If you have a slow or clogged drain at home, you could attempt to clear it yourself with a drain auger. If you don’t have one handy, here are five household items you can try before you call a plumber:
1. The wire hanger
This technique is surprisingly easy for being so simple. Take a wire hanger and straighten it out. Form a small hook at one end by bending the wire. Now, simply push the hanger down the drain and use the hook to pull all the hair and debris out. Take care not to push it in further. After you have removed as much of the clog as possible, run some hot water to flush out the pipes.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids from food, grease, and soap build-up into smaller particles that can be flushed down the drain much more easily. Pour five ounces of vinegar and two ounces of baking soda down your drain. Cover with a dishrag or towel while the mixture fizzes. Give it about 5-10 minutes, then run very hot water to flush the drain. Repeat this process until your drain is unclogged.
3. Dishwasher detergent
Not only is chemical drain cleaner rather expensive, but it can also damage your pipes. Instead of using chemicals to clear a slow-moving drain, use a gel type dishwasher detergent. Simply pour some of the detergent down the drain and use boiling water to flush it.
4. Alka-Seltzer
Just put three Alka-Seltzer tablets down the drain and then run the hot water for a few seconds. The Alka-Seltzer will fizz up and then break up the clog. Wait 15 minutes and then run some water again to flush the pipes.
Hopefully, one of these methods will work for you. If not, give Morrison Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Granite City, IL, a call to give you a hand. Our expert team of licensed local plumbers and local drain cleaners are experienced in effective drain cleaning and are always available as we offer 24-hour emergency service. Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day, call Morrison Plumbing today!
