Have you ever experienced a blocked drainage system? The first signs are very common. It starts with water draining slower than usual in the sink or bathroom. Soon after, strange odours start creeping in around these areas too. At such times, the quickest fix is to call your plumber. Here are a few fixes you can try.
Use of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix baking soda with vinegar, and as the solution rapidly reacts and starts fizzing, pour it down the clogged pipe immediately. Leave the pipe for some time to let the mixture drain out all the dirt in the pipe. Afterwards, pour hot water down the drain to clear the baking soda and vinegar solution.
Alternatively, you can pour the baking soda down the drainage pipe then pour the vinegar afterwards. When using baking soda and vinegar, one has to be very cautious and should have protective wear.
Use a Bent Wire Hanger
You have probably done this before. It is the simplest route to unblocking a drain, and it is surprisingly effective. Take the normal coat hanger and unbend it out as much as you can. After that, bend one end to form a small hook. Drop the hook down the drainage pipe to pull out the hair and all the dirt. Make sure to pull the dirt out rather than push it further down the drain. When this is done, pour hot water down the pipe to clear out the remaining irremovable dirt.
Use of Boiling Water
Put water in a kettle or gas stove to boil it. When the water is scalding hot, pour it down the clogged pipe. Use specific time periods for the water to effectively unclog the pipe.
Use of Caustic Soda
For this method, pour at least ¾ of a gallon of cold water into a bucket. Add 2-3 cups of caustic soda and stir well to form a fizzing solution. Pour it down the clogged pipe and leave it for at least half an hour before flushing hot water down the pipe.
Caustic soda is easily available and can be bought at any hardware store near you. However, it is very reactive and can cause very serious burns. When using this method, be sure to wear protective gear like gloves and goggles as a precaution.
Next time you have a blocked pipe don't stress yourself out. With any method above, you are sure to have effective and immediate results. For more information on blocked drain clearing, contact a local professional.