When faced with a backed up drain, you might be tempted to reach for a liquid drain cleaner — but think twice before you resort to pouring chemicals down your sink! Liquid drain cleaners can damage your pipes, are hazardous to your health, and might not even work depending on the nature of the clog. Instead, here are some expert tips on effective, chemical-free ways to unblock your drains. Keep reading to learn more from the experts at Best Plumbing in Seattle!
Plungers
While you might associate plungers with toilets, the
standard cup plunger is also a great tool for unclogging sinks. If the idea of
using your toilet plunger on a sink or shower isn’t appealing, you can always
purchase a second plunger specifically to use for non-toilet pipes. It’s a good
investment.
To plunge a sink, empty out most (but not all) of the
standing water to prevent splashing as you work. If you’re plunging a
double-bowel kitchen sink, stuff a wet rag into one drain while you plunge the
other. For bathtubs or single bowel sinks, seal the overflow hole with a wet
cloth. This will help drive air pressure directly to the clog. Cover the drain
opening with the plunger, making sure it seals, and rapidly pump the plunger up
and down in 15-20 second intervals before quickly pulling it off of the drain
opening. Repeat a couple of times. If this fails to break up the clog, move up
to using a drain snake.
Drain Snake
A basic drain snake (also known as an auger) is always a
good addition to your toolbox and relatively inexpensive versions are available
at most department stores. To use, push the snake through the pipe until you
encounter resistance then start twisting it to break up the block. If you don’t
have the time to purchase a drain snake you can also fashion a rough
approximation using a wire hanger. This is generally enough if the problem is a
ball of hair that’s stuck close to the mouth of the sink. If possible, try to
pull debris out of the pipe and dispose of it in the trash. This will help
ensure that it doesn’t cause another blockage further down the line.
We’re Here To Help
If you’ve tried the above recommendations with no effect, it’s time to consult with a professional. Best Plumbing is available 24/7 to help you with your plumbing needs. Our expert plumbers will be able to diagnose the cause of the blockage and find the best solution. We proudly serve the Seattle and Bellevue areas.
