Tips for Removing a Blockage from Your Pipes
When you have an obstructed pipe in your home, whether it’s under the sink, the shower or the toilet, it’s often in your best interests to call an experienced plumber. However, you may want to try a few home remedies first. Here are some options to help you break up a blockage in your home’s plumbing.
Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
If the blockage is caused by grease or similar substances, you may be able to break it loose with boiling water, which can liquefy the obstruction. Unfortunately, it may only move the blockage further down in the pipe. Use a funnel, if you have one, so that the water is targeted to the pipe. If the blockage is caused by hair (a common cause of drain plugs), boiling water alone probably won’t do the trick.
Use a Plunger
There’s one in just about every bathroom–the plunger works by creating powerful suction that loosens a clog. The plunger will typically be more effective if you apply some petroleum jelly to the outside edges and if you submerge it in some water.
Make Your Own Drain Cleaner
Most of the commercially available drain cleaners have pretty nasty chemical in them, which can get on your hands, your clothes or up your nose (in the form of fumes). A more natural, but effective home remedy uses baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring baking soda down the drain. Wait a few minutes and pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. The chemical reaction will often soften many clogs, including hair plugs. Wait a couple hours and then pour boiling water down the drain.
Use a Hook
Take a wire clothes hanger and bend one end so that you can snake it down the drain. Leave a small hook on the end, so that you can snag the blockage and pull it up the drain. (It will likely be slimy and smelly–be prepared).
Contact Public Service Plumbers
To learn how we can help you, call (214) 753-4633 or contact us by e-mail and we’ll schedule an appointment.
At Public Service Plumbers, we answer our phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can send our service personnel to your home or business anytime, day or night. All of our plumbers are factory-trained and factory-certified.
Public Service Plumbers
5610 Dyer Street
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 753-4633
We offer plumbing installation and repair services to individuals and businesses throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Richardson, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Coppell, Garland, Mesquite, Addison, Kessler Park, Farmers Branch, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and Lewisville.