Simple Fixes for a Clogged Drain

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.