Flushing the Drain with Boiling Water
In many cases, boiling water can break down the grease or soap that is causing the clog and clear it out. However, this method may not work when used on its own, especially if you are having a serious blockage caused by a lot of matted hair that has built up over a long period. It may clear just a portion of the clog, but when used with other methods, it can help solve the problem entirely.
Applying Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a more natural alternative to using cleaning chemicals that can damage your pipes. To start, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, and after a few minutes, follow it up with a cup of vinegar. You will notice a bubbling action, so wait for the bubbles to die down. Then, try to see if the solution has dissolved the clog in the drain by pouring boiling water into it. Though this method is environmentally friendly and safe, it does not always unclog your drain, so you might still need to use chemicals. However, you can first try performing the other methods below before resorting to such.
Taking the Drain Cover Off and Pull Out the Debris by Hand
This approach offers a fairly good chance of success, but it requires you to use your hands, so it is advised to wear rubber gloves. Remove the drain cover, by loosening and taking out the screw that you will find in its middle. It is also possible that your drain cover can just be pried off using a screwdriver. Look for the clog inside the drain, and if it is within reach, you can just pull it out with your fingers.
Using a Plunger
The location of the clog in the drain and the drain’s design will determine how successful this method will be. But if you think this is the right solution, start by adding petroleum jelly to the edge of the plunger’s suction pad to create a better seal when you position it for plunging. It is also important to add water to make the tool’s end submerged, which can help add more pushing effect. Plunge up and down repeatedly until you see that water is flowing freely down the drain.
Using a Plumber’s Snake or the Auger
When using the snake, push its cable down the drain until you reach the object causing the clog. Turn its handle, which can hold of the debris and pull it back up. Run water to see if the drain is still clogged.
Depending on the gravity of the stoppage, you can use any of the methods listed above. But if any of them does not work, and you do not want to make the problems worse, the last remaining option that you can take is calling a professional plumber.
