Backing and slow-moving drains are often a result of tough clogs. Whatever preventive measures you take, your drains are prone to developing clogs over time because of everything that goes inside them—from toilet paper and food debris to soap scum and sometimes even kids’ toys.

These objects can obstruct the water flow in your drains making them slow and ineffective. But fortunately, there are a few hacks that can save you from the trouble till the time your professional plumber arrives and fix the problem permanently.

Note: This only applies if one drain is backing dingy water or moving slow. If more than one or all drains in your home are acting weird, it may be a sign of blockage or other damage in the main sewer line. In such a situation, immediately call a drain cleaning or sewer line repair service.

Here are some ways to temporarily fix your clogged drains till the plumber arrives.

The Vinegar and Baking Soda Method

• Boil a pot full of water and pour it down the drain. (If you live in a home that was constructed 50 years ago, use mildly hot water because boiling water might damage the drainage pipes.)
• Now take half a cup of baking soda in a measuring bowl and pour it down the drain. Let it sit there for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Make a mixture of 1 cup lukewarm water and one cup vinegar and pour it into the drain. This will wash away the baking soda and soften the clogs in the drain.
• Now let the mixture sit inside the drain for another 10 minutes while it’s covered.
• Lastly, boil another pot of water and pour it down the drain to wash the mixture and all the clogs.

The Salt and Baking Soda Method

• Make a mixture of half cup table salt and half cup baking soda.
• Pour the mixture into the clogged drain and let it sit for ten to twenty minutes.
• Boil a pot of water and pour it into the drain to rinse away the blockages.

The Wire Hanger Method

• Grab a typical wire hanger from your closet and straighten its arms leaving the neck hook untouched. It should like a straight wire rod with a small hook at its end.
• Insert the straightened hanger into the drain and keep pushing as far as it goes.
• Try to move it gently in circular motion and pull out everything blocking your drain.
• Repeat it multiple times until your drain is clean and ready to run.

If All Else Fails

Don’t even think of using liquid drain cleaners. They are made of highly toxic and abrasive chemicals that are detrimental to the environment, to your own health and your sewer system. Also, if it doesn’t work, you’ll only end up with slow-moving and clogged drain, just now loaded with toxic drain cleaner—and you don’t want that.

A good rule of thumb is to have a professional plumber’s contact number on your emergency dial pad, so that you can call them up for inspection, emergency plumbing service, or any plumbing advice. If you’re looking for trustworthy plumbers to unblock drains in Bedford, get in touch with Pro Serve plumbers.

To learn about our other services, call us at +1-817-244-0614.