If you were to make a list of “least favorite household chores,” clearing a clogged drain would most likely be on it. The worse the clog, the higher up the list it goes.
While it’s never going to be fun, drain cleaning can be a little less stressful if you heed the following friendly advice from Burton.
Clearing a Slow Drain
If you have a slow-moving kitchen or bathroom sink drain, then something is probably trapped in the drain trap or trap arm.
If you have the right tools and even a modest amount of skill, start by shutting off your sink’s water valve to prevent flooding. Then remove trap arm (the horizontal pipe in the photo above) and clean out any built-up hair, soap scum, grease, food article, and whatever else might be blocking the flow of water. With the arm removed, then clean out the trap (the J-looking piece) and trap cap. If you’ve done all that and still can’t see what’s causing the clog, then try snaking the drain once you’ve put everything back together and re-activated the flow of water.
If you’re successful, thoroughly rinse your drain to flush out any lingering particles.
Bathtub and Shower Clogs
It stands to reason that bathroom and shower clogs are most often caused by a build-up of hair, shampoo, soap, and other personal care items. One way to break up the clog is with a drain stick, readily available at your local home center. It’s a long plastic stick with small comb or barb-filled tip at one end. Simply remove the drain cap, insert the drain stick, give it a few good turns, and the cause of your clog should be in full evidence when you remove the stick from the drain.
The All-Natural Approach
Let’s say you don’t have the right tools or inclination to start taking apart your plumbing, but you still want to try to resolve the problem on your own. Well, one good chemical-free remedy is to pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down your drain and let it sit there for about 30 minutes. Then, pour a tea kettle full of boiling hot water down the drain. If that doesn’t work, repeat the process one more time. If that still doesn’t work, and your drain is still hurtin’? You got it; it’s time to call Burton.
No Drain Can Resist our Cleaning Measures and Experience
The drain hasn’t been built yet that we can’t either clean from end to end, repair if necessary, or replace if and when all else fails. Plus we provide 24/7 drain and sewer cleaning service in Omaha and surrounding communities for those problems that just can’t wait. Call us today and let us know what we can do to help.
