As Hayes residents, there might have been instances where you must have faced a nightmarish situation with blocked drains at your home. Indeed, blocked drains are a commonplace problem that can lead to serious implications if not properly attended to. Overflowing water, seepage, foul odor, all are unacceptable outcomes of blocked drains. While calling in professionals is a sure-shot way to deal with the crisis, there are some quick fixes you can try before the situation gets out of hand.
1. The Boiling Water Trick
The simplest, quickest, and arguably the most common method of unblocking drains is pouring a kettle full of boiling water down the drain. The boiling water can help to dissolve the grease or soap scum that is usually the reason behind clogging. Remember though, this may not work if your pipes are made of PVC, as boiling water can cause them to deform due to heat.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
A tried and tested home remedy, the combination of baking soda and vinegar can do wonders in unblocking drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the blocked drain followed by an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The chemical reaction between them will create a kind of “volcano effect” which may drive the blockage away. Wait for about 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
3. Plunger Power
When the drain gets seriously blocked, using a plunger becomes inevitable. Place your plunger over the blocked drain and create intense pressure by moving it up and down swiftly. This pressure will often assist in dislodging the blockage and clear the drain.
4. Drain Snake
For stubborn clogs that refuse to move, you might need a handy tool known as a ‘Drain Snake’. This is a flexible coil of wire that can reach deeply into drains and remove blockages. Insert the drain snake into the blocked pipe until it reaches the obstruction, then twist and turn it to break up the blockage.
5. The Wet Vacuum Trick
Using a wet and dry vacuum to unclog a drain can be very effective. It can generate enough suction to draw the water and blockage up and out.
Remember to blocked drains hayes apply these solutions as soon as you notice signs of a clog. This will prevent major damage or even flooding.
Some preventive measures include not flushing these items down the drain: cooking oil or grease, coffee grounds, hair, and soap scum. Moreover, make a habit of running hot water through the sink after every use to clear any lingering particles.
If these quick fixes don’t work, then it is advisable to get professional help immediately. Hayes offers many skilled plumbers who can aid in pipe-related issues. It’s always better to not let the situation escalate to a severe point that could end up damaging your pipes or costing you a fortune.
Remember, your drainage system is an essential part of your home’s infrastructure. Paying attention to it and maintaining it properly can save you from a lot of unnecessary hassles. Let these quick fixes help you in your time of need and keep your drains flowing.