Slow-draining tubs and sinks can make daily life a hassle. Here are our tips for addressing minor clogs before they become major problems.
Have you ever taken a lovely hot shower only for it to become an unintentional bathtub? Suddenly, what should be your private time becomes a race against time; you have to get out of the shower before your bathroom becomes a slip-and-slide.
A slow drain is more than just a hassle; it’s an inconvenience that can disrupt your daily routine, if not attended to quickly. As usual, Beehive Plumbing is here to help. Read on to find out how to keep your drains clear of minor clogs.
Use your plunger.
We can’t stress enough that a clogged drain is a good sign to call your trusty Beehive Plumbers. But to prevent minor clogs from becoming major ones that need professional attention, you can use something you already have in your home: a plunger.
If you notice the water in your tub, sink, or toilet is draining much more slowly than usual, the first tool in your arsenal should be a plunger. No matter the size of the offending drain, the cup of the plunger will fit snugly over it and suck the worst of the clog out.
If your sink or bathtub stops draining properly, make sure you remove all excess water from the sink first. Next, remove the drain cover and expose the open drain. Ensure the plunger fits snugly over the drain and begin pumping for about 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat this process three times to get your drain as good as new.
Try vinegar and baking soda.
If you are a regular reader here, you know that vinegar and baking soda help homeowners prevent little things from getting unmanageably big. The same principle applies to clogged drains in your home.
For this clog-killing method, you only need half a cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Gently and gradually sprinkle the baking soda down the drain. Make sure the baking soda falls as far down the drain as possible (you can use a funnel if you need to). Once the inside of the drain is thoroughly coated in baking soda, pour in the vinegar. This should cause a mild chemical reaction that fizzes in the drain and breaks down grease, conditioner residue, or other common culprits of drain clogs.
Clean the P-trap.
This tip is specific to sinks and involves a little elbow grease. Take a look at the pipes of your sink. Close to where the pipe goes into the wall, you’ll see a small length of pipe that curves down, then up again in a U shape. That’s the P-trap. Sometimes, unwanted objects such as food, grease, or hair get stuck in there and cause a clog.
If this happens, the best way to remove a clog is to gently remove this part of the sink and clean it out. First, make sure you turn off the water supply to the sink. Place a bucket under the spot where the P-trap is, then use a wrench to detach it from the other pipes. Once it’s removed, use pipe cleaners to push out anything that might be trapped inside. Fair warning: you might find some gross objects in there, so be prepared.
Call Beehive Plumbing to kill stubborn clogs in your drain!
Clearing a slow drain doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Plungers, baking soda, and a little elbow grease can help you prevent clogs from becoming major issues.
Keep in mind that in some cases, the cause of the clog goes so deep that even baking soda can’t help you. That’s why it’s important to call Beehive Plumbing when the DIY approach doesn’t cut it. Contact us today to learn more about our drain cleaning services!
