Easy Ways to Unclog Your Drains: Part 2
In Part 1 of this blog post, we told you about some of the easiest and safest methods to fix a clog in your home. Here, our plumbing contractor in Downey, CA shares some more aggressive approaches in case the 3 tips he gave you did not work their magic. Check them out!
Tip 1: Use a Plunger
If you are up for manually unclogging your drains, use a plunger. There are different types of plungers, toilet plungers, cup plungers are more. Get the right plunger for your drains. What you need to do next is unscrew the grate or stopper and apply the plunger to the drain. Try to create a tight seal. You can use petroleum jelly to the rim of the tool to create an even tighter seal. Once you do this, plunge vigorously and run water to see if the clog is cleared. Repeat as necessary.
Tip 2: Snakes & Other Tools
Snakes, augers, and millipedes are sold in hardware stores. However, they can damage your pipes. If done incorrectly, you can puncture your drains and end up with a costly-to-fix leak. If you are not a plumbing contractor, make sure you call one if you suspect you have a serious clog. You should be very careful with the tools when using them in your drains. Better consult with a pro.
Tip 3: Caustic Soda
Harsher than natural alternatives, this chemical can cause burns. Using it requires you to wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Make sure that you are extra careful when handling it and ensure that the area is properly ventilated. This is what you should do.
Get a bucket where you will add 3 quarters of a gallon of cold water and 3 cups of caustic soda. Stir well with a wooden spoon and wait for the solution to fizz. Pour it down the blocked drain and leave it to work for about 20 to 30 minutes. After that, pour boiling water down the drain to flush it away. For severely clogged drains, repeat several times.
If none of the mixtures from part 1 of this article helped, you should consider calling a professional plumber to handle the task. Ryan's Plumbing Services can offer you affordable solutions. Call (562) 312-2541 for free advice.