain Cleaners
An assortment of drain cleaners is available for purchase at your local home improvement store. These drain cleaners are inexpensive and work in many clogged toilet situations. It is definitely worth a shot because it costs about $10 or less for a bottle of Liquid Plumbr or a similar product. To use one of these products simply follow the directions on the label.
Tip Five: Plumbing Snakes
A plumbing snake is a long metal flexible hose inserted into the toilet. On the end of the snake is a gripper tool that grabs anything that stands in the way of reaching the end. Purchase a snake, or learn if rental is available. This is certainly an option.
Tip Six: Clothes Hanger
No snake available? A coat hanger might work if the clog isn’t too deep. To use a clothes hanger, simply expand the hanger so that it is completely straight. Insert it into the toilet and move it around to free any clogs. Pull out the hanger and flush the toilet. Hopefully, the clog is gone!
Tip Seven: Prevention is Best
As cliché as it sounds it is definitely true. Don’t put too much toilet paper into the toilet bowl. Keep feminine hygiene products far away. Use an enzyme based cleaner for the toilets once every six months or so as well. Prevention ensures that clogged toilets are not causing you hassle and grief.
Clogged toilets are a nightmare but with these quick fixes you’re sure to keep your cool! Put them to use the next time you experience a clogged toilet and you can avoid a visit from the plumber!
If you do need our help we’re glad to assist you. Please submit a service request or call us at (778) 227-1119 to schedule an appointment.
