What Are The Best Drain Cleaning Methods

If you need to unclog your garbage disposal, or you’re wondering what drain cleaning methods to use to unclog kitchen sinks, tubs, toilets, and deal with blocked drains, you’re in the right place.

In this blog from Wilco Plumbing, we’ll discuss a few top drain cleaning methods you can use to remove hair clogs, food clogs, toilet clogs caused by toilet paper, and more. Let’s get started.

1. Chemical Drain Cleaners

When it comes to keeping drains clean, products like chemical drain cleaners are a great choice. This type of product dissolves hair, fat, and other such blockages to clear out your drain.

Apply the product based on the instructions on the package, then flush the drain with hot water to clear it out and remove the clog 15 minutes or 30 minutes after pouring the cleaner down the drain.

2. Soap And Boiling Water

You can clear soap scum, hair, and more from shower drains with this method. Pour a generous cup of dish soap into the drain, and let it sit for a little while. Then, follow it up with boiling water. Together, the soap and water will loosen the clog.

3. Baking Soda And Vinegar

Pour a generous cup of baking soda into the drain, then pour in a cup or two of vinegar. You can also pour in some hot water afterwards to rinse away the clog. The reaction between these two substances will help loosen the clog and break it up, clearing your kitchen drain, bathtub drain, or shower drain.

4. Plunger

Make sure you’re using the right type of plunger. Toilet plungers have a flared tip, while plungers for showers and sinks have a flat tip. Run some water to create a seal, and plunge away to break up the clog with suction.

5. Wire Coat Hanger Or Plumbing Snake

Remove the drain cover and unwind a wire coat hanger to extend its length. Then, poke it into the drain as far as you can to break up the clog. This works best for shallow clogs.

Deeper clogs can be broken up with a plumbing snake, available at any hardware store. This is a length of flexible steel tubing with an auger-like tip. Run it into the drain opening, unwind it, and crank it when it reaches the clog to break it up and clear the drain.

7. Wet-Dry Vacuum Or “Shop Vac”

Most people don’t have a wet-dry vacuum handy, but if you do, this can help with hair clogs in the shower, toilet clogs, and more.

Just remove the drain cover and run some water over the drain until there is a bit of standing water. Put the tip of the shop vac in the drain opening and surround it with a wet towel to create a proper seal. Then, turn it on and suck out the clog.

If you are using this method for a toilet, remember to dispose of the contents properly and disinfect the inside of the shop vac afterwards to keep it clean and sanitized.

Need A Tough Clog Removed? Contact Wilco Relining Today!

If you have a clogged drain that you can’t open up on your own, or you are worried that you may have a more serious issue with your septic system or other plumbing systems in your home, Wilco Relining is here to help.

To get the assistance you need to help with blocked drains in Sydney, just contact us online or give us a call at 1300 512 737. We’re always standing by to handle tough clogs and other serious plumbing issues.