Have you ever taken a shower and found yourself standing in a tub full of water? Or maybe you flushed the toilet and the water rose up to the brim instead of down the commode.

A blocked drain is a common occurrence, but it is something that’s relatively easy to fix. Sometimes all it takes is a few tricks to get the job done.

Take a look at the hacks below to learn how to clear out a clogged drain:

1. Hot Boiling Water

Boiling water is one of the quickest solutions for a blocked drain. The hot temperature helps to break up oil and other elements that are clogging the pipes. The best technique is to pour the water in intervals.

Let the water sit for about 30 seconds to allow it to break through the blockage, and repeat the process. This method works best for a blocked sink drain in the kitchen because boiling water easily breaks down food and grease.

2. DIY Black Drain Cleaner

If you prefer not to use cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals, you can create a DIY version instead. Baking soda and vinegar are effective in clearing a blocked shower drain and other clogged pipes.

Start by pouring boiling hot water down the drain first. Next, add half a cup of baking soda and let it sit for a few moments. Let the mixture sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Then, pour one cup of vinegar and another cup of boiling water down the drain. If needed, follow up with an additional flush of hot water to clear everything out.

3. Plunger

If you have a drained block with toilet paper, using a plunger is the best solution. This technique is most effective on solid blockages and the plunger helps to push the clog out of the way.

To clear out the drain, place the plunger over the opening of your toilet or sink. Once the plunger has suctioned to the surface, apply consistent pressure in a downward motion.

Plunging works like a charm, and it’s one of the best solutions for a stubborn drain clog.

4. A Wire Hanger

Sometimes the best way to take care of a blocked sink drain is to go to the source of it. If there’s hair or other tough debris in the pipes, it’s best to just grab it. A wire hanger is the perfect tool because it’s sturdy, long, and skinny enough to fit down into the drain.

Unhook the clasps around the curved portion of the hanger, and stretch it so that it can fit down into the drain. However, keep the curved portion intact. Use the hook portion of the hanger to fish out the debris and other objects that are blocking the drain.

5. Check the U-Bend of the Drain

If you’ve ever paid attention to the drain under your bathroom sink or kitchen sink, it normally has a u-shaped pipe that curves and goes into the wall. That part of the pipe is generally the source of most blockages.

If you believe the curve could be the culprit for your clogged drain, it’s simple to check it. Place a bucket under the pipe so that it can catch water and other elements that might spill from it.

Next, unscrew the connectors on the pipe, remove the u-shaped area of the pipe, and clear out the debris.

6. Caustic Soda

Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, works well for a blocked drain. Although sodium hydroxide is an effective solution, it can cause chemical burns. If you choose this method, be very careful and wear gloves and eyewear to protect yourself.

7. Call a Professional

Some drain blockages can’t be fixed with homemade techniques. If you tried the above methods and they don’t work, you’ll likely need to call a plumber.

A blocked drain is a huge inconvenience, and it’s not something that you can ignore. Calling in a professional to help is the best way to get the issue resolved.

How to Prevent a Blocked Drain

The best way to avoid a clogged pipe is to try and prevent them. Here are a few ways to keep your drain clear:

Don’t put food or waste down the kitchen sink. Put the majority of leftover food in the trash and use the garbage disposal to break up the solid pieces.

Use a drain stopper in the shower to catch hair strands. Hair is one of the primary causes of drain blockage in the bathtub. By using a stopper, it significantly reduces the risk of blockages.

Avoid using too much tissue. An excess of toilet paper can overwhelm your commode pipes. Use a moderate amount, and if you need more, be sure to flush in between uses.

Keep small objects away from the sink. Hairpins, jewelry, and other small items are notorious for dropping down into the sink and sliding into the drain. Distance them away from this area to avoid mistakenly dropping them down the pipes.

Don’t pour cooking oil down the kitchen sink. If you use grease or oil, pour it into a separate container or cup. Once it solidifies, dispose of it in the trash.

Remember not to put napkins and other thick materials in the commode. Items like face wipes and baby wipes are not toilet friendly. Throw them in the trash instead of the commode.

Get the Plumbing in Your Home Working Properly

A blocked drain can lead to serious plumbing issues. When you notice water backing up in your pipes, it’s wise to fix it immediately.

If you need professional plumbing services, we can help. We service Huntington Beach and the Orange County area, so call us at 714-922-3555. You can also contact us online.

One of our friendly staff members will get back to you as soon as possible.