Your plumbing system is incomplete without the drain. It is responsible for absorbing all water from our toilets and sinks.
Sometimes, the drain can get clogged up and you have tried everything. If this happens to you, you’ll know how frustrating it is to spend hours in the toilet trying to get rid of a blockage with chemicals or manual tools. All you want is for everything to move smoothly again.
Drains can get slow moving and clogged over time for many reasons. It can take longer for particles to get through a drain if it is clogged with hairballs and other debris.
If they don’t have enough room to pass through your pipes, they will just remain stuck until you clear them out. This could take hours.
All hope is not lost. Below are some suggestions on fixing slow drain by yourself, without the need to use harsh chemicals.
These are some tricks and tips that can help you get rid off that buildup and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
The Pop-Up must be taken down
The sink pop-up shape can trap debris and buildup. You can also remove the pop-up from the sink and clean it with a Zip-it tool if you don’t have one.
Pop-ups can be removed by reaching behind the sink and finding the pop-up nuts. Clean the pop-up thoroughly after the nut has been removed. Next, attach it to the drain pipe underneath the sink.
Zip-It Tool
The drain-cleaning tool, which is inexpensive and easy to use, is essential for homeowners who need to clean out their drains. It has hooks that attach to and grab onto everything it touches. This is ideal for cleaning the drain of your bathroom sink or shower.
Simply slide the tool slowly up and down until it collects enough material to be completely removed. You have two options after you take it out:
It can be thrown away or removed with dirt and hair. After washing it, you can either re-use or store it. The manufacturer recommends that you use the drain cleaner at least once per month to maintain its cleanliness.
The pop-up can be removed before you use the tool. If it fails to work, then remove the popup and try again.
Drain cleaner at home
There seems to be some debate about which homemade drain cleaner is best. Most people believe that hot water, vinegar, and baking soda are good for cleaning drains. However, others claim that these methods do not work and have developed a few other ways to clean drains.
It’s no surprise that many people have tried different methods to clear clogged drains.
- Dish soap and hot water are great products to wash a kitchen sink. The hot water will melt any grease buildup.
Clear the Overflow from the Sink
If water rises above the overflow opening, it can allow water to flow into a drain. An overflow opening also allows air to enter the drain when the sink has been filled with water. Water drains faster when there is air in the sink.
Over time, debris can build up in the overflow tube making it difficult to drain water properly. If your sink drains slowly, and you are unable to resolve the problem by cleaning the overflow tube.
Use a Plunger
A plunger is not necessary to be used on a clogged toilet. It can also be used for other purposes. You will need one that isn’t designed for the toilet, and completely covers your sink drain. To seal any overflows or holes in your sink, use a moist towel.
Next, pour water into the sink. Then plunge completely but gently several times. You’ll know that it worked if the water runs dry. To ensure everything is clean, heat the water for a few more minutes.
These tips and tricks are easy to do and don’t require any plumbing knowledge. To avoid future clogs, it is important that you maintain a high level of preventative maintenance after you have cleared your slow drain.