6 Ways to Unblock a Drain Quickly

A clogged drain will always be unpleasant and a huge inconvenience that has several consequences. Finding a solution to it as quickly as possible is paramount.

Although you can call a local drainage company, you can also unblock your drain with the methods highlighted in this article.

Drain blockage usually occurs for these reasons:

•   The accumulation of all kinds of dirt and debris for very long periods

•  An incorrect shape of the pipe or the installation

• The waste of some type of material that is of great volume and has been compacted without being discarded correctly

If you have a clogged drain, the best option is to look for a prompt solution because it will produce bad smell in your home, possible sanitary and hygienic inconveniences, breakage, and malfunctioning of the plumbing system.

 Here’s a series of tips and tricks that will be of great help to unclog your drain.

 

1) Vinegar and baking soda

A technique that can be very effective is to mix vinegar with baking soda. Pour half cup of baking soda, half cup of vinegar, and after an hour, about 3 liters of boiling water. This technique will work effectively. It is one of the best way to unblock a drain.

Once everything has been poured, you should check if the pipe is still clogged. You can confirm this by using a manual plunger, which will also help you to remove the rest of the dirt that may have been stuck.

You can also use half cup of salt plus half cup of baking soda. This technique is less effective but is usually faster since you only have to wait half an hour.

 

2) Wire

It is one of the most basic and most effective techniques or tricks you can use if the pipe is severely clogged. It is a simple technique that will allow you to completely remove the trapped dirt.

You only have to bend a wire in the shape of a hook, introduce it into the drain, and remove all the debris that may be generating the clog. In case it doesn't work, you can pour hot water to soften the dirt then use the wire.

 

3) Caustic soda

This technique is very similar to the vinegar and baking soda mixture. You must be very careful because caustic soda is very corrosive and can cause severe burns if rubber gloves and eye protection are not used.

To use this technique, carefully pour 3 liters of cold water in a container and add 3 cups of caustic soda. Then, mix very well with a wooden spoon and pour the mixture into the clogged drain. Once the mixture is poured, wait for 25 to 30 minutes and pour boiling water into the drain to unclog it completely.

 

4) Unclogging and cleaning pipes

Although it sounds a little strange, it is one of the most common and very effective tricks to unclog any drain. First, place an empty container to prevent water from spilling under the pipe. Then, use a plumbing wrench to loosen and unscrew the nuts that are at both ends of the pipe.

Empty the bucket with all the content of the pipe and clean the dirt that are stuck to the walls of the pipe with a toothbrush. Rinse the pipe and place back the pieces where they were.

 

5) Concentrated dishwashing liquid

This is another good technique for unclogging any drain. It is done by using concentrated dishwashing liquid. Pour a ladle of the liquid into the pipe and pour about 3 liters or so of hot water down the pipe.

A dishwasher is an excellent option thanks to the fact that it works as a lubricant and facilitates the removal of the blockage.

 

6) Drain snake

Using a drain snake is a good solution to unclog your drain. It is a basic and common piece of equipment in any home or business and can be found in any hardware store. It is a long and flexible metal rope that has a spiral shape.

Drain snake is introduced into the clogged pipe and turned until there’s some resistance. After unclogging the pipe, pour hot water to finish removing all kinds of debris that may have been stuck.