A plumbing clog can cause slow drains, standing water, and water damage. At the first sign of damage, you should take action right away. Here are some tips on how to clear and correct a plumbing clog.
Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaners dissolve a clog using harsh chemicals. While highly effective, you should be cognizant of the harsh chemicals used in these drain cleaners.
Some of the common ingredients found in chemical drain cleaners include:
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Sodium Nitrate
- Sulfuric Acid
Over time, these chemicals can expedite corrosion in metal pipes, so use these products sparingly and exactly as instructed. It’s best to save these for the worst clogs.
Don’t forget to flush your drain thoroughly afterward to get rid of any remaining chemicals in your drain. Also, do not ever combine different chemicals, as it can create an adverse reaction.
Use a Natural Drain Cleaner
When you want to find an alternative solution to chemical drain cleaners, you can create a natural drain cleaner with white distilled vinegar and baking soda.
Pour 1/2 a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar. Let it sit for fifteen minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water. Perform this task regularly to prevent clogs from developing in the first place.
Use a Drain Snake
Another natural way to dissolve a clog is to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long flexible wire that fits into your drain. They typically have a pointed end. You feed the snake into the drain until it reaches the clog. You will turn the snake with a handle to make it rotate and break up the clog at the source. While effective, some clogs may be too deep into your plumbing for you to reach with a snake.
Call a Residential Plumber
When you have a stubborn clog, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional residential plumber. Plumbers have powered augers that reach deep into your plumbing system and rotate much more powerfully than a manual drain snake. The plumber will resolve the issue with minimal damage. Unfortunately, homeowners often make the situation worse when they try to tackle a complicated clog, costing more in plumbing repairs.
Clogs happen. Homeowners have tools to treat mild clogs themselves. However, it’s best to admit defeat and call the plumber when the clog proves too difficult to dissolve.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.