How to Fix Clogged Drain Pipes: Kitchen & Bathroom Drains

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How to Fix Clogged Kitchen & Bathroom Drains Expert Solutions to Unblock Your Pipes

clogged drain pipe

The process of dealing with clogged drain pipes is a stressful and messy process, when it interrupts your regular routine.

If your kitchen sink backing up with grease residue, or a bathroom sink and bath blocked because of hair or soap build-up, you should know the root cause and possible solutions to save time, energy as well as money.

It’s irritating when water backs up, and you have a pile of dirty dishes waiting to be cleaned, it may be attractive to reach for the mobile and call the plumber to fix the problem for you. 

While that’s an option, an alternative is learning some tips and tricks to unclog a kitchen sink on your own. With a bit of effort and expert guidance, you can easily handle blocked drains anytime.

7 Expert Ways to Unclog Kitchen & Bathroom Drains

1. Boiling Water Down the Drain

The simplest and most efficient ways to get rid of clogged drain pipes is to pour boiling water down drain the boiled water will help dissolve the soap and grease build-up.

Steps to Follow

  • • Boil a kettle of water.
  • • Pour it slowly into the drain over three phases and allow it to work for about a minute between each pour.

When it works

The method works perfectly for small clogs that are caused by soap or grease scum. However, it might not be effective in the case of more stubborn blocks, for example, if sink not draining but pipes are clear because of a more serious problem.

2. Use a Plunger

The plunger is an effective device for clearing plugged pipes inside kitchens and bathrooms.

Steps to Follow

  • • The sink should be filled with water to cover the head of the plunger.
  • • Put the plunger on the drain and press down
  • • The pump should be vigorously pumped for about 30 seconds to let the water run out.

3. Clean the Sink Trap

Sink traps (also called the P-trap) is a common place which accumulate debris such as food particles, grease as well as hair. when it cleaned in a perfect way, it can solve several issues that arise from the stopped-up drain kitchen sink.

Steps to Follow:

  1. • Put a bucket in the sink to collect the water.
  2. • Remove the trap, and unscrew it, and then remove the debris.
  3. • Clean the trap using mild soapy water before you reattach it.

4. DIY Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Natural alternatives for harsh chemicals such as Drano, baking soda, and vinegar to dissolve the clog and get rid of odors and clogged drain repair.

Steps to Follow:

  1. • Put 1 cup baking soda into the sink.
  2. • Then add 1 cup of vinegar and then cover the drain.
  3. • Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, and flush it with hot water.

5. Invest in a Drain Snake

To clear more difficult blockages the drain snake is the ideal tool to clean pipe clogs.

Steps to Follow

  1. • Place the snake in the drain until there is resistance.
  2. • Turn the handle around in order to clear the clog.
  3. • Remove the snake to remove all debris that may have been caught within it.

6. Coat Hanger

The hangers are not the plumber’s snakes but  could be useful in unclogging the drain.

Steps to follow:

  1. • Straighten the hanger wire. Then, create an elongated hook at the end of it.
  2. • Use a  hook-shaped portion of the straight hanger wire, then insert it into the drain in your kitchen.
  3. • Avoid pushing in an upward direction

This method can be effective for solid blockages, such as hair and food waste. Remember to pour the boiled water down the drain in order to dissolve any other remnants of the blockage that are not cleared by the hanger.

7. Call a Professional

If your kitchen drain backing up regardless of your attempts, it might be a good idea to call an experienced plumber.  If your sink draining slowly no blockage or you’re confronted with the threat of a major blockage in your pipe?  They’re equipped with the equipment and know-how to detect and correct severe blockages. Contact us now. We are just a call away!

Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Fix Them

Grease, fat and oil 

Grease, fat and oil, are all common culprits of drain blockage. As they flow in the drain, they could get stuck to the pipes, which can cause blockages. To prevent blockages, throw away the fat, grease, and oils in the garbage instead of flushing them down the sink. Also, you can wipe off any grease residue with the help of a towel.  To keep the pipes clear, regularly pour hot water through the drain to dissolve any dirt.

Soap Scum

 Soap buildsup can cause blockages in pipes. This slimy substance can impede the flow of water and increase bacterial activity. For this reason, you should install an aerator on the faucet and contact a plumbing professional.

Hair

Hair is one of the main causes of blockages in the bathroom drain. Hair often becomes stuck within pipes and stops the water flow. To avoid this from happening, be careful when washing your hair. You can also use drain covers that catch hair before it falls. If you’ve got a blockage, consult an experienced plumber who will be able to remove the obstruction.

Sanitary Products

It is not recommended to flush sanitary products into the toilet because they are not easily broken down and may cause blockages. Instead, dispose of them in the  garbage. If you notice a blockage, you should contact a plumber to clean the drain without damaging the pipes.

Food Waste

Food waste can easily cause drain blockage, so you should avoid throwing food waste down the drain. If you’ve already got a blocked drain, you can try a plunger, or even a mix of baking soda and vinegar to break it down. If this doesn’t work, a plumber can assist you. 

 

Preventative Tips to Keep Your Pipes Clear

  1. Install the kitchen Sink Drain Catcher: It is a tool that traps food particles, and stops them to enter into the pipe.

  2. Clean up grease properly: Don’t pour oil or grease in the drain. Instead, put it into the container and dispose of it  into the garbage.

  3. Routine Maintenance: Clean up your drain and make use of natural products to clean it regularly to prevent it from the build-up.

FAQs:

Hair is a factor in clogging of not just individual drains, but also in sewage systems particularly when it is mixed with soap or grease leftovers.

Drano is safe for only occasional usage, however frequent exposure to its chemical compounds can cause deterioration of pipes, particularly older pipes.

It could be because of blocking further down the pipe or a venting problem that prevents the proper drainage.

The majority of black sludge forms through a mixture of decomposing organic matter, grease, and soap sludge.