Does the sink take longer to drain? Does water collect around feet in shower? Does everything seem to give off an unpleasant smell?
In most cases this is a sure sign of a clogged drain. What can we do to avoid the fateful moment when everything is completely blocked? In this article we will reveal the keys to successfully tackle a clogged pipeline.
Have you already removed the remains that you appreciate on the surface but it still does not work? These are the top 10 tips before you have to call your trusted plumber.
Pick up a wire
It is as simple as it is functional. You need to unfold a sheet of wire to smooth it out as much as you can. Then bend one end into a hook shape.
Start by inserting the end down the drain and use the wire as if it were a fishing rod.
The normal thing is that residues begin to appear, such as hair and other unpleasant elements. Try to stretch as much as possible. Finally rinse everything with hot water.
Vacuum dry and wet
Vacuum cleaners can be helpful in uncovering pipe drains. First you can use it to suck up liquids (cover the vent to prevent leaks). Later, you will have to configure the vacuum cleaner to drag the clogging out of the pipe.
This trick does not always achieve the expected results, but it is always good to try it.
Pour in baking soda mixed with vinegar
Mix one third of baking soda with one third of vinegar. It is normal for it to start to bubble, so you will have to pour it as soon as possible down the drain that you are trying to unblock.
This fizzy mixture will wash away coatings, hair, and other debris that has adhered to the pipe.
It is recommended to let it rest for at least an hour and then rinse with hot water.
Use caustic soda
Due to the burns it can cause, caustic soda should only be handled with rubber gloves and eye protection. It is usually available in hardware and drug stores, but always remember to handle it with care.
Mix about two liters of cold water with three cups of caustic soda. Use an old wooden spoon to stir. When it starts to bubble and heat up, pour it over the drain you'd like to unclog the drain over and let it sit for half an hour. Then rinse everything with boiling water and repeat as many times as necessary.
Dishwashing detergent
With a quarter cup of dishwasher cleaner and a little boiling water, you can use it as a lubricant to remove any greasy residue.
Then pour in hot water and wait to see the results.
Clean the pipes
Normally it is better to use a plumber, but for this advice you will only need to place an empty bucket under the sink to collect any water that may spill.
Loosen the nuts at both ends of the tubing and empty the contents into the bowl. You can also use a wire to remove debris and an old toothbrush to remove dirt.
Then rinse with water and in most cases this should be enough to get it working again.
Use salt and baking soda
Mix half a cup of table salt with half a cup of baking soda. Then pour it through the blocked pipe and let it act for about 30 minutes. Then add boiling water. This mixture will cause a chemical reaction that can be helpful in dissolving the nastiest clogs.
Boil water
Not all tips are going to be as straightforward as this. Bring the water to a boil and pour it slowly down the drain in two or three batches to give it time to work. It is a quick and simple tip that usually gives very good results, try it!
