Tips for Unclogging Pipes at Home

Dealing with clogged pipes is a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only does it make using the sink and the toilet a difficult task but it also comes with potential health risks that can put you and your family in danger. That’s why many families dealing with this problem opt to ask for help from a local plumber.

But, if you’re having second thoughts about sending in the cavalry, here are some tips for unclogging pipes at home — straight from the actual pros. So, if you’re ready, let’s begin.

1. Locate the siphon canister

The first thing to do in the event of a clogged drain is to look for the siphon canister. Now it’s okay if you don’t have the actual blueprint of your home, the siphon canister is typically located in your bathroom.

Look for a circular chrome lid that can be found in the bathtub, shower, or sink. Open the siphon canister and remove any accumulation of dirt, hair, or soap scum. This will remove any blockage that might be causing the obstruction and preventing water to pass through the drain.

If you have a clogged drain, you just have to do the same thing, but be sure to prepare a bucket. Take as much obstruction as you can by hand or for a more thorough cleaning you can use a plumbers guide. Observe if the water begins to recede.

Plumbers take this first step to help them isolate the issue and determine whether it’s something that’s caused by the siphon canister or if the problem is located deep down the pipe.

Anyway, if this does not solve the problem, let’s head on to step two.

2. Use homemade solutions

If the clog is too stubborn, you can use alternatives to remove the obstruction in the drains. You may need to rummage through your household supplies but you’re sure to find some useful materials to help you remove the drain.

Common household items like baking soda and vinegar, Coke or coffee grounds, and hot water mixed with dishwashing liquid can help you clear pipe blockage. However, you need to remember that these concoctions are not strong enough compared to their chemical counterparts so remember to be patient when using these homemade solutions.

In addition, you might have to look up the formulation of the ingredients to get the best results. These things do not come with a manual but luckily, there are a lot of resources online where you can find information on how much of these materials to use and how to apply them. Also, you might need to use some force to loosen hardened accumulation in the pipes.

Plumbers suggest using these ingredients as kind of a first-aid solution before heading on to your local hardware to buy acids and other strong chemicals when unclogging pipes. If your clogged drain can be solved without having to use these commercial chemicals, then that’s better. However, some obstructions take a little more than homemade solutions, so when it doesn’t work, try this next step.

3. Use a commercial plunger

Commercial plunger products or chemical drain cleaners can help break down or loosen any construction in your piping system. They can remove many things including hair, grease, oil, and hardened soap.

Just remember to make sure to read the label or the instruction on the packaging as these chemicals are toxic and can have harmful effects on you and the environment. If possible use these drain cleaners with gloves and an ounce of caution.

Even professional plumbers practice proper care and wear protective items when using chemicals as they can damage your skin or damage the structure of the drainage system.

4. Call a plumber

If none of these things work, maybe you need service from emergency plumbers to help. Plumbing companies have expert industry professionals who have worked on numerous projects with similar problems, both on residential houses and in commercial spaces.

A plumber will be backed by practical knowledge and proper training to help them locate and identify the obstruction. Not only that but they also use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to help them remove these clogs.

Conclusion

When you are experiencing blocked drains and pipes at home, you can always try to resolve the problem on your own. You can use these tips and tricks that can help you solve the issue without bringing in the big guns.

However, if you are not confident with your skills and have no idea about how to clear pipe blockage, you can always trust the professionals to do the deed.