Homeowners Guide to Fixing Clogged Drains

The plumbing drains in your home are one of the essential systems.  When plumbing drains are clogged, it can be hard to ignore. It can cause bad smells and unsightly stains in your sinks, baths, and/or showers.  While it’s not hard to fix a clogged drain, you must know what causes them and how to fix them quickly before they worsen. Here’s everything you will need to know about clogged drain maintenance according to our handymen in Charleston, SC!

On this page

• How do I know if a drain is blocked?
• How do I free a clogged drain?
• What are the best things to unclog a drain?
• How do you keep your drains clog-free?

How do I know if a drain is blocked?

The easiest way to know if your drain is blocked is if it drains slowly. If you have been waiting for more than a minute for the water to go down, it’s time to investigate further. A slow-draining sink can be caused by many things: grease buildup in the pipes, hair clogging the drain, or a foreign object.

How do I free a clogged drain?

If you have a clogged drain, there are several options for freeing up your pipes. You can use drain cleaner, a plunger, a snake, or even call a plumber.

Using drain cleaner is the easiest way to unclog your drain, but may not be effective if the clog is severe or if an object is blocking the pipe.  The most common drain cleaners are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most grocery and hardware stores.  This can be a good starting point if your drain is clogged.

A plunger is another easy way to unclog your drains. All you need to do is plunge the drain to try and loosen up the material that is clogging the water flow.

If plunging doesn’t work, you can try snaking out the drain. This method involves pushing down on a long flexible rod with an auger at the end, which can clear away any blockages in drains.  This method is a bit more technical, and may require a hiring a handyman if you’re not experienced in plumbing.

What are the best things to unclog a drain?

The best way to clear a clogged drain is to follow these steps:

• Start with drain cleaner – Pour the drain cleaner down the drain that is clogged, and allow the liquid some time to make its way through the water pipe. Using hot water, flush the drain cleaning liquid out of the pipe by pouring it down the drain.  Test the drainage to see if the clog was removed and water flows freely.
• Use a plunger. Place the plunger over your drain, and pump it up and down until you feel suction as you pull it out. Repeat this process several times until the water flows freely again.
• Use a drain snake. This is a long metal cable with a sharp wire attached at one end that can be used to remove hair and other debris from your pipes. You should use caution when using this tool because it can damage your pipes if they are too old or brittle. If you haven’t done this before, call an experienced professional or plumber to help!

How do you keep your drains clog-free?

The best way to keep your drains from clogging up is by taking care of them. You can do this by installing a strainer or screen at the entrance of your drain, so that hair, food particles, and other debris don’t get into the pipes.  Also, avoid pouring hot grease or oils down your drains as they can solidify as they make their way into your drainage pipes.

Takeaway:

If you’re clogged drain-prone, there are some preventive measures that can reduce the risk of future clogs. Don’t pour grease down the sink, use the garbage disposal when appropriate (and not when it’s full), and regularly clean the strainer basket in your dishwasher. These simple changes can save you from spending an afternoon with your head stuck in the sink!

Conclusion

We know that by reading this article, you will gain valuable insight into how clogged drains occur and how they can be prevented from happening again. If you’re unable to unclog the drain yourself, use PunchList to get a free home repair estimate, and we’ll connect you with a licensed and vetted local plumber to unclog your drain for you!