Quick Fixes for Clogged Drain Pipes
Having to deal with clogged drain pipes is one of the routine hazards of owning your own home. However, this is not an issue that should cause you a great deal of worry. With a bit of quick thinking, you can quickly defuse the problem. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that clogged drain pipes don’t become a serious issue in your home.
A Quick Fix Saves Time and Money
The first thing you should be aware of is that you don’t always have to bring in an expert to deal with clogged drain pipes. In some cases, you can very quickly solve the issue yourself. A clogged drainpipe can be dealt with using tools as simple as a plumbing snake and a bit of baking soda and vinegar.
You can use several household objects, such as store-bought steel cable, to make your very own plumbing snake. This is the kind of object that costs only a few dollars. Once bought, the cable can quickly be twisted in order to create the snake. It’s an excellent tool that can be used to solve clogged pipe issues in a short time.
If you don’t have the time or resources to buy cable from a store, don’t panic. You can just as easily retool a few wire clothes hangers that you have lying around the house. Simply rethread them into the shape of a standard plumbing snake. Once you have done so, you can then proceed to unclog all but the most desperately snarled pipes.
Another efficient way to deal with clogged drainpipes will be to make use of vinegar and baking soda. These are two of the most useful substances to employ when dealing with pipe blockages. Insert a generous portion of either into the pipes and let them do the job. In many cases, the clogging issue will be resolved in mere minutes.
A solution of baking soda, salt, and hot water can fix even the most stubborn issues. Mix about half a cup of baking soda with another half-cup of table salt. Stir it up with a spoon to get the mixture right. Heat it up a bit and then pour it down into the pipe. It should lead to an unclogging that will save a great deal of time and money.
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum to Unclog Pipes
One of the finest and most effective solutions you can employ in your home is also one of the most inexpensive. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use it to quickly handle clogged drain pipes. The only caveat is that the vacuum you use needs to be specifically adapted for use in wet work. Any other kind of machine won’t do the job.
Turn your vacuum to the wet setting. You want to employ the highest possible level of suction for your machine. Once you have the suction enabled, hold it directly over the drain. Once the machine is in place, turn it on. It should be only a few minutes until something begins to come up. The clog should soon resolve itself from this point.
Once you have inserted the machine into the drain, make sure to cover up the vent. You can do this using a plastic bag or similar container. The idea here is to make sure that none of the particles that come up from the drain will spill onto the floor. Using a makeshift plastic cover of this type will save you from a very messy cleanup.
Rent or Buy a Drain Cleaning Machine
If you want to get rid of clogged drain pipes in a hurry, you may wish to consider buying or renting a drain cleaning machine. While these can be quite costly, they are known to complete this type of task at a high rate of efficiency.
The key will be to buy or rent a machine that is right for the job. The cable that the unit comes equipped with needs to be equal to the length of the pipe. This will be necessary to ensure that you can get directly to the source of the clog.
This type of machine works wonderfully with many different types of pipes. However, you should never use it in situations that involve chemicals. If the pipe is full of such solutions, it’s much safer to call on an expert.
If All Else Fails, Call a Pro
Not every situation involving clogged drain pipes will resolve itself. In some cases, you may have no choice but to call in an expert. Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC. is here to help you avoid spending a huge amount of time and money. We are the top service to call on in Raleigh, Southern Pines, Fayetteville, and nearby areas.