The days after Thanksgiving can sometimes be a blur. With many still having family in town, and others getting a head start on their Christmas shopping, the status of their drains may be the furthest thing from their mind, that is until there is an issue. Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems, and go figure have a high occurrence right after thanksgiving. A clogged drain can be more than a nuisance, it can also cause a lot of damage.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most common reasons for a clogged drain is grease and grime buildup. In which case, cleaning your drains or garbage disposal with some baking soda and vinegar can reduce the amount of buildup and also deodorize your drains. Start by pouring the baking soda, then follow with the vinegar. Let it sit for an hour then rinse with hot water.
Plunging
Good old-fashioned plunging is also an effective way to deal with a clogged drain. Just be sure to use the right kind of plunger. A cup plunger is made for sinks, and a flange plunger is made for toilets. It matters because of the type of suction you can get with each. Without proper suction, your plunging efforts will be mute. In addition, heating the plunger up with some hot water can help it be more pliable and able to get better suction. You will also want to fully submerge your plunger in order for it to work properly. You clog should be clear after a few plunges. If not, try pouring hot water down the drain to help loosen the clog, then give it a go again.
Auger
For really stubborn clogs, you might have to use an auger. An auger, otherwise known as a plumbing snake is a flexible metal rope with a barb on the end. It is designed to travel down the pipe to the clog where it will either break through the clog or grab onto and pull it out. A couple cranks with a handheld auger and you should be back in business.
Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners
Liquid drain cleaners are ineffective and can be dangerous to use. In addition, they can also cause damage to your plumbing and exacerbate the problem. If you are dealing with a serious drainage issue, contact your plumber. It is always best to get it fixed correctly the first time. For more information about how to unclog your drains contact Courtesy Plumbing today!
