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Prevent Costly Problems and Repair Work
Clogged drains and blockages deep in your pipes are most definitely a nuisance and can cause serious damage to pipes, fixtures or appliances if left too long. Grease, hair, food, soap waste and other materials can easily accumulate in pipes and drains. If detected and addressed early, removing these common clogs can be an easy fix for even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your drain systems is a simple, effective way to prevent costly problems and repair work down the road.
How to Remove Blockages In Your Drain Pipes
1. Utilize A Common Household Plunger
The most popular tool for fixing clogged drains is a common plunger, which you can purchase at just about any home improvement, hardware or discount store for less than $10. Put the plunger over the drain and press down firmly. Pull straight up with gentle force. Repeat the pushing and pulling a couple of times. Adding a little water to the sink, toilet or tub can help to create suction around the drain, making the plunger work more effectively.
2. Use Chemical Drain Solutions
Chemical drain solutions are widely available at hardware and grocery stores. These affordable cleaners are easy to use—just pour, wait and flush—and are great for removing small clogs or stubborn build-up. Always read the product label carefully, though, as some of these chemicals can be corrosive to plastic plumbing or are not recommended for use in kitchen sinks.
3. Purchase A Pipe Cleaner Or a Drain Snake
If you’ve tried a plunger and a chemical drain cleaner with little success, it may be time to use a pipe cleaner or snake. A drain snake is an excellent tool that can be utilized to remove blockages deep in your drain pipes and are easy to find at a home improvement store. The tool is inserted into the drain and maneuvered until the clog is pushed away and out.
4. Combine a Pound of Powder Detergent With Three Gallons of Boiling Water
Hold the container close to the drain and pour slowly to prevent scalding. Flush the drain by running water from the tap a few minutes afterward.
5. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour a ½ cup of regular household baking soda into the drain, then add a ½ cup white vinegar. Cover the drain if you can. Let the mixture stand in the drain for several minutes. Next, to remove grease and debris in your pipes, pour five or six cups of boiling water into the drain. Never try this method immediately after using a commercial drain opener, as the baking soda and vinegar can cause a harmful reaction when they come in contact with the chemicals.
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6. Utilize Salt and Baking Soda to Dissolve a Grease Clog
Pour a ½ cup of coarse salt and a ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by about six cups of boiling hot water. Let the mixture sit for at least eight hours and then flush with water from the tap.
While many clogged and slow-running drains can be resolved without the help of a plumbing professional, you’ve got to know when to throw in the towel. More serious clogs can force water to back up into your home, causing costly damage to pipes and plumbing fixtures. If you’ve tried any or all of these methods and you still can’t clear the clog, stop what you’re doing consult a professional plumbing and drain cleaning company such as Horizon Services. Further plunging, poking around and chemicals will most likely exacerabate the problem.
Plumbing Services
With over 20 years of service experience, we have helped thousands of homeowners in the Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland areas with their plumbing issues. If you are dealing with a clogged drain, give our team of technicians a call by phone at 1-800-642-4419 to receive assistance. Our plumbers provide exceptional drain cleaning services for homes in your local area. In addition, our staff provides other types of plumbing services such as water line maintenance, hot water heater repair, sump pump installation, and sewer line replacement. Our top-notch plumbing technicians can accurately diagnose and quickly fix any and all plumbing problems. Plumbing emergencies are our specialty!