Do you have a blocked drain? Have you recently noticed water pooling on your floors or a putrid odor seeping from your bathroom? If so, you most likely have a blocked drain.

When a drain is blocked, it can create some serious issues in your household. It can also be a dangerous and disgusting situation. If left to sit, a blocked drain poses a hydrologic and bio-hazard risk to your home.

Fortunately, there are a few DIY drain cleaning methods you can use to unclog household drains. Keep reading to learn more.

Gather Your Supplies

Cleaning a blocked drain at home starts with gathering the necessary supplies. Depending on the severity of the blockage, you may need a combination of supplies.

Start by collecting a bucket, a plunger, a plumber’s snake, a bottle of drain cleaner, a pair of gloves, a pair of safety glasses, and some towels. If you are attempting to clear a particularly stubborn blockage, you may also need a pair of pliers, a scouring pad, or a rag.

Unclog the Drain With Boiling Water

Start by running cold water in the sink/bathroom basin for 1-2 minutes. If a plug/stopper is present, remove this from the drain opening before pouring it into a pot of boiling hot water. Leave for 1-2 minutes and then follow with a jug of cold water.

The heat from the boiling water should expand and loosen any small clogs in the drain. If the basin is still blocked, use a plunger to remove large clogs from the drain.

Make sure to place a plug or stopper beneath the plunger to ensure a tight seal. Continue to plunge until the blockage is cleared. 

Chemical Removal Methods for Stubborn Drainage

To clean a blocked drain at home using chemical removal methods, start by wiping down the drain with a cleaning cloth to clear off any debris or dirt. Next, pour 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the drain and cover it with a wet cloth for thirty minutes.

Afterward, flush the drain with hot water and use a plunger to loosen and remove any remaining clogged material. If these steps don’t work, chemical drain cleaners can be obtained from any home improvement store. Ensure to use these cleaners as instructed, as they can be dangerous to the environment.

Maintain Cleanliness of the Drainage System to Avoid Future Blockages

These plumbing services have the right tools and experience to identify the cause of the blockage and maintain the cleanliness of the drainage system. In some cases, the problem could be more serious than a simple blockage, such as a broken pipe or a tree root that has penetrated the line.

Allowing a professional to diagnose and repair the issue could save you from bigger issues in the future. Before calling a plumber, ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors for an experienced plumber that is reliable and cost-effective. 

Start Cleaning Your Blocked Drain In Your Home

A blocked drain can be an annoying problem, but it can be easily fixed at home if you take the right steps. With the right tools, patience, and a bit of knowledge, you can get the job done quickly and inexpensively.

It is always better to prevent a blocked drain in the first place, so remember to use preventative drain care. For further advice and guidance, contact a professional plumbing services company today.

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