A foul smell emanates from the sink, the water simply won’t drain, and a plunger just isn’t working either – clogged drains can slowly become nightmares.
One of the most common reasons why new homeowners call professional plumbing services is so they can fix their clogged drains.
While this might seem minor, there is nothing more inconvenient than ankle-deep soapy water during your morning shower or the kitchen sink filled with water that just won’t drain.
If your new home has a blocked drain, don’t put off fixing it. Here is a quick guide on how to fix a blocked drain.
How to Find Out Your Drain is Blocked
Here are some signs to look out for:
Foul Smell
One of the first signs of a clogged drain is an unusual smell. You might notice a sewage-like smell in the bathroom or the kitchen.
Gurgling Sounds
If you hear gurgling sounds coming from the drain, it might mean there is water pooling against the pipe.
Slow Draining
If the water pools in the sink longer than it normally does, you might have a clogged drain.
Overflowing
The water might start to spill back out of the drain whenever there is a blockage.
Things You Require to Fix a Blocked Drain
Here are some plumbing tools you will require to fix a clogged drain.
- Cup plunger
- Drain snake (auger)
- Flanged plunger (toilet plunger)
- A bucket
- Flashlight
- Rubber gloves
- Adjustable wrench
Getting Started
Now that you know you have a clogged drain and you’re equipped with your handy tools, it’s time to get to work. Here are some steps you can take to unclog the drain.
- Remove the standing water: Firstly, clear out the standing water which can breed mold and bacteria and make the room smell.
- Check the garbage disposal and remove the blockage: There can be unwanted scraps of food or hair stuck in the drain that could possibly cause the blockage. Wear your rubber gloves and remove any visible scraps of garbage that could be blocking the drain.
- Boil water with salt or vinegar and baking soda: Pour half a cup of table salt down the blocked drain and then pour boiling water on top. You can even try pouring a cup of baking soda and vinegar and wait for fifteen minutes to let it do the trick. Flush down boiling water after a little while. You might have to repeat this step a few times before it works.
- Use the plunger: If you haven’t already, try plunging.
- Snaking the drain: In case the plunger doesn’t work, consider using a drain snake and work it through the clog. Spin the drain snake in a clockwise direction until you encounter the blockage and feel it get released.
Still, having trouble with the clogged drain? Don’t worry, our experienced residential plumbers have got your back!
At Action Craft Experts, our team of qualified and professional plumbers has decades of experience providing residential and commercial plumbing services in Spokane.
Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.
