FAQ About Cleaning Clogged Drains

Finding out that a drain in your home is clogged can be stressful. A clogged drain is not like chipped paint on the wall that you can easily conceal; clogged drains usually require the services of a skilled and professional plumber. But before you start making calls, try a couple of things on your own to see if you can fix the problem yourself.

• Will running hot water work?  Running hot water down the drain oftens  breaks up the clog without having to call a plumber. If what is causing the clog in your drain is something simple such as food particles or some soapy buildup, hot water will essentially melt the clog after some time.


• How useful are chemical clog removers? Chemical clog removers are now widely available, which will ideally help you handle clogged drains and sinks at home. Chemical clog removers work by dissolving the clog. You need to pour it directly into the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush it with hot water afterwards. The only problem with using these chemicals is that you might have to repeat the process a number of times before the water starts running normal again.


• If I don’t let anything go down my drain except the usual stuff, why does it still clog? Eventually, all drainage systems clog. Even when you are very careful washing your dishes and keep all food particles and oily residue from going down your drain, it is still likely that you will miss something at some point. 


• Are homemade drain cleaner recipes effective? Yes, naturally unclogging a drain using the things you can find at home has worked for decades. For minor clogs, you can always use the trusted baking soda and vinegar tandem. All you will need is a cup of baking soda, toss it down the drain, then pour a cup of regular vinegar and let it sit for about half an hour and then flush with hot water.