At Mr. Plumber DFW, we know that one of the worst situations to be in as a homeowner is when the kitchen sink or shower drain clogs. The clogging can be the result of something stuck inside the pipes – or you may have poor drainage.
Don’t fret, if you don’t know how to unclog your drain, there are some DIY tips you can try before calling in the professionals for a drain cleaning service.
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Trick
The baking soda and vinegar DIY is one of the most commonly-known tricks to clear a drain clog at home. Here’s how to do it:
- Put an equal amount of baking soda and vinegar down the clogged drain.
- Plug the drain (if you have one) and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
- After the time is up, pour some hot water to flush it down.
This trick is to help clear away anything that’s trapped inside your pipes. Though, some experts say this trick doesn’t work. Some say hot water is the only active ingredient that helps unclog the drain. They also mentioned baking soda and vinegar can damage your metal pipes. Use them at your best judgment.
Other DIYs to Try
If you aren’t sure about using the baking soda and vinegar trick, try one of these techniques:
Baking Soda and Salt
Pour an equal amount of both baking soda and salt down your drain, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before adding hot water to wash it down.
Vinegar, Salt and Lemon
Pour an equal amount of vinegar and salt mixed with a half-measure of lemon down your drain. Similar to the baking soda and salt trick, let it sit for 20-30 minutes until following with hot water.
Salt and Hot Water
Mix at least half a cup of salt with equal parts hot water and pour down your drain. Let this sit for 20-30 minutes before pouring some more hot water down your drain to follow.
Be Careful
It’s important to note that these DIY tricks aren’t for fat, oil or grease clogs. Hot water can only temporarily clear these types of drain clogs.
Also, be sure to double-check what your pipes are made out of before pouring boiling hot water or harsh chemicals down the drain!
- Baking soda and vinegar can damage your metal pipes.
- Boiling hot water can melt your plastic pipes.
Clothes Hanger or Drain Snake
Another safe trick to unclogging a drain is using a wire clothes hanger. First, straighten up the hanger, and create a little hook at the end of it. You can stick this makeshift hook inside your drainpipe and move it around to pull out whatever is stuck on the pipes.
A drain snake is a familiar option for clearing drain clogs, commonly used to clear hair out of shower and sink drains. Drain snakes come in many different shapes and sizes and do well at clearing up clogs with their small, sharp hooks.
Contact The Professionals
If you’ve tried any of these DIY tricks and still have a clogged drain, contact us at Mr. Plumber DFW! We offer expert drain cleaning and other plumbing services in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
