Homeowners know how depressing it is to deal with a blocked drain. However, it is bound to happen when it is filled with food crumbs, buildup of soap residue, toothpaste, or even hair. Not only it can derange our day-to-day activities, but it can also cause an unpleasant smell that contaminates the air inside our house. If you are struggling with a severely blocked drain at the moment, put your worries away as professional plumber Melbourne shares some tips on how to clear the blockage. Read on to find what you can do on your own to overcome the situation.
- Pour boiling water
Fill the drain with hot water, as it can dissolve the buildup residue that obstructs the drainage system. To use this method, you may need 8 to 12 cups of boiling water. Pour it carefully into the blocked drain. Wait briefly for the water to lose its heat, and pour another cup down. You may have to do this step a couple of times until the obstruction is removed. However, it will only solve the problem temporarily, not permanently.
- Use products for drain cleaning
Many businesses produce chemical substances to clear the blocked drain. However, it is commonly used only to remove simple blockages resulting from hair and food residue. The products contain destructive substances that can break down the buildup and cause the water to flow properly. If you want to use this product, make sure that you wear a safety glove, and glasses for your protection.
- Make a mixture with items from your kitchen
Take a few tablespoons of kitchen soap and pour it into the drain. Afterwards, add some cups of hot water to the drain to clean the blockage. Alternatively, you can replace the soap with baking soda, vinegar, or lemon.
- Use a plunger
If using a liquid or mixture doesn’t resolve the problem, you can try taking the plunger to remove the clog. Make sure that you use the right plunger for your problem. Ensure the rubber cup of the plunger fully covers the drain opening. For sinks, partially fill the basin with water to submerge the plunger’s cup. Push the plunger down the sink. Remember to gently press the plunger’s stick to push the water into the drain. Loosen the pressure so that it can rise again and plug the hole again. Do it repetitively until your sink is no longer blocked.
- Ask professional assistance
If you are uncertain about your ability to resolve the blocked drain issue on your own, you can always seek assistance from a professional plumber. They have the experience and the proper equipment to repair a clogged drainage system. Professionals are skilled at pinpointing the exact location of the blockage for effective removal.
These are some methods that you can try when you encounter blocked drains Melbourne. However, it is important to inspect the condition of your drainage system regularly to prevent worse issues caused by a clogged drain.