There will never be a “good time” for a clogged drain in your home, but there are some clogged or slow-running drain situations that you can handle on your own. Of course, there are other clogs that require professional assistance. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can try to clear a clogged drain before calling a trusted professional like Team Rooter.

What Causes Clogged Drains?

A clogged drain is usually caused by debris or a foreign object that has become lodged in your drain pipes. It could also be the result of residue or build-up that needs to be flushed away. In most instances, acting quickly with the right tools can save you from a costly (and messy) repair.

Drain Cleaner

One easy way of handling a clogged drain is a bottle of drain cleaner. Pouring it down the drain and allowing it to work might loosen the clog and solve the problem quickly. You should consider that drain cleaner is a chemical, and it should be used with caution to avoid injury.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you would prefer a non-chemical solution, you can try vinegar and baking soda to clear your clogged drain. Pour the vinegar first and follow it up with baking soda. In a matter of seconds, the combination will go to work on minor clogs.

Boiling Water

Another way of clearing a clogged drain is pouring boiling water from the stove or a tea kettle down the impacted drain. It might need to be repeated, but it’s the cheapest approach. If boiling water doesn’t work on its own, clear the water from the drain by hand (using a cup or other vessel) and pour salt down the drain, followed by more water. Give it a few minutes to work and try flushing the drain again.

Plunging

Depending on the nature of the clogged drain, you might also consider using a plunger. This technique will require patience and trial and error, but with some elbow grease, you may be able to dislodge the clog without the use of chemicals.

Snaking

One last way of dealing with a clogged drain is using a snake. A snake is a long piece of plastic with grooves or “teeth” cut into it that are designed to grab onto debris. Snaking is particularly helpful in clearing hair clogs in bathroom sinks and shower drains.

For A Stubborn Clogged Drain, Call A Professional!

If you’ve tried some or all of these methods to no success, bring in the pros at Team Rooter. Our team has over two decades of experience clearing clogged drains. We’ll find the problem and work quickly to get your pipes back to working order. We guarantee it. Contact our team to fix your clogged drain today!

You don’t realize how important your drains are until one of them gets clogged. A clogged drain can be annoying. Thankfully, you can often clear them quickly. Take a look at the tips below. If none of them work for you, then give Team Rooter a call. We can handle even the most stubborn clogged drains.

Homemade Drain Snake

Drain snakes are cheap and easy to find. However, if you don’t have one on hand and want to unclog that drain right now, you can make your own. You’ll want to use something long and flexible. A wire hanger can get the job done if you bend it the right way. Use your homemade drain snake to pull hair and gunk out of the drain.

Boil Water

Some clogged drains just need some hot water. Boil some water in a pot or kettle. Then pour the hot water down the clogged drain. That may be all it takes to loosen the clog.

Use Dish Soap for Grease Clogs

In the bathroom, hair is responsible for most clogged drains. In the kitchen, the biggest culprit is usually grease. Thankfully, you probably have something on hand that’s designed specifically to get rid of grease: dish soap. If your kitchen sink is clogged, mix dish soap with hot water and slowly pour it down your drain. Give the solution an hour or so to work, then flush the drain with some more hot water. Repeat the process a second time if necessary.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes clear a clogged drain. Pour baking soda into the drain first, then slowly pour in some vinegar. The fizzing action can get rid of a lot of clogs.

Use the Right Plunger

Next, there’s always the classic plunger. However, make sure that you use the right one. The plungers that most people associate with toilets were actually designed for sinks and bathtubs. If you want to use a plunger, look up some different plunger designs first. You’d be surprised how many options exist. The key is finding a plunger that will create the best seal.

Clogged Drain? Call Team Rooter

Of course, some clogs just don’t go for the homemade approach. That’s where we come in. If you’re dealing with an extra-stubborn clogged drain, our expert team can handle the job. We’ll have your drain cleared in no time. Contact Team Rooter today so that you can start using your drain again.