Do you have a pesky kitchen or bathroom drain that is draining slowly or seems to be blocked? Blocked drains are a common problem of homeowners, often caused by issues with your pipes or food or debris trapped in the sink.
If not fixed, blocked drains can cause serious and costly problems to your plumbing systems.
What can you do if you have a blocked drain? Luckily, there are a few easy ways to fix a blocked drain—keep reading to find out what you can do.
First, Try to Clear a Blocked Drain with a Plunger
If a blocked sink drain is causing you problems, the first thing to try is a plunger. It’s something most everyone has in the home and can be the easiest way to clear a drain blocked with toilet paper or debris.
Place the plunger tightly over the blocked drain, creating a seal, and then pull up and push down slowly for about 20 seconds. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to move on to the below.
What causes your drain to block in the first place? Often, you’ve poured something down it that you shouldn’t have. Items like grease, paper towels, oils, or eggshells should never go down a drain.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake can help remove the debris from a blocked shower drain or sink drain. Sometimes, bathroom drains get blocked by hair or a build-up of products, so the snake can be used to wiggle down into the drain and remove the clog.
You can also call a professional drain cleaning company if you’re not having any luck doing it yourself.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Can Help
An old trick to clear a blocked drain uses one of the most versatile chemicals you already have in your home—baking soda.
Start by pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by half a cup of baking soda. Then, mix a cup of hot water with a cup of white vinegar and you’ll see the mixture start to foam and bubble up out of the drain.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then run the taps with hot water for 30-60 seconds. This is a natural and effective way to help your sinks drain faster.
Call a Plumber
If none of the above has cured the problem, it’s time to call a plumber to help with your blocked drain. A trained professional has additional tools to diagnose and solve the problem.
If necessary, they can remove and disconnect pipes to get to the root of the blockage, something that most homeowners wouldn’t attempt on their own.
Contact Us for All Your Plumbing Needs
Do you have a blocked drain that you just can’t seem to fix on your own? If so, give us a call.
Drain Masters Plumbing is a family-owned business that has been serving the San Diego area for over 22 years. We are fully licensed and insured and our friendly, expert team can fix any drainage problems, large or small.
Contact us today with any questions or to book an appointment for drain cleaning within your home. We look forward to hearing from you.