Of all the common home problems we have to deal with, a clogged drain is certainly on the top of the list. Stubborn drain clogs can not only cause panic when the water has nowhere to go but can also be a pain to remedy. So what should you do when your drain just won’t clear? Should you call your local plumber or try and battle the clog yourself? Read on to learn about the three steps you can take to unclog almost any drain. If you just can’t seem to get a handle on your problem, it might be time to dial up a plumber. Whether you need emergency plumbing services or just routine maintenance, the team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is on standby. Their team of licensed professionals is always ready to help; just dial 469-557-2703 to schedule an appointment.

The Stress-Free Fix You Already Have in Your Home

A messy clogged drain can be the stuff of nightmares. Not only can the icky stuff clogging the drain look ugly, but it can also smell quite foul as well. Suffice to say, fixing the problem is usually a top priority. The first step is to identify that you have a clog. Once you do, you may be wondering what you can do to remedy the problem without the need for nasty chemicals quickly? Well, we’ve got you covered.

Three Steps to an Unclogged Drain

The method we describe below is simple and can quickly fix stubborn clogs without too much hassle. The best part? You most likely have all the necessary components in your home already. While it might not technically be “chemical-free,” it’s certainly free from harsh chemicals that could cause damage if proper chemical safety standards aren’t met. Moreover, those harsh chemicals can do some damage. While your drains can handle quite a bit, adding caustic chemicals to the mix is a recipe for disaster. Most plumbers will urge you not to resort to household drain cleaners. For the method we will use, we’ll be employing the old science fair standbys — baking soda and vinegar. While we might not be making volcanoes, the reaction between the two components can give your drain the clearing strength it needs to release even the most rock-solid clogs. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Measure out a cup of baking soda, pour it into the drain and almost immediately follow with an equal amount of vinegar.
2. Wait around five minutes, and then flush the drain with around half a gallon of hot water. Take it slow, just in case the clog still exists.
3. Repeat until the drain is free and clear of any obstructions.

Tips to Prevent Future Clogs

Now that you’ve dislodged the clog and the water is running freely down the drain, what can you do to prevent future clogs from causing problems? Well, first off, you want to make sure that you aren’t sending a lot of hair down the drain. Natural fibers tend to clump and cause obstructions. To keep things hair-free, run water when you’re shaving or brushing your hair. This can give the drain enough time to clear the hair before it starts to pile up and start a clog. Another good tip is to keep a drain screen on all your drains. While this might collect the nasty bits that usually go down your drain, it can make sure that things that cause clogs also get caught too. Drain screens are easy to come by, and you can even fashion them yourself with some metal mesh and some clippers — just be careful of any sharp edges. Another great tip is to have your plumber come and perform a full drain cleaning. This can catch those hard-to-miss spots and prevent future clogs.

Knowing What Not to Put Down Your Drains

While you might get away with the occasional slip-up, for the most part you want to be on top of keeping things out of your drains that have no business going down them. Generally speaking, you should only be putting water down the drain, and the occasional food scrap if you have a garbage disposal. Anything else can easily lead to a clogged drain. Here are some other things to watch out for:

• Coffee grounds
• Butter and oils
• Eggshells
• Pasta
• Rice
• Excessive amounts of hair

Still Struggling? How to Tackle That Stubborn Clog

If you’ve tried the baking soda method and come up short, never fret. You still have a chance to tackle the clog with a few key tools. While a plunger can stand up to some stubborn clogs, make sure you have the right kind. Usually, a cup plunger is the best style for dealing with drains that fall on a flat surface. This gives the cup the suction power it needs to make a proper seal. If things still won’t budge, it might be time to break out the real equipment. In this case, a drain snake can certainly be of assistance. In fact, if you call up your local plumbers, they will most likely employ this specialty tool. Basically, the snake sends down a skinny metal wire with a hook-end attachment. Once you hit the clog, you turn a special handle on the snake to dig in the hook. Once you’ve got a hold of the clog, all you have to do is pull it out. But be warned, you won’t like what you see on the other end. If this makes you squeamish, give your plumber a call — they do this kind of thing every day.

Looking for Quality Plumbers in Red Oak, TX?

Whether it’s a stubborn clog or a leaky faucet, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has the plumbers you need to get the job done. Our helpful team is on standby to send out a plumber to your home in no time. To schedule an appointment for service, reach out online.