Clearing Clogged Drains: Home Solutions and When to Call a Professional

Clearing Clogged Drains: Home Solutions and When to Call a Professional

Have you ever been in the middle of taking a shower, only to realize the water isn't draining and you're standing in a puddle? Or maybe you've had the unpleasant experience of a sink not draining after you have washed the dishes. These scenarios are common and happen because of clogged drains. But don't worry, we're here to help you understand what causes these blockages and how you can fix them, sometimes all by yourself!

What Makes Drains Clog?

Drains, whether in your bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere, can get clogged for several reasons. In the kitchen, the usual suspects are bits of food, grease, and soap scum building up over time. In the bathroom, the culprits are often hair, soap pieces, non-flushable items such as paper towels, non-flushable wipes or personal products and the odd small toy if you have young children at home. These things block the path water is supposed to flow through, causing it to back up.

DIY Fixes for Minor Clogs

For small blockages, you might not need to call for help right away. There are a few tricks you can try using things you probably already have at home.

- Boiling Water: Sometimes, just pouring boiling water down the drain can clear it up. This works best if grease is causing the blockage, as the heat helps melt the grease away.

- Plunger: A plunger isn't just for toilets! You can use a plunger on your sink or bathtub drain, too. It can help dislodge whatever is stuck in there.

- Baking soda and vinegar: This is like a science experiment in your sink. Pour some baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. It will fizz and bubble, which can help break up the blockage. After waiting for about an hour, pour hot water down to clear everything out.

- Drain Snake: This is a tool you can get from a hardware store. It's a long, flexible metal rope that you push down the drain to help pull out or break apart whatever is clogging it.

Avoid drain cleaning liquids. These liquids are acids that can damage your pipes, burn skin and harm eyes. If you have used a liquid drain cleaning product, you must wait 24 hours before you try plugging the drain. Also, a plumber cannot work on a clogged drain for at least 24 hours after the drain cleaner was poured down the drain.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, a clog is too tough for home remedies. If you've tried the methods above and nothing is working, it might be time to call in the experts. Here are a few signs that you need professional help:

- Persistent Clogs: If the same drain keeps getting clogged, even after you've cleared it, there might be a bigger issue that needs a professional's touch.

- Multiple Clogged Drains: If more than one drain in your home is clogged at the same time, it could mean there's a problem with your main water line. That's definitely something for a professional to handle. In some cases you may be able to get your drains cleaned for free by the Region of Durham- give us a call and we can review your issue and provide you with the region of Durham's contact information.

- Bad Smells: If there's a bad odor coming from your drain that won't go away, it could be a sign of a deeper blockage or another issue that a professional should look at.

- Water Backflow: If water starts coming back up your drains, it's a clear sign that something is wrong. This situation can get messy quickly, so it's best to call a professional right away. Call The Plumbing Doctors phone lines are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,so don't delay calling us if your drains are backing up.

How to Prevent Clogs

The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:

- Use Drain Covers: These catch hair and other bits before they can go down the drain.

- Don't Pour Grease, coffee grinds or other foods down the sink or toilets: Instead, compost left over food and pour grease  it into a container to throw away once it cools down.

- Be Careful What You Flush: Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Even things labeled "flushable" can cause blockages. Do not flush food, paper towels,wipes or other personal products down the toilet.

- Regular Cleaning: Regularly using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help keep your drains clear.

Ready for Some Help?

If you've tried everything and that stubborn clog just won't clear, or if you're dealing with a bigger plumbing issue, it's time to call the experts. Call The Plumbing Doctor, where our friendly and knowledgeable team can tackle any plumbing problem, big or small. From clogged drains to water and sewer services, we've got you covered. Don't let a blocked drain dampen your day – give us a call at 1-800-814-7014 and let the Plumbing Doctor make your plumbing troubles a thing of the past.