Drains are a busy part of your home, carrying hair, food particles and waste water. When they get clogged, they can be a headache and cost you money.
Luckily, there are many ways to unclog your drains without calling a plumber. One way is to use a homemade cleaner made with baking soda, salt and vinegar.
Plunger
Plungers are one of the simplest and most effective household tools for dealing with drain clogs. However, it’s important to use the right plunger for your specific plumbing fixtures.
Generally speaking, plungers come in two different forms: cup plungers and flange plungers. Standard cup plungers are ideal for sinks and tubs, while flange plungers are the best option for toilets.
A plunger works by creating a seal around the drain. This creates vacuum and allows water to be forced down onto the clog.
To get the seal, suck out some air using your hand and push down hard on the handle. Do this until you see a strong, even seal.
Once you have a seal, pull the rubber flange out from the inside of the cup plunger and insert it into the overflow opening on your sink or tub.
With this seal in place, push down on the plunger with gentle but firm thrusts to force water down into the clog. Continue to do this 15 to 20 times.
Plumber’s Snake
A Plumber’s Snake (sometimes called a Drain Snake) is the tool that you want to have at your disposal when a plunger can’t break through your clog. It can be a simple hand-held device or a more powerful electric model that is rented from your local hardware store.
How it works is fairly straightforward: Push the end of the coiled-up snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the snake. Continue to push until you feel resistance.
Once you feel it resisting, rotate it against the blockage until you feel it move freely through the pipe. This is usually a sign that it has reached the obstruction.
As it descends, the rotating tip will either break up the clog as it moves down the pipe or grab hold of it so that you can pull it out. If it doesn’t break up the clog, crank a little harder and give the wire a wiggle to loosen it.
Wire Coat Hanger
A wire hanger is an incredibly useful tool for a variety of things. It’s a cheap and easy way to hang your dry cleaning, but it’s also an essential tool for unclogging drains when they get blocked.
A wire coat hanger can unclog a drain by straightening it out and fishing the clogged debris out of the drain. To do this, you’ll need to remove the drain cover and insert your hanger hook first into the drain, wiggle it around and pull it up regularly.
Other upcycled wire hanger uses include a reusable ribbon holder, a pair of fairy wings and a giant bubble wand! Check out these DIY ideas below, and don’t forget to share your own clever upcycled hanger tricks with us in the comments. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners are a popular choice for clogged sinks, tubs and showers. They can clear clogs made from hair, grease or food buildup, says Jackson.
However, they also can corrode plumbing and damage septic systems. They can also pose a danger to you and your family by burning skin and eyes, creating noxious fumes and releasing toxic chemicals if splashed.
They can also eat through clothing and cause explosions. And, if used improperly, they can contaminate the water you and your family drink or bathe in.
Fortunately, there are several non-toxic solutions that can unblock your clogged drain in minutes. One natural option is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. The mixture will react with the clog and create a “mini volcano.