Ah, so you’ve finally hit it, you need to fix a clogged drain. It’s bound to happen in every home at some point, but if you’ve never had to face it, can seem a daunting problem to overcome. At Outstanding, we have some experience with a clogged drain in Stony Brook, NY. Below are a few DIY remedies you can try to unclog your drain before calling in the pros.
- The Home-Made Drain Cleaner: This is an easy one and can be made with products around your home. First, you’ll need baking soda, vinegar and water. Next, boil the water, and pour it down the affected drain. Then take 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Follow this with 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup more of hot water. Don’t be alarmed with the concoction begins to foam and bubble, that’s the chemical reaction that will help break through the clog. Place a drain topper on the drain if applicable, and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Flush with water one more time, and your drain should be cleared.
- The Plunger: No household item is more iconic than the plunger. However, not many people know how to use one correctly. When using a plunger to remove a clog, make sure it’s the right type; a bowl plunger with a seal is what you need, not the traditional and simple suction plunger. Once you have there right tool, make sure there is some water around the clogged drain. If there is an overflow valve on a clogged sink, make sure you place a wet towel over the valve to keep the pressure. Place the plunger over the drain, and push down to make a seal. Pull back up and push down vigorously. This may take some time. Continue this until the drain is cleared.
- Using a Wet-Dry Vacuum: This last step is for debris caught in drains that can’t be cleared with a plunger. First, make sure you have the correct kind of wet-dry vacuum. A regular vacuum will not work, and will break if you try this. Make sure you have a tight seal on the vacuum nozzle in the drain. Now put the setting on “blow” or “exhaust” and turn it on to blow air into the drain to break up the blockage. You’ll know the blockade was broken up when you hear a change in the vacuum’s motor. Make sure to have some towels handy, as this could cause a bit of a mess. Now, simply turn the setting back onto the traditional suck position and suck out the clog. It should be as simple as that.
Dealing with a clogged drain is something all homeowners are going to have to deal with from time-to-time. If the issue is too big to handle yourself, Outstanding can be there in no time to take care of your clogged drain in Stony Brook, NY.