Whether there is too much hair, soap scum, food debris, or grease trapped in your drains, your sink or toilet can unexpectedly clog at any time. While this inconvenience can be a headache, there are ways that you can fix minor clogged drains on your own and learn how to unclog a drain effectively before the problem gets worse.
Before you call a drain cleaning service, try out these tips for the best ways on how to unclog a drain in your sink, bathroom, or toilet. If you think your issue is more significant than you can handle, Scott Hale’s experienced drain plumbers in Salt Lake City will be happy to help you!
Start With Hot Water to Unclog a Drain
With everything that can get stuck in your drain, one of the easiest ways to get your drains clean is by pouring boiling hot water down the drain. This should be the first thing you do to try to clear any blockage, especially if the clog may be caused by grease, soap residue, or other buildup inside the pipe.
For the best results, you should boil a half-gallon of water and pour it right into the drain opening. After doing this, turn the water on and see if the water drains the right way. If not, repeat the process, and if it still doesn’t work, it means you have a stubborn clog that will require an alternative solution.
Be careful when using boiling water on certain plumbing materials. If your pipes are older, made of PVC, or you are unsure what condition they are in, use very hot tap water instead of boiling water to reduce the risk of damage.
Use Baking Soda And Vinegar
Before starting this technique, make sure you remove any standing water that is in your sink. As one of the best ways to unclog a drain naturally, this mixture is easy to use, and you don’t have to buy chemical drain cleaners. It is also a good option for homeowners who want a simple first step before using stronger tools.
Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the sink drain and then add in the same amount of white vinegar. The mixture should begin to bubble.
Then, after 15 minutes, run your hot water. If it is draining properly, some of the blockage has been eliminated. If the drain is still slow, you can repeat the process once more before moving on to another method.
Plunge Away
One of the most common and best ways to unclog a drain, using a plunger usually always does the trick. Plungers can be efficiently used for sink and toilet clogs and are recommended by drain cleaning companies.
For a sink clog, try to use a sink plunger which is smoother on the surface. Make sure you have around three inches of water in your sink and plunge it up and down over the drain. The water helps create the suction needed to loosen the clog and push it through the pipe.
For your toilet, repeat this process with a toilet plunger. Make sure the plunger creates a tight seal around the drain opening, then use steady pressure instead of quick, uncontrolled movements. This can help clear the clog without splashing water or making a mess.
Plumber’s Snake
This tool is often used by professionals during a drain cleaning service and is regarded as one of the best ways to unclog a drain when the blockage is deeper in the pipes.
If you don’t have a plumber’s snake, try to use a metal wire coat hanger by straightening it out. Be gentle when using any tool inside your drain, because forcing it too hard can scratch the pipe, push the clog deeper, or damage the plumbing connection under the sink.
A drain snake is especially helpful when the clog is caused by hair, food particles, or buildup that is sitting deeper in the drain line. If you try this method and the water still will not drain, the clog may be farther down the plumbing system and require professional equipment.
Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners may seem like a fast solution, they are not always the best option for your plumbing. These products can sometimes damage pipes, especially when used too often or left sitting in the drain for too long. They can also create safety concerns if they splash back or mix with other cleaning products.
For small clogs, safer methods like hot water, baking soda and vinegar, plunging, or using a drain snake are usually better first steps to help unclog a drain safely. If none of these methods work, calling a professional plumber is often the safest choice.
