Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of taking a shower that turns into a bath, clogging a toilet or washing our hands in a sink that fills with water. Drain clogs can be frustrating, but some of them are easy to fix through a DIY solution. However, sometimes a blockage is so severe that calling a plumber is necessary to avoid damage and solve the problem for good.
Southern Air Mississippi offers McComb drain cleaning services, so we know what types of clogs require professional assistance. Here are some DIY solutions to try before calling a plumber and tips on how to know when a blocked pipe is too much to handle at home.
What Causes A Clogged Drain?
The cause of the blockage must be determined to know if a professional plumber is needed. Sometimes, this is impossible to do at home. However, if you try DIY solutions and the clog won’t budge, this is a good sign that something heftier than hair or toilet paper is clogging your pipes. Some common sources of pipe clogs include:
- Toilet paper
- Grease
- Hair
- Coffee grounds
- Food
- Soap scum
- Misplaced objects
Most of the time, a simple clog can be corrected at home. However, foreign objects or extensive buildup may require the assistance of a plumber to remove the blockage without damaging your pipes.
DIY Drain Clog Solutions
Not every plumbing project is a DIY fix. Luckily, minor obstructions in your drains can be removed without a professional service! Before you call a plumber, try a few reputable solutions to correct the issue.
Kitchen Sink Clogs
To unclog a kitchen sink, mix baking soda and vinegar to dislodge the buildup. It’s important to note that this will only work if there is no standing water in the sink. For any appliances with standing water, you can use a plunger.
Start pouring a liter of hot water down the drain. Afterward, follow it up with a cup of baking soda. Add a cup of vinegar down the sink and let it sit for 15 minutes. Finish up by turning on the hot water in the sink and allow it to run for a few minutes.
The blockage should clear, but try repeating the process if it’s not. If it still won’t budge, you may need to call a plumber to look into what’s causing the blockage.
Toilet Clogs
The most common solution for a clogged toilet is a plunger. Place a plunger over the hole in the toilet and submerge the rubber part of the plunger in the water. If there isn’t enough water, pour more water into the bowl.
Make sure the plunger seals over the hole, and lift it up and down to loosen the obstruction. After a few cycles of this motion, lift out the plunger and attempt to flush the toilet. Repeat until the toilet flushes normally.
If plunging your toilet doesn’t cause the obstruction to release, you’ll need to call a plumber to see what’s going wrong. They may snake your toilet to remove the buildup if it’s more extensive.
Shower Drain Clogs
Most of the time, shower clogs form from soap scum and hair. The easiest way to remove a blockage in your shower is to open the drain covering and remove the buildup from the opening. This usually requires unscrewing the drain cap, thoroughly emptying the drain and replacing the cap.
You can try pouring baking soda and vinegar down the pipes if the buildup is still causing a blockage. A licensed plumber can determine a solution if these methods don’t work.
Call Your Local McComb Plumber Today!
If you’re in need of drain service, don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern Air Mississippi. We can help locate any clogs in your pipes and remove them using our knowledge and professional equipment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
