Have a backed-up kitchen sink, bathtub, or even hot water heater? Knowing how to fix a clogged drain is a helpful skill that can save you time and money. Thankfully, many appliances can easily be fixed by putting in a little elbow grease. Here are our top tips for removing common clogs. And if you don’t have any luck, our local plumbers at Jack Ward & Sons Plumbing Company provide drain unclogging and cleaning services that will make your pipes flow like new!
3 Common Household Clogs & How to Repair Them
Most of the time, drain clogs are caused by residue and debris getting trapped in your pipes. Whether you can’t seem to clear standing water from your sink or you’re having issues with your shower, there is always a fix! Try out these DIY solutions first, and get in touch with us if you need further assistance.
1. Clogged Sink Drains
Cleaning drains with vinegar and baking soda is an effective method for both bathroom and kitchen sinks. If you have pooling water, we recommend first scooping out as much as you can and then combining 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/3 cup vinegar. Pour the mixture down your drain and let it sit for about an hour as it fizzes and clears out the grime. Lastly, flush your drain with hot water!
2. Backed Up Bathtubs and Showers
Did you know that piping hot water can break up clogs in a pinch? One of the simplest home remedies for clearing shower and bathtub drains clogged with hair, soap scum, or other grime is by pouring boiling water down the drain. For bathtubs, you can also use a wire hanger as a DIY plumbing snake to eradicate your clog. Just straighten out your hanger and form a small hook on the end to pull out any debris and clean the drain.
3. Draining a Hot Water Heater
Sediment buildup can cause your water heater to work less effectively, but sometimes all you need to fix it is garden hose! First, turn off your water heater and water supply. Then, put on some gloves and connect your hose to the water heater’s drain valve, running the water to an empty bucket. Open the valve and let it drain into your bucket until it stops. Then, reopen the cold water supply valve to flush out any sediment. Once your water runs clear, disconnect your hose and retighten the drain valve. Lastly, refill your water heater and repower it, according to its manufacturer instructions.
Contact Us for Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Still need help with your clog? Our professional plumbing contractors can take care of it for you. Plus, we always recommend reaching out to an expert if you feel uncomfortable doing the dirty work on your own. Jack Ward & Sons Plumbing Company is available 24/7, so go ahead and reach out to us and we’ll be happy to clear your drains!
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