We have all experienced some sort of a clogged drain, or needed to fix clogged drain, whether it is a toilet, sink, shower or a bathtub. Clogged drains are extremely frustrating especially when it happens at unexpected times. A clogged drain is, unarguably, a gross inconvenience, which can result in a severe plumbing problem.
Meanwhile, here are what cause a drain to become clogged:
- Grease and Oils – Pouring grease, oils, butter, or bacon fat down the drain can cause the pipe to clog when the item cools off. Grease and all sorts of oils or fat will congeal at room temperature. As a result, they will form several layers of the build-up to the pipes’ interior, which will eventually cause a clogged drain.
- Food Scraps or Residue – Another cause of a clogged drain is the pouring of food scraps into the kitchen sink, even if you have a garburator. The food residue will block the drain eventually. Dispose of food scraps into a trash bin. Avoid inserting food such as eggshells, coffee grounds, and potato peels into your garburator or sink.
- Soap Build-up – Over the years, the soap scum can build up and clog a drain. This affects both the kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
Here are 5 ways to fix a clogged drain:
1. Dish Washing Liquid
Unclog your drain fast by mixing 70ml of dishwashing liquid with hot water and pour down the drain. Use a plunger carefully to plunge the mixture. The hot water will dissolve congealed oil or fat that clogged the drain.
2. Boiling Water
If the clogged drain in your home is as a result of soap scum or grease or oil build-up, boiling water is a quick fix for your clogged drain. Boil about 10 litres of water and slowly pour it down the drain in three to four stages, allowing the hot water to work on the clogged for few minutes in between each pour.
3. Clean P-Trap
You may have to clean the P-Trap pipe under your kitchen sink to unclog your drain. Locate the pipe inside the cabinet in under your sink. Remove and drain any water or debris in it into a bucket. Clear whatever that is stuck in the pipe. Clean the P-trap and replace it. Run water through the sink and see if the clogging has been removed.
4. Try Wet and Dry Vacuum
your vacuum cleaner to vacuum liquids. Run the vacuum cleaner to remove the clog into the vacuum bag. Cover the drain around the vacuum pipe to minimize the mess in your kitchen.
5. Bent Wire Hanger
If you have a wire coat hanger in your home, this is a simple hack to make your clogged drain run correctly again. Straighten the wire hanger as much as possible and bend one end into a small hook. Put the hanger into the drain and fish for the potential clog. Be prepared because you will be pulling lots of gunk out and not pushing it further into the drain. After pulling out as much as you can, run water through your sink to test your drain.
