How To Unclog Your Blocked Drain

Have you ever poured something down the kitchen sink only to have it slowly creep back up into the basin a few minutes later? Or flushed the toilet, left the bathroom, returned a few minutes later, flushed it again, and swore you’d flushed it earlier? These could be signs that you’ve got a blocked drain.

In our 31-year plumbing history, we have unclogged hundreds of blocked drains in and around the Los Angeles area. As a family-owned and operated company, we understand the signs and symptoms of a blocked drain. We also know when a clogged drain is something a homeowner can handle themselves and when it’s time to call us at Boss Plumbing.

5 DIY Methods for Clearing Your Drain Pipes

1. Boiling Water

It’s as simple as boiling a pot of water and pouring it down your blocked drain. This is the most straight-forward method for simple and smaller drains for the bathroom sink or kitchen sink, that just need a little bit of loosening of their grease build-up. Please make sure you use boiling water on your metal or ceramic pipes only, as using it on PVC will loosen the joints. Pour hot water down the drain if you have PVC. This chemical-free approach is also a tremendous environmentally-friendly approach to solving the problem.

2. Plunge

A good plunger is sometimes the best solution to unclogging your drain or your blocked toilet. Not just used for toilets, plungers can also be used for sink, shower, and bathtub drain repair. A plunger can usually dislodge most solid blockages, no matter what type of drain. A plunger, which costs as little as $5 in many cases, is also one of the most affordable tools a plumber uses. Your plunger should be large enough for the entire drain opening. Once you start plunging, ensure that your up and down strokes are vigorous and are applied with a fair amount of pressure. About 10 strokes should solve the problem. If it doesn’t, then move on to something else.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda

This Do-it-Yourself remedy has been around for ages. It is a fantastic way to safely, chemically-free clear your kitchen or bathroom sink drain. Begin by pouring boiling water down your clogged drain. Then add ½ cup of baking soda. Let that sit for approximately 3 minutes. Follow that up with a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of boiling water again. The chemical reaction of the two will clean out the pipes. Feel free to cover the drain you’re treating with a plug to let the mixture react for 5-10 minutes. Finish off by flushing the sink once again with additional boiling water. You should do this about once every month to prevent future clogs.

4. Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaner can be bought at any big box home improvement or grocery store. Simply follow the directions and pour it down the clogged drain pipe. Let it sit for 30 minutes. During that time, the cleaner’s harsh chemicals are designed to slowly eat away at what has clogged your drain. After the allotted time has passed, use hot water to flush your drain to remove what is left of the blockage, and your pipes should be clean.

5. Drain Snake

A drain snake or auger is approximately ¼-inch thick with a handle on one end and works the opposite that a plunger does. You push the snake into the clog and crank it. This propels the snake further into the obstruction. Parts of the clog might break up and flush down through the drain. While you’re turning the snake, it slowly gains access to the obstruction so that you can pull it out. Snakes are incredibly convenient because they’re long enough to reach clogs that are deep down within your drain pipe.

When To Call A Plumber?

So, you’ve tried all of the aforementioned DIY steps we suggested above, and nothing has worked? At Boss Plumbing, we often suggest that our clients ask themselves four critical questions to help them decide if they should call us.

Is There A Mess That’s Spreading All Over My House?

If ‘yes,’ then call Boss Plumbing. It may be a small puddle or a growing one. But remember, those smaller ones can rapidly get out of hand if not dealt with pretty quickly. The next thing you know, you’re making a claim on homeowner’s insurance for hardwood floor and carpet damage.

Does The Blockage Affect Every Drain in My Home?

If the answer to your first question is ‘no,’ then consider this question. If the answer to this question is ‘yes,’ then it’s time to call us. The clog is probably in the main drain somewhere and needs to be taken care of by a professional. If you answered ‘no,’ then it could be confined to a single drain. That might not require fast action.

How Soon Does My Drain Need To Be Used?

If the clog is in the guest bathroom, then maybe you can let it wait. Unless, of course, you’re expecting guests to arrive tomorrow. However, if the clog is in the kitchen sink, which is an area that most families regularly use, call us right away.

Is The Clog Located In A Critical Area?

For instance, if the toilet is blocked and you only have one bathroom in your home, call us immediately. But if you’ve got several toilets in your home, it could wait. What qualifies as a critical area for you depends entirely on your needs.

Boss Plumbing is Los Angeles’ Leader in Drain Cleaning Services

Simply put, if you’re unsure of when to call a plumber regarding your clogged drain, take a look at the signs we’ve mentioned in this article. Try some of the DIY fixes we’ve suggested. If nothing improves, give us a call. However, if you’re not feeling particularly handy, call us as soon as you notice a blockage. At Boss Plumbing, there is no clog too big or too small we can’t handle.