Household Items You Can Use to Unclog a Drain

With the holiday season officially upon us, there is a lot of merriment to be had. But those holiday gatherings with family and friends can put extra strain and stress on your household drains. Perhaps your helpful aunt puts too much leftover food down the garbage disposal during Thanksgiving, or your adorable nephew uses too much toilet paper during a holiday party. No matter what the cause, you’ll want to remedy this issue as soon as possible.

Clogged drains are a common household problem no matter the time of year, but they don't have to be a significant inconvenience. Zoom Drain has compiled a list of household tools that can be used to unclog a drain; most are inexpensive and easy to use, but if you can’t solve the issue yourself, it’s time to call in the experts. Zoom Drain is available 24/7, equipped with all the tools for the job, and ensuring a clean workspace is of the utmost importance – especially during the holiday season.

Plunger
A plunger is a classic drain-cleaning tool that creates a vacuum that dislodges and breaks up clogs. Plungers are most effective on clogs that are located near the surface of the drain, such as hair clogs and soap scum clogs. To use a plunger, ensure the plunger cup is wholly submerged. Then, place the plunger over the drain opening and create a tight seal. Next, push and pull the plunger vigorously for several seconds. If the clog is not dislodged, repeat the process a few times.

Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are two common household ingredients that can be used to unclog a drain. The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a chemical reaction that can break down clogs caused by hair, soap scum, and grease. To use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.

Boiling water
Boiling water can also be used to unclog a drain. The boiling water will melt grease and soap scum, and it can also dislodge hair clogs. To use boiling water to unclog a drain, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Let the water sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with cold water.

Tips for unclogging a drain

• Before using any of the methods above, try to remove as much water from the sink or bathtub as possible. This will make it easier to unclog the drain.
• Be careful not to overtighten the plunger cup, as this could damage the drain opening.
• If you use baking soda and vinegar, flush the drain with hot water after the mixture has sat for 30 minutes.
• If you are using boiling water, be careful not to burn yourself.

If you have tried all the above methods and the drain is still clogged, it is likely time to call in the professionals. Zoom Drain’s knowledgeable technicians are highly trained drain and sewer experts who deal only with drains and sewers. They provide fast, focused, fixed solutions for all drain and sewer issues and are available 24/7, 365 to ensure no matter when you run into a drain or sewer issue, there is someone to help. Contact Zoom Drain today for more information.