A slow-running drain is more than just an annoyance. The water and dirt take forever to clear, and when they do, there’s a greasy residue left behind. Water that sits in the sink or shower may be signs of a bigger plumbing issue, but before you dial up the closest plumber in Yonkers, NY, try some of our suggested remedies for a clogged drain.
Keep in mind, if your drainage issues are more serious – you see or smell raw sewage or waste is collecting in your yard or basement – call a plumber or septic tank maintenance company immediately. If just one drain in your home is moving slowly, try these methods first.
Natural method
Before you load your pipes up with liquid chemicals, try a natural home remedy to clear the drain. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Let the mixture set in the drain for about 15 minutes, then rinse it away with several cups of boiling water. The baking soda and vinegar solution is a natural cleanser that can generally remove partial clogs. Repeat the process a few times as needed.
Plumbing snake
If hair tends to gather in your drain, opt for a plumbing snake or angled wire hanger to manually remove the clog. Snake the wire down through the drain as far as it will go and twist it in a circular motion. If you can feel the clog, continue to move the wire to grab the clog and pull it up or loosen it. Run boiling water down the drain to remove debris.
Plunger
A plunger can be used to clear a drain clog in your sink or shower. Ensure the lip of the plunger is completely sealed around the drain, run enough water into the sink or tub to cover the cup of the plunger and quickly plunge up and down several times. If you’re working in the bathroom sink, cover the overflow drain to create suction and compression in the drain line.
Call a plumber
If your DIY methods don’t clear the drain, it may be time to call in a Yonkers, NY plumber. The clog may have moved too far into your piping to be affected by the clearing methods above. Severe backups could be a sign of a blocked sewer line. Often times, severe clogs are caused by tree roots, non-flushable items caught in the pipes, or sediment buildup. Strong chemicals could damage your pipes, so call a plumber to have the drain clog removed safely. Flotechs services homes in the Westchester area of New York and the drain clearing service is available around the clock.
How to prevent clogged drains
Once your drain is clear, there are steps you can take to maintain healthy pipes. To prevent clogged drains in your home:
- Cover drains with strainers to catch hair and other debris that can clog your pipes.
- Run hot water down the drain to remove fresh buildup after each use. The hot water will clear the debris immediately rather than letting in collect on the sides of the pipes.
- Once a month, clear your drains with ½ cup of baking soda and boiling water. The baking soda will also help rid the pipes of any odors.
If you need a plumber in the Yonkers, NY area, Flotechs is available 24/7 for home or business plumbing challenges. With regular maintenance, your pipes will stay clear, and prevention is always better than finding a cure.
