Whether your drain pipes head to a septic tank or the city sewer, clogs can cause problems. The deeper the clog, the more complicated it is to deal with. Let’s look at what you can do for a clogged drain in your home and when it is time to call in the professionals.
Step 1: If You Can See the Blockage, Remove It In Your Missoula Home
If you are dealing with a clogged drain deep in the pipe, you might need to skip this step. If you look down the drain and see a toothbrush or some other fallen object, go ahead and remove it. You may need a flexible grabber claw to reach down into the drain pipe. If you do not have one, another option is to take apart the s-trap or p-trap to access the debris. If you are dealing with a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal, be sure it is turned off and clean out the disposal area.
Step 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda for Missoula Plumbing Repair
If you are dealing with an accumulated clog, like hair and chemical grime, an effective option is to use an old hack. This option works by creating air in the pipes to push the clog along. Start by pouring some boiling water down the drain. Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. The next part is the science experiment we all did in middle school: pour 1 cup of vinegar into the drain and cover the drain tightly. The chemical reaction will create air which will hopefully push the clog through and get your pipes flowing again. After 5 to 10 minutes, go ahead and pour more boiling water down the drain the clean and clear it.
Step 3: Plunge to Release Your Clogged Drain Deep in The Pipe
Whether your clog is the toilet full of TP or your sink full of grime, a plunger can be the answer. This method can clear a clogged drain, whether it is at the top or a bit deeper in the pipes. By creating pressure, the clog will be pushed along, clearing the pipes to flow again. Be aware that the type of plunger for a sink or shower/tub drain is different from a toilet plunger. While both have a similar flexible cup, a toiler plunger has an extra flap underneath, called a flange, to ensure suction in the toilet. Sink plungers need to create suction on a flat surface and work better without a flange.
Step 4: Use a Drain Snake or Auger for Missoula Plumbing Repair
Drain snakes work by pulling debris up, and our while augers work by breaking up a clog and pushing it through. Both of these tools manually clear the clog. If using a metal snake or auger, there is a potential of scratching the porcelain in a toilet or sink. This can be a very effective method if a plunger just won’t create enough pressure to push clogs through.
Step 5: Liquid Plumber for Clogged Drain Deep in Pipe
If you have a clog that you just can’t clear after all the methods so far, a liquid solvent might just do the trick. This method works by exposing a highly corrosive liquid to a clog in order to deteriorate the structure of the clog and get it flowing down the pipes. As the corrosive substance is being used to effect a clog, it comes into contact with the pipes leading to the clog. With repeated use, liquid plumbing agents can cause the pipes themselves to deteriorate to the point that they may need to be replaced. If you choose to try this option, keep in mind how many times you have done so at each location in your home to prevent pipe damage.
Step 6: If All Else Fails, Call in your Montana Plumbing Contractors
If you have exhausted the options above and are unable to do it yourself, the clog might just be beyond the reach of the tools available to you. Garden City Plumbing and Heating has the tools and know-how to manage your Missoula plumbing repair needs!
Give us a call at 406-728-5550 or contact us online to schedule a technician visit today!