4 DIY Ways to Unclog Drains

Tired of taking showers while standing in four inches of water? Ready to solve that slow water drain in your bathroom sink? Many of these annoying plumbing problems can easily be fixed with some simple DIY skills. Check out these quick and easy ways to unclog a stubborn drain.

Wire Hanger

This age-old technique has been used by many an amateur plumber – to much success. Take any wire hanger, deconstruct its shape and leave a small hook shape on the end. Time to go fishing! Remove the shower or sink drain cover and snake the wire into the drain, wiggling and rotating it as you push it through. Dispose of the gunk that you remove and flush the drain with hot water. Rinse with a pan of boiling water for best results.

Plunger

Creating a suction in your drain can break up clogs caused by hair and soap residue build up. First, make sure you are using the correct type of plunger, one specifically for sinks or tubs. They are typically smaller than regular toilet plungers and often have a shallow suction cup. Regular plungers can work too but we’d recommend cleaning them first and finding a way to create better suction over the drain.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This technique is a classic – and one of the most popular DIY drain unclog methods. Pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain and allow it to work its magic overnight. The next morning, flush the drain with boiling water. Repeat if necessary.

Drain Snake/Hair Clog Tool

If you know your clog is caused primary by hair, a drain snake/hair clog tool might be your best option. These tools can be purchased for under $10 at any hardware store and work well so long as the clog isn’t too deep in the drain.

Some drain clogs can only be cleared by a professional. If you’re still experiencing issues, call Catons or schedule online to have your drains inspected and cleared in no time.