A drain clog is something every person will deal with at some point in their life. Not only are they an inconvenience, but they can also lead to water damage and deeper plumbing problems if not cleared properly. Fortunately, in many instances, you can unclog a drain yourself with a few simple tools.

Try A Plunger

Most people think plungers are just for toilets, but they’re very effective in clearing sink clogs too. Many hardware stores also sell mini plungers, especially for sinks. Simply, place the plunger over the clogged drain, ensuring you have a tight seal, then quickly use up-and-down motions to work out the clog.

Use Hot Water

If plunging your drain doesn’t clear the clog, you may have grease or soap buildup in your pipes. Pour boiling water slowly down the drain to help clear any blockages. Sprinkling baking soda and salt down the drain before pouring the hot water is also an effective remedy as baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of grease and salt acts as an abrasive.

Use A Drain Snake

Clogged drains are often the result of hair, soap, and other debris, and this is when drain snakes come in handy. Drain snakes or augers are long, flexible metal devices that you insert down your drain to break through an obstruction. Just proceed with caution. If you don’t have experience with drain snakes, you could be left with holes in your pipes.

Check Your P-Trap

If your drain clog is in a sink, you can check the p-trap. This is the curved section beneath your sink. Simply place a bucket underneath the p-trap, unscrew the pipe, and work to clear the clog this way.

DON’T Use Drain Cleaners

While it’s tempting to use chemical drain cleaners, we don’t recommend them. Many drain cleaning products use high concentrations of lye, bleach, or sulfuric acid which can damage your pipes when used frequently or improperly.

When To Call A Plumber

If your attempts to clear your drain are unsuccessful, contact a professional plumber like Clog Pro. We have hydro-jetting equipment to safely and effectively clear any clog, including tree roots.

Clop Pro is a locally-owned-and-operated plumbing company that’s been serving the drain cleaning needs for Portland and Vancouver area homeowners for over 35 years.