Blocked drains are a surprisingly common plumbing issue all around the world. Whether it’s grease and food buildup or a solid object that accidentally ends up in the pipes, a blockage can happen at any time. That is why it pays to stay prepared for this problem by having services like a plumber richmond hill, as it could cause more serious issues or even damage if left untreated. To that end, here are some of the simplest and most effective methods you could use to deal with blocked drains:
Utilize boiling water
For a fast and simple fix, try to pour a pot of boiling water down your drain. In most cases, this will be enough to dissolve or loosen the blockage without you needing to try any drastic measures. Keep in mind that this tactic is effective for food or grease buildup, especially when combined with vinegar, but it likely won’t work on any solid blockages. It’s also recommended to only pour boiling water down ceramic or metal pipes, as boiling water could potentially damage PVC pipes. Hot (not boiling) water will be better for PVC pipes instead.
Use special cleaners
Another popular method for unblocking drains involves using baking soda and white vinegar. Simply pour the baking soda down the drain and follow it with vinegar. Cover the drain and let the chemical reaction do its magic. This is quite an effective way of naturally handling blocked drains. If you don’t mind using harsher chemicals, however, you could also buy a caustic chemical drain cleaner at a supermarket. These cleaners can typically take care of food, grease, hair, and similar common blockages successfully. However, they are often harmful to the environment and could be dangerous if they come into contact with the skin and eyes. Use these chemicals carefully and sparingly.
Call a professional
If your pipes are simply too clogged and no DIY method or cleaning product seems to be working, it might be time to call a professional plumber to resolve your issue. Consider hiring an expert in blocked drains to ensure optimal results. From blocked stormwater pipes to clogged sewer drains, a good plumber will be able to take care of any problem you might be having. With years of experience and expertise in this area, drain specialists can provide a number of cleaning services to finally resolve your clogged drain issues.
Clean your pipes
Although a slightly more advanced method of unblocking drains, you could attempt this yourself if you feel confident taking apart your drain pipe. Start by placing a bucket under the U-shaped pipe to catch any leaks or water. Loosen the nuts at the ends of the pipe using a wrench, and remove the clogged pipe. Empty its contents and clear the pipe thoroughly with water before placing it back. This is another effective plumbing tip for dealing with blocked drains.
Consider hydro-jet
Hydro-jets represent quite a unique solution that works by forcing a powerful stream of water down the pipes. This creates high pressure that forces any blockage to move through the pipes and out in order to allow water to freely flow once again. This method is generally safe for the pipes, although it might not always be effective when it comes to larger solid blockages. You can try hydro-jetting on your own, if you have the opportunity to rent or purchase a suitable device. Otherwise, this tactic is best left to the professionals to ensure the job is done properly.
From simple water to more professional solutions, there are a number of ways you could deal with blocked drains. Try one of the effective options mentioned above and resolve your clogging problem.
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