When the drain is clogged, it impacts the functioning of your plumbing. The waste will accumulate or even spread all over the room. We will reveal some tips to unclog your drain effectively to avoid these inconveniences.

Use boiling water

Boil water and pour it gently down the drain, ideally in three stages. This will dissolve grease easily. You can mix it with a dishwashing liquid of your choice for more efficiency.

Unclog with a plunger

You can use a standard suction cup to create suction by pumping out the clog. Make sure the suction cup covers the water by pumping repeatedly. A pressure cup also works by injecting pressurized gas into the pipe.

Use a ferret

This technique requires checking the shape of your drain beforehand. You may have to disassemble it. Cleaning with a ferret is essential when the problem is beyond the trap. Introduce the ferret gradually by turning the crank. The metal hooks will break down the clogs and remove them from your drain.

Apply a chemical

If you choose this method, you must read the instructions carefully before applying the product and follow the steps strictly. You should also be equipped with safety clothing and accessories such as rubber gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Among other things, avoid mixing different products. After application, run plenty of water to remove any remaining product from the surface. Sodium hydroxide is the most common. Pour 3 cups of sodium hydroxide into 75cl of water and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Once the solution has been poured down the drain, let it sit for up to 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water.

Use baking soda

For best results, combine baking soda with other substances.

– With vinegar

Take two cups with 1/3 each of baking soda and vinegar, then mix. Once poured, put the resulting solution down your drain and leave it overnight before rinsing with hot water. Alternatively, you can use them separately by pouring the baking soda first and then the vinegar.

– With salt

Pour a mixture of baking soda and salt in equal amounts down your drain. Wait 20 minutes, then pour in hot water. This technique is ideal for dissolving persistent waste.

Use a wet and dry vacuum

Put your wet and dry vacuum under a vacuum, then make a tight seal on your pipe. Then set your vacuum to the highest pressure and start vacuuming.

Clean the pipe

Put a bucket underneath your sink trap, loosen the nuts to free the pipe and empty its contents into the bucket. Then, use a toothbrush to clean out any remaining debris inside. Finish the process by rinsing before putting the assembly back in place.

Get a snake drain

Also known as a drain auger, a snake drain is a spiral-shaped tool that reaches into the hoof and pulls it out. Cranking the snake in can break some of the waste down along the way. Alternatively, you can equip this snake with an electric drill for much more pressure.

Call in the professionals

If you don’t have the time to unclog your drain, seek the expertise of a plumbing troubleshooting specialist. Also, if the clogs persist, a plumber will try to detect the source of the problem.