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Prevention. To avoid
clogging drains, use a drain strainer to trap food
particles and hair; collect grease in cans rather than
pouring it down the drain; pour a kettle of boiling water
down the drain weekly to melt fat that may be building up
in the drain; or weekly put some vinegar and baking soda
down your drain to break down fat and keep your drain
smelling fresh.
Plunger. A time-honored drain opener is the plunger. This
inexpensive tool will usually break up the clog and allow
it to float away. It may take more than a few plunges to
unclog the drain. DO NOT USE THIS METHOD AFTER ANY
COMMERCIAL DRAIN OPENER HAS BEEN USED OR IS STILL PRESENT
IN THE STANDING WATER.
Baking Soda and Vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the
drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover the drain if
possible. Let set for a few minutes, then pour a kettle of
boiling water down the drain to flush it. The combination
of baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids into
soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the
drain. DO NOT USE THIS METHOD AFTER ANY COMMERCIAL DRAIN
OPENER HAS BEEN USED OR IS STILL PRESENT IN THE STANDING
WATER.
Salt and Baking Soda. Pour 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup baking
soda down the drain. Follow with 6 cups boiling water. Let
sit overnight and then flush with water. The hot water
should help dissolve the clog and the baking soda and salt
serve as an abrasive to break through the clog.
Mechanical Snake (and Garden Hose). A flexible metal snake
can be purchased or rented. It is threaded down the
clogged drain and manually pushes the clog away. If used
in conjunction with a running garden hose, it can even
clear a blockage in the main drain to the street. First
crank the snake and feed it into the pipe. Next withdraw
the snake and flush the pipe by inserting a garden hose
with the water turned on full. With some luck, it may save
you the expense of a plumber. |
