Uh oh. The DIY tricks to handle a clogged drain just aren’t working the way they used to anymore. You tried the baking soda thing, and the vinegar didn’t do the job either.
Look, cleaning the drain is messy, and there are a lot of different reasons why your attempts at drain cleaning just aren’t working. Here are some drain cleaning DIYs that actually work.
Quick Reasons Why Your Sink Isn’t Draining
One of the biggest reasons why a sink stops draining would have to be clogged hair. Hair can be a lot denser than we think.
If you have multiple people in the bathroom sink brushing their teeth, grooming themselves, and cleaning up, the ability for hair and other debris to build is quite high.
Another reason why your sink isn’t draining is that the very products we use to keep ourselves looking good from build-up.
Face cleaning products, hair products, and all of the other stuff turn into gunk in the pipes, creating a situation where the drain just isn’t able to do its job.
It’s important to know why the sink isn’t draining so that you can take care of some of the maintenance on your own.
If you take the P and U traps apart, it can really help you keep the space free of blockages.
Don’t Forget the Zip-It Tool
The Zip-It tool is way better than a wire hanger any day of the week. It’s a tool that’s actually designed to help clear the drain, rather than just a tool that isn’t suitable for the purpose.
Dissemble Like a Scientist
The best way to really get that drain moving again is to disable the supporting systems around it. In this case, that would be the P and U traps.
These are readily accessible and easy to assemble with tools you already have in your toolbox.
Break Out the Plunger (Yes, Really)
The plunger might sound like a terrible way to go in terms of clearing the drain, but think about it: how do you clear a clogged toilet? Break out the plunger and try it on the stuck drain.
You have to disinfect the space anyway after a clogged drain, so why not see what the plunger can do for you?
The Worst Ways to Handle a Clogged Drain
A stuck drain creates a desperate situation. The stink, the mess, the wasted time, the frustration, and the need to fix it are all very understandable.
- Chemical cleaners. They come with a lot of whacky brand names, but they all have one thing in common: they can really mess up your pipes, creating build up that still has to be handled.
- Wire hangers. Abrasive items like wire hangers wear away the protective coatings inside pipes, and they still don’t fully clear the obstacle so the water can run out smoothly.
If you’re going the DIY route, that can be fine as long as you don’t engage in using these products. It’ll give you a much safer experience in terms of overall pipe health.
Leave Drain Cleaning to the Pros
Here’s a hard fact: it’s better to leave drain cleaning to the professionals because too many things can go wrong. It’s too easy to use the wrong products and cause more damage, which in turn leads to a much more costly repair.
Yes, everyone wants to save money by doing things themselves. But there are just some things, like clogged drains, that should be left to the professionals.
It’s also faster to have the service done for you than to spend hours trying to troubleshoot. At the end of the day, what is your time worth to you?
To make sure your drains are flowing free and clear, schedule an appointment with ASI, the White Glove Guys.
