Repairing Clog Conundrums

Few things are more frustrating than a clogged drain!  Whether in your kitchen, your bathroom, or your utility room, clogged drains can quickly provide an infuriating mess.  Unfortunately, they are also fairly common.  To solve your next clog conundrum, try one of our DIY solutions:

Slow-Running Drains: For slow-running drains, shake a half box of baking soda down the drain, before pouring in one cup of vinegar. The baking soda will bubble and foam.  Once it stops foaming, flush the drain with very hot water for 2-3 minutes.

Dealing With A Clog:  If you have a full-on clog, begin by removing as much of the backed up water as you can.  Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a large pot or kettle of boiling hot water. If the sink empties completely, pour another kettle of boiling water to give it another clean flush and then let cool water run from the tap for a couple minutes.

Biodegradable: If the flushing technique listed above doesn’t work, use a biodegradable waste digester, available in the plumping section of your hardware store, to dissolve the build-up of debris in your pipes.  However, always use caution when using commercial drain cleaners of any kind.  We recommend wearing eye goggles since the water can splash back up at you.

An Ounce Of Prevention: While slow or clogged drains are the most common household plumbing problem, they are typically preventable.  Work to stave off bathroom clogs by installing grates or small screens over the drains to prevent hair and other debris from going down the drain and building up.  In the kitchen, avoid clogs by being cautious of what you pour down the drain.  For example, liquefied fats poured down a drain can coat the pipes and leave a ready surface for debris to get stuck in.  And while garbage disposals are convenient, they should be used sparingly. Dump large amounts of food in a garbage can and only use the disposal for the small bits left on the plate.

If these solutions don’t solve your problem, call us at Nowthen Plumbing to thoroughly assess the situation.