It may be time to evaluate the state of your drain if you have a backed-up kitchen sink, a build-up of standing water during showers, a bathtub that takes forever to empty, or your average clogged toilet. Clogs should be treated with right away, but they don't have to put your life on hold. Whatever happens, here's what you should do.
Easy Ways to Spot a Clog
It only takes a few minutes, test and observe the following if you suspect a blockage anywhere in your home:
The toilet will not flush.
Water drains more slowly than usual in the shower, bathtub, or bathroom sink.
There's a strange odor that you can't place.
The kitchen sink has become clogged with trash, and running the garbage disposal has had little to no effect.
What Next?
First and foremost, inspect your drain for any visible obstructions. Depending on the type of clog, look into the drain (this could include below a drain cap, such as in a bathroom sink). Use a flashlight if necessary. Remove anything that appears to be clogging the drain. For shallow clogs, unfolded paper clips or small plastic hooks from hardware stores come in handy.
Following that, double-check that your drain is open. Is there enough space in the pipe for water to flow? This is determined on the sort of drain and stopper you have: Some drains feature a stopper that may be unscrewed and lifted completely out. Bathtub-shower combinations frequently include a switch under the faucet that opens and closes the drain. Check to see if your drain has a stopping mechanism and that the stopper isn't accidently blocking the drain.
If you've removed any apparent obstacles and confirmed that the drain is clear, but water is still not draining, it's time to unclog.
7 Simple Ways to Unclog Your Drain
Hand-clear the obstruction. A blockage is sometimes readily visible near the surface and easily accessible. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and do your best to dislodge the clog. A wire coat hanger can also be used for increased reach and leverage.
Make use of a drain snake. A drain snake, often known as a plumber's snake, is a retractable, flexible drilling instrument available at home improvement stores. Using the snake's hand crank, you'll shoot a metal wire down the drain to either break up or take out whatever is obstructing it. There are also disposable plastic snakes available, which require no cranking and may even be used to unclog a clogged toilet. After using your drain snake, make sure you clean it.
Make use of a plunger. Plungers aren't just for clogged toilets; they may also be used to unclog kitchen sinks. A cup-style plunger that completely covers the drain opening to establish a tight seal will provide the best suction. Maintain the seal by making 6 even, up-and-down thrusts. Take out the plunger: You've made progress if the water drains away. If not, repeat the procedure.
Make use of a kettle of boiling water. If there are no visible obstacles in the drain and a drain snake has been unsuccessful, contact with boiling water might assist dissolve softer build-up around the edges, such as soap scum or cooking grease. Repeat the process two or three times more if necessary.
Make use of a natural drain cleaner. Conventional drain cleaners rarely perform as effectively as they claim, and typically include hazardous chemicals. Depending on the severity of the clog, a natural cure of white distilled vinegar and baking soda can be equally as effective. 1 cup baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar, should be poured down the drain. Plug the drain with a drain stop or rag and let the mixture work for at least an hour. Rinse with hot water. Repeat as needed.
Drain trap should be removed and cleaned. A clog can often be found in the drain trap, also known as a U-pipe, which is placed beneath the sink beneath the garbage disposal. Clear the space and set a bucket beneath the U-pipe to collect any runoff. Loosen the nuts on either side of the pipe with a plumber's wrench while holding it stable with the other hand. Inspect for obstructions after emptying the pipe into the bucket. When finished, clean and reattach the U-pipe.
Call a plumber-there's no shame in doing so either! If none of the above prove to be effective, you'll need to get a hold of a professional. They have the tools and ultimate know-how and it's always better to be safe than sorry.
And this is where GT Kitchen and Bath come in! Call or send us an online message for all your home drainage and renovation needs if you're in the Seattle, WA area. We've been serving the community since 2013 with our professional expertise and affordable services!
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