How to Clean a Clogged Drain

After a long day at work, the best way to relax is with a nice, steamy shower. However, this can become disrupted as you notice your tub is filling with water due to clogged drains.

Not only is a clogged sink or tub gross to look at, but it can leave behind dirt, soap scum, and a nasty, stagnant smell.

Unsure how to clean a clogged drain? Keep reading for some of the tried and true methods to get your water flowing freely again.

Clear Debris

Before you start pouring concoctions down your drain, you can start by trying to clear debris out of your pipes.

Often, this is mostly hair that has made its way down the drain and accumulated into a blockage. However, in some instances, soap scum and hard water can build up in your drains, making them slow to empty.

Using plumbing snakes can help snag the hair, making it easy to pull the clump out.

DIY Methods

If you’ve tried snaking your drain to no avail, you won’t need to break out your other plumbing tools yet. Instead, you can try a few DIY methods to clear your drain.

Let the mixture sit for ten minutes, and flush it away with boiling water.

Heavy-Duty Chemicals

There are plenty of products available that use chemicals to essentially melt or burn through the blockage. Be sure to handle these products carefully, as they contain intense chemicals.

Following the instructions on the product is key to effectively clearing your drains. In general, you’ll pour a specified amount into the drain, let it sit, and wash it away. If you leave it in for too long, you can corrode your pipes.

If the heavy-duty chemical cleaners aren’t strong enough to break through the blockage, it could indicate signs of trouble. You should call a plumber to take a look to make sure there aren’t larger issues at play.

Prevention

One way to prevent clogged drains is to invest in a drain stopper. These are covers that act as a barrier to keep hair and debris out of your drain while allowing water to flow through. Just be sure to keep it clean!

Also, keeping your bathroom clean and free of soap scum can help keep your pipes clean. Installing a soft water filter will reduce the amount of calcium that builds up in your drains.