You often don’t think about your plumbing until it presents an issue. However, all of your plumbing is susceptible to developing a clog – from your sink to your bathtub, and even your drain pipe. If you’ve found yourself needing to unclog a drain pipe. Don’t fret – our expert plumbing professionals at Roto-Rooter are here to provide some guidance on how to best approach the situation.
Use A Plunger
Your plunger is the most-trusted method for unclogging your drain pipe. It’s your plumber’s best friend, and for good reason! Plungers can effectively remove clogs from most pipes and should be kept on hand in any household. Don’t be forceful during your initial plunge – you want to be certain all the air is being let out of the bell, and more aggressive attempts can cause the air to splatter. However, after the initial plunge, you can add a bit more force. It also may take upwards of twenty plunges to fully remove the clog; don’t give up hope!
Use A Hanger or Drain Snake
If you don’t have a drain snake available, try using a wire coat hanger. Unbend it as much as you can and create a tiny hook on the end. Snake it into the drain and attempt to clear out the clog. With a drain snake, you can push through the clog and break it up, allowing it to push through the pipe. Afterward, run warm water through your pipes to help fully clear it out. You can purchase a drain snake for up to 100 feet, but a 25-foot snake should more than suffice.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This solution is one of our favorites because it uses common household items. It is simple, yet effective. For this method, mix together one-third cup of baking soda and one-third cup of vinegar and pour it down your drain. The fizziness will help to break down the clog and flush it out of your pipes. We recommend letting it sit for at least an hour, but preferably longer, like overnight, before flushing it out with hot water.
It is important to note that while these are proven methods to unclog a drain pipe, it’s important to be gentle in handling your pipes to avoid damaging them. If you are unable to unclog your pipes by using these methods, it’s time to turn it over to a professional plumber.
Call a Professional Plumber
In order to protect your pipes (and your wallet by preventing further damage), we recommend calling a trusted plumber to unclog your drain pipe. Our drain cleaning experts at Roto-Rooter have dealt with all types of clogs. We not only know how to most effectively solve any plumbing issue you may be experiencing but also employ eco-friendly methods like hydrojetting to ensure both efficiency and sustainability.
If you’ve tried our recommended methods and are still experiencing issues, give Roto-Rooter a call at (251) 219-0633. We service Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties and are proud to be your trusted plumbers in Mobile, Alabama. Contact us today so we can make your drain pipe clog-free!
