You might feel compelled to use a liquid drain cleaner to clear a blocked drain. But think twice before you do this! The use of liquid drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes and may even be harmful to your health. It all depends on the type of clog. Here are some tips from experts on how to unblock your drains without using chemicals.
Plungers
Although you may associate toilet plungers with plungers, the cup plunger can also be used to unclog sinks. You can purchase a second toilet plunger to use on non-toilet pipes if the idea of using your toilet plunger in a shower or sink is not appealing. It’s worth the investment.
To prevent water from splashing while you plunge a sink to stop it from clogging, drain most of the standing water. When you are pleading a double-bowel kitchen faucet, place a wet cloth into one drain and the other. Use a wet cloth to seal the overflow hole for single-bowel sinks and bathtubs. This will increase the air pressure to the clog. The plunger should be covered over the drain opening. You can repeat this process a few more times. If you are still having trouble breaking up the clog after this, try using a drain snake.
Snake Drain
A basic drain snake, also known as an auger, is always a useful addition to your toolbox. They are relatively affordable and can be found at most departmental stores. Push the snake through the pipe until it meets resistance. Then twist the snake to break the block. You can make a rough estimate with a wire hanger if you don’t have time to buy a drain snake.
If the problem is hairballs that are stuck near the sink’s mouth, this is usually enough. As soon as possible, remove any debris from the pipe and throw it away. This will ensure that the debris doesn’t block any further.