What do you do with a blocked drain? You certainly can’t just leave it sitting there. Your sink or shower may be full of water or a gross smell might be wafting about.
But how do you unblock it?
There are many viable options for clearing a drain. The easiest way to figure out how to unblock it is to know what is causing the blockage in the first place.
Let’s look at some common causes and tips for clearing the drain.
1. Hair
Anyone in your home with long, thick locks? This could be the culprit of a clogged shower drain. The average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day — and much of that goes right to the shower drain.
Luckily, this type of clog is fairly easy to remove with a DIY drain snake. Straighten out a metal hanger and put a hook on one end. You can use this to easily snag the clog and pull it out.
2. Grease or Oil
In the kitchen, grease or oil are common culprits of a clogged sink. When still warm, these are liquid and it’s easy for them to get washed down the sink, such as when washing dishes.
However, as they travel through the pipe and cool, they congeal to a jelly-like substance or coat the inside of the pipe. Both scenarios constrict the pipe and make it easy to catch other bits of debris and create a clog.
A simple way to clear this type of clog is by dumping a big pot of boiling water down the drain. The heat will melt the grease and loosen the clog.
3. Scraps of Food
Another common kitchen clog culprit is bits of food. Even if you have a garbage disposal, you shouldn’t put food down the drain. It can easily get stuck in the pipe and soon you’ll have the stench of rotting food wafting out the drain.
Try plunging the drain with a toilet plunger. The suction action can be enough to dislodge the bits of food. Rinse with water to wash away the debris.
4. Roots
That nasty gunk draining through your pipes is like gold to trees and bushes. It is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients they need to grow strong and tall.
Thus, the roots of any trees or bushes planted nearby the drainpipe will be attracted to it. Little tendrils of the roots may find a tiny crack and grow into the pipe. Eventually, it will grow to block the pipe.
The best way to clear this type of blockage is to call for help. A professional will know how to find the blockage as well as clear it and replace the broken pipe. Ensure anyone who works on your drains is licenced for drainage work for the best results.
Worry Not About Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be troublesome, no doubt. But there are plenty of methods of dealing with them — some of which don’t even require a professional or repair bill!
