Everyone loves a home that runs smoothly. Whether it’s floorboards that don’t creak or fuses that never trip, life is so much easier when everything just works.
But there’s one aspect of owning a house that can be unpredictable – drains. No matter what, something can cause the pipes to clog. Even if the only things going down the drain are dishwater and soap, a problem can still arise.
So, it’s best to be prepared for when blockages occur. Even better, work to prevent them from taking place at all.
As well as providing the top five ways to unblock a drain or pipe, you’ll learn the best methods to use to prevent further blockages in the future.
Use a Plunger
A plunger is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have in your home. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and often the only thing you need to unblock a drain.
To use a plunger, you will need to place it over the pipe. Then, push down as hard as you can and move it around as you go. This should dislodge any clogs that are present and allow the water to drain through.
Use a Chemical Drain Opener
Sometimes, the problem isn’t as straightforward as it seems. For example, if you’ve tried using a plunger and it still doesn’t work, you might need to use a chemical drain opener.
Chemical drain unblocking products come in a number of different forms and can be bought at any hardware store. Most of them come in a liquid form and you simply need to pour it down the drain and let it do its job.
Make sure you follow the instructions carefully, though. Some chemical drain unblockers require you to use them in the shower. Others need to be poured down the sink and left for a few hours. If you pour them down the drain without following the instructions, you could do more harm than good.
Use a Snake
If you’ve tried everything else, it might be time to take more drastic action.
One way to do this is to use an appliance called a snake. A snake is a wire that is coiled up. It’s inserted down the drain and then pulled out, which can dislodge any clogs that are present.
If you use a snake, it’s important that you’re careful. If you pull it out too quickly, you could damage the pipe and cause a leak. Always pull it out slowly and steadily.
Call a Professional
Sometimes, the only way to unclog a drain properly is to call a professional.
Professionals have the tools and the experience to deal with any type of drain. They can also use advanced techniques of drain unblocking that you might not know about.
For example, they might use a water jetter to blast away any clogs that are present.
Preventing Blockages in the Future
Once you’ve unblocked a drain, it’s important to prevent blockages from occurring again. Here are a few simple things you can do:
Keep a plunger near the drain – If you keep a plunger near the drain, it’s much easier to deal with a problem.
Don’t throw anything down the drain – If you throw anything down the drain, it will eventually form a clog.
Use strainers – When you wash dishes, put a strainer under the sink. This will catch any food that might otherwise end up in the drain.
Shower instead of a bath – When you take a shower, the water will flow down the drain naturally. It’s less likely to form a clog.
Use products that contain enzymes – Products that contain enzymes break down the grease, soap, and other substances that can form a clog.
Hopefully, these five tips will help you deal with any blockages that occur.
