How to unclog a drain: 10 tips and tricks!

A completely blocked pipe must be the subject of a rapid intervention. You try a liquid unblocker but the result is not very convincing and in addition, it pollutes enormously. Here are some tips and tricks for dealing with clogged drains before calling the plumber

The hanger trick

Take a regular wire coat hanger and straighten it out as you can. Then bend one end over to create a small hook. Remove the cover from your pipe and start fishing. You should be able to get all sorts of “materials” and different residues that have clogged your drain. Once you have collected as much residue as possible, pour hot water down the drain. Thus, you can once again have a pipeline free of any obstacles.

Baking soda and vinegar

Mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda with 1/3 of a cup of vinegar. This solution will immediately emulsify and you will need to pour it quickly down the clogged drain. The kneading action will help remove debris, hair, and grime that has accumulated in the drain. Let the mixture sit for an hour or even overnight if possible. Rinse with hot water. Otherwise, pour as much baking soda as possible down the drain first, then pour the vinegar. The effect obtained will be identical.

The wet and dry vacuum cleaner

If you have a wet and dry vacuum, it can be a great tool for unblocking your drain. First, put it under vacuum. Next, create the tightest seal possible on the pipe. You can try adapting an old plunger head for this purpose. With the vacuum turned to its highest setting, the suction can be strong enough to pull the clog out of the drain. It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try.

The boiling water technique

Boil water and pour it slowly down the drain in two or three stages, allowing the hot water to work for several seconds between each pour. This is usually the easiest and fastest way to unblock a clogged drain.

The use of caustic soda

For this trick, consider using rubber gloves and eye protection. Caustic soda (also known as sodium hydroxide) or lye can cause nasty chemical burns. So always be careful when handling it. Pour 3/4 liter of cold water into a bucket, then add 3 cups of caustic soda. Stir well with an old wooden spoon. The mixture will then begin to emulsify and heat up. Pour down the clogged drain and leave for 20-30 minutes, then flush your drain with boiling water. Repeat the operation if necessary.

Pipe cleaning

Place an empty bucket under the U-pipe (the trap) under the sink. The bucket will collect the water that will spill out. Using a plumber’s wrench, loosen the nuts on both ends of the pipe. You will need to be able to complete the operation manually. When the trap is free, remove it and turn it over, emptying the contents into the bucket. You may also need to dig out some debris from inside the pipe. An old toothbrush is a good idea for removing hard dirt. Rinse the trap with water and then put it back in place.

Salt and baking soda

Mix 1/2 cup of table salt with 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour down the blocked drain. Let it all stand for 10-20 minutes, then pour boiling water. Salt, baking soda and boiling water produce a chemical reaction that should dissolve some of the more persistent waste.

Nothing is easier than washing up liquid

If your toilet is clogged, pour 1/4 cup of dish soap into a bowl. Then boil water. Dish soap acts as a lubricant and helps break down grease residue. Run the dishwashing liquid then pour the hot water.

Baking soda, vinegar, gravity and good pressure

If your shower or tub drain is clogged, mix some baking soda with vinegar. Pour it down your drain, then place the cap on it. After 45-60 minutes, fill the tub with water. Then remove the cap. The water pressure should be enough to dislodge the blockage that was loosened by the baking soda and vinegar. You can also try unclogging with an unclog or snake drain in conjunction with water weight.

Snake Drainage

Also known as a drain auger, this tool is a coiled snake-like cable that is usually about 1-2cm in diameter with a handle at one end. It works in the opposite way to that of a diver. You push the snake into the clog and turn the crank to drive the snake further into the obstruction. As parts of the blockage break and flow through the drain, the snake helps you access the clog so you can pull it out. Some snakes can fit on a power drill, giving it more power to force it through the hoof. Snakes are particularly effective, as they are long enough to reach distant clogs in a drain.

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