One of the most common plumbing problems is that of a slow, sluggish drain. Hair, debris, soap, and other products that are washed down the drain slowly build-up, and often reduce the size of the drain, slowing down the process of draining water. This slow and gradual process of build-up in the drain is usually inevitable. The only solution is to clean the drains periodically in order to ensure a good flow.
If you are facing this annoying plumbing problem, here are five ways to fix a slow drain –
1. The Baking Soda Method: This is an inexpensive, chemical-free, and biodegradable method that you can easily do yourself. Pour half a cup of baking soda, then a whole cup of white vinegar into the drain. Let this mixture sit for about fifteen minutes. Afterward, pour either hot tap water or boiling water into the drain. This method should clean any clogs in your drain. You can also repeat this process if necessary.
2. The Plunger Method: If baking soda did not fully clear your clogged drains, you could try a plunger. Plunging can help loosen and dislodge hair and debris that is collected in the pipe. The key to plunging is to create a vacuum. Remember to stop any air vents or adjoining drains. If you are working on the kitchen sink, you must clamp off the dishwasher hose and seal the drain openings in other sink basins. If you are working in the bathroom sink, plug the overflow opening with a wet rag. This prevents the plunged pressure from diverting through the overflow hole.
3. The Zip-It Method: A Zip-It tool is readily available at any home improvement or hardware store. An inexpensive tool, it can efficiently clear out any hair and debris that has collected in the drain. Once put in the drain, it catches the hair or debris clogging your drain, which then can be pulled out. You can use the Zip-It tool with or without the pop-up as it is thin enough to go in the drain, even when the pop-up is in place.
4. Drain Cleaners: A standard drain cleaner can be bought from any hardware store or even your local grocery store. These drain cleaners work in just minutes and are very easy to use as well. You usually need to dump them in your drain and let them sit a couple of minutes.
5. The Snake Method: If the plunger method did you no good, you could try clearing the clog manually with the snake method. For this method, you need a long, heavy piece of wire. Snake the wire down the drain as far as you can and wiggle the wire to clear the clog. Once you no longer feel the clog, run hot water into the drain to clear out any detritus.
There are also some preventive measures you can take to stop your drains from getting clogged and slowing down. By putting screens on the bathroom drains, you can prevent hair and other debris from going into the drain as the screen collects them. Also, keep in mind to not pour anything that is greasy down the drain.
It is essential to have properly functioning plumbing at your home. Call Arellano Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning LLC to get in touch with plumbing experts!
