Clogged drain repair is never something that is fun to do. Many homeowners don’t really know how to approach handling a clogged drain. To help you, here are some basic clogged drain repair tips to help you tackle your drain pains.
Basic Clogged Drain Repair Tips
- Be Gentle with Older Drains – A partial clog can be cleared by cleaning out the drainpipe. Older plumbing can be damaged by using harsh drain chemicals, so opt for a naturally biodegrading drain cleaner. You can also use this homemade solution: pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly add a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes, then flush with a gallon of boiling water.
- When to Use a Plunger – Some clogged drain repair jobs call for a plunger. The key here is to create a vacuum. If you’re working on the kitchen sink, you need to clamp off the dishwasher hose and seal the drain openings in the other sink basins. If it’s the bathroom sink or tub, plug the overflow opening with a wet rag. With at least a couple inches of water in the basin, plunge rapidly several times, pulling up sharply at the end to move the clog. You may need to do this several times.
- When to Try Alternate Tools – If plunging doesn’t clear the clog, use an auger. If your drain opening is obstructed, sometimes a coat hanger wire with a small hooked end will bring up the clog. You can also detach the trap under the sink with a plumber’s wrench in order to get at the clog or to rescue anything you’ve lost down the drain.
- When to Call a Plumber – If you don’t see an improvement in drainage after all these clogged drain repair methods, and especially if more than one drain is slow in your house, you should consult a clogged drain repair company since the problem could be caused by blocked or improper venting of the wastewater system.
If you’ve got a clogged drain and these methods aren’t working, Richie ‘D’ Drain Cleaning, LLC offers professional and reliable clogged drain repair services to the Bergen County and Hudson County area. Some service towns include North Bergen, Harrison, Hoboken, Union City, Jersey City, West New York, Hackensack, Rutherford, Lodi, Englewood, Bayonne, and many more. For more information, contact us at (201) 583-9339 or visit our website.