Unclogging Drains in The Bathroom
by Lawrence Taylor 08/25/2019
Having a clogged drain in the bathroom is not one of the prettiest sights. First, it starts with water that doesn't drain as fast as it should from the tub. Then the odors begin to rise from the drains and then one day, it is completely blocked. Cleaning out any clogged sink isn't rocket science, you merely need to know what to do.
- Use boiling water. Boil as much water as possible in your kettle and then slowly pour it down the drain. You can pour an additional two or three kettles full of hot water and mix it with some detergent or bleach for maximum effect. This method is the fastest way of unclogging a drain and works well for mild blockages.
- Use baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda probably has like a thousand uses around the house, and unclogging drains is one of them. Pour one small cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Then add a small cup of vinegar too. The mixture will foam immediately, and this will help dissolve the bits of hair and other things that are stuck in the drain. Leave the mixture in your drain for about an hour and then rinse with hot water. This method will work for small and moderate blockages.
- Use Caustic Soda. Some drain blockages require the introduction of chemicals to clear them up. Get a bottle of caustic soda from your local hardware store. However be careful with the handling as it can cause severe burns on the body. Pour about 3 liters of water in a bucket and then add about 2 or 3 cups of caustic soda. Stir the mixture with any piece of wood and pour it into the blocked drainage. The solution will start heating up and fizzing, so you should leave it for about 45 minutes before flushing off with boiling water.
- Using a chemical remover. If any of your previous attempts have been unable to resolve your problem, a chemical clog remover might be your last alternative to taking the pipes and drainage system apart. But you should use any chemical remover with caution because they may damage pipes if used repeatedly. Follow any instructions on the packaging correctly, especially with regards to protective gear and amount to use. Ask at your neighborhood hardware store for recommendations on clog removers to purchase.
Please remember that preventing clogged drains is the best way to deal with clogged pipes. If the blockages persist, reach out to a plumbing professional for help.