Blocked Drains may sound like a minor problem. But, it can become expensive and time-consuming if not solved immediately. Homeowners may get an unpleasant smell from the kitchen and bathrooms that can cause frustration. Moreover, they are big reasons for flooding, slow water drainage, corrosion, etc.
By identifying the main causes of blockages in drains, you can take preventive measures to reduce blockages and avoid costly repairs. This article will share common causes of blocked drains and how to clear them instantly.
Common Causes of Blockages
- Food Waste: Pieces of vegetables, tea leaves, and peelings can create a big mess in the kitchen sink. Over a period of time, they start clumping to block the drain. They can block the water from its way through the kitchen sink. Some food waste can break down, but some cannot.
- Hair & Toiletries: Hair is the common cause of blocked drains in the bathroom. Also, it can build up down plugs and bind with sticky substances to clog the drainage. Wet wipes and sanitary items can cause blocked drains. Even disposable sanitary wipes do not dissolve in the same manner that toilet paper does.
- Grease and Fat: Substances with sticky properties are one of the common causes of clogged drains. As soon as you wash greases and fats down the sinks, they stick to the pipes.
- Hard Water Minerals: You may not know that minerals dissolved in hard water can accumulate and clog your drains. Besides, it is hard to remove after they are built into a mess. Contact a professional plumber if your drains and pipes no longer appear to be running.
6 Ways to Clean a Blocked Drain Instantly
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar can help to dislodge debris. It is the most basic approach to generating an acid-base reaction, which produces oxygen and cleans the pipe scours. The procedure begins with pouring one cup of baking soda and waiting a few minutes for it to settle. Next, add a cup of vinegar and hot water to remove the remaining residues. However, you need this solution to repeat the process a few times for better results.
2. Snake or Auger
A plumber’s snake is the ideal way to clear the severe blockages. You need to rotate the coil to embed it within the clump. It gives enough to tug out the waste and clear the drain. Snakes are easy to bend inside the pipe, and a malleable coil allows you to fit them according to pipe shape. Though, they can also damage your pipes, so be careful while using them or call a professional plumber to clear the drain.
3. Plunger
A plunger can not only be used for unclogging toilets but also clear a blocked drain. It has a cup affixed to a stick that perfectly fits the drain’s opening. Push and pull the cup to create the suction, and the clogged substance will break down. Rinse the area with clean and soap water. For better suction, you can pour hot water into the blocked basin.
4. Caustic Cleaner
Chemicals are the best way to dissolve hard materials, hair, and greasy substances. It is easy to get caustic cleaners from stores or supermarkets. But, when you use chemical cleaners, cover your hands and face to prevent the fumes from penetrating into nose. Also, use water to flush pipes and rid the lingering chemicals.
5. Boiling Water
Pour a pot of boiling water down the drains to immediately clear blocked drains. It will dissolve the blockage inside the pipes. This method will work only for metal and ceramic pipes. Instead of hot or tap water, use boiling water for PVC pipes. This simple approach works on food waste and grease but not solid materials. You can follow this practice daily to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime in the drain.
6. Hydro-Jet
Hydro-jets push a high-pressure stream of water through your pipes. The pressure will push the blocked substances to flush down through the pipes and allows water to flow again. It is ineffective against solid obstructions, but this procedure is far safer for your pipes than snaking. You can use hydro-jet, but it is risky for the first attempt. So, leave this job to a plumbing expert.
Final Thoughts on Stopping Clogged Drains
Avoid hair and other substances to block your bathroom drains. Make a routine to clean the drainage and use these tips to prevent blocked drains. If you can’t solve this recurring blockage problem, get help from professional plumbers and an immediate remedy.
