As a homeowner, you know that small problems are going to occur in your home. It’s just a fact of life. That doesn’t mean that you enjoy them, though, and something as simple as a stopped-up drain can put a real kink in your plans for the day. If you have a clogged drain at home, use these simple tips to deal with it before you call the plumber. You may not be able to fix every drain, but they’re worth trying since they work to clear clogs that aren’t too severe.

  • Try flushing your sink with boiling water from the tea kettle several times before you do anything else. In some cases, like when soap scum or a small amount of hair gets stuck in drain, you may be able to fix a clog without doing anything else. If the sink backs up, let the boiling water stand until it cools before moving on to the next step.
  • Use a plunger to clear a stopped drain. A regular plunger can actually help to release clogs that boiling water can’t fix, though you may need to try for a few minutes before you see any success. For the best results, place a sponge or rag over the drain to help you create more powerful suction.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Follow the baking soda with 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar. Finish by pouring a full tea kettle of boiling water down the drain to loosen the clog. This can help break down salts and fats that can build up in your drain over time.
  • Contact a professional plumber to help you clear the clog if it isn’t draining or you have a lot of water buildup in the basin of your sink. Water buildup or overflowing generally indicates a tough clog that won’t go away using simple home remedies like the ones above.

Contact Comfort Systems for more information about fixing a clogged drain. We proudly serve the Wichita, KS area and we can’t wait to serve you too.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about clogged drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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