Do you need to fix a clogged drain? Where do you start? With three easy ways to fix and prevent this irritating plumbing problem from reoccurring, you will be able to do it yourself and avoid future problems at the same time.
Anytime that you have to call on someone to help you inside of your home, it can be rather costly. By utilizing these three hacks, you will be able to save some money and maintain your home on your own.
Anyone can do this and you do not have to be a certified plumber for this easy process. You do not need any experience. Plus, the entire process can be completed within 15 minutes/drain. Above all, I promise that you can do this!
Table of Contents
The Fix
Quickly get the help you need now to fix a clogged drain without having to rely on anyone else. It is a pain to quickly get someone to come out for an appointment to fix a small plumbing problem.
Plus, you would be surprised at how costly a quick service fee can be by calling a professional. Avoid all of these inconveniences with one quick fix!
Not to say that you can do all of your own plumbing work, but some jobs can be simple do it yourself tasks. Clogged drains are definitely one of them.
The Timeless Construction Companion:
The Shop-Vac
As the daughter of a contractor, I know the necessity of having a shop vac on the job.
I remember for every single job, the shop vac was right there. That orange robot looking machine went everywhere my dad went. He swore by its power.
When my husband and I decided to buy a nearly 100-year-old home, that orange machine was happily given to us by my dad. He knew that we would definitely need it.
Well not only is it amazing at cleaning up drywall debris and demo work, but it can fix a clogged drain too!
I utilize this shop vac at least once every six months to clean out the drains for the tubs, the bathroom sinks, and the laundry room sink.
Now, this process can be a little bit gross. What you see come out of your drain is absolutely disgusting and it does smell, but afterward, you will no longer have to stand in bathwater anymore.
That moment when you look down at that water just floating and not draining, is the moment of disgust and panic! Oh no, the drain is clogged – this is going to cost a fortune! Who can I call?
Worry no more, you will quickly be able to fix a clogged drain.
You won’t have to see your toothpaste spit spinning around in the sink, and you will no longer have to hope that the water will clear from your tub or sink.
The Process
The process is rather easy. First, plug in your shop vacuum. Also, make sure that the top is securely on. Place the hose directly over the drain.
Make sure that the hose is flush with the tub or the sink opening.
Next, turn that orange machine on, and voila – the disgusting dirt, grime, hair, and who knows what else is going to start pumping right into the vacuum.
You cannot use any other type of vacuum but a shop vac! These particular types of vacuums are designed to handle wet/dry materials. Other vacuums can cause serious harm.
Now if your drain has a little cross bar blocking the drain, you may have to use tweezer to take out any debris that is just wrapped around that particular piece of metal.
Nonetheless, your drain is going to be freed of so many clogging particles that you will be amazed at how quickly your tub drains after this process.
Afterward, you could just cleanse the surrounding drain area with a little bit of bleach cleaner or use a Clorox wipe to clean the surrounding surface.
With each drain, you will probably spend about 10-15 minutes taking care of these plumbing problems.
To ensure a cleaner drain that lasts longer, try to do this vacuuming process twice a year. So shoot for January and June to be your months to clean your sinks and tubs out, and you will surely prevent any major plumbing issues down the road.
Shop-Vac Worthiness
Also, I just want to mention one more thing about the shop vac.
Don’t think that you have wasted your money by investing in the power of the shop vac either.
The shop vac is rather versatile and once you purchase it, you will wonder how you ever completed house projects without it!
The Prevention
With homeownership, comes the responsibility of making sure to take preventive measures to ensure that you are trying your best to avoid major problems and extremely costly repairs.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent these types of plumbing issues from really causing a major build-up in your pipes.
Use a Hair Catcher
This simple plastic device is fantastic. When you shower, your hair naturally falls out. When it does, it is the main component of your clogged drain problems.
With this little hair catcher, you will be shocked by how much hair builds up after just one shower.
Of course, make sure to clean out this little catcher after each shower because well if you don’t that’s just plain disgusting! No one needs to see that!
Anyhow, by using this hair catcher you are definitely preventing future clogs.
Avoid Salt Scrubs & Exfoliants
So I know that this may be upsetting to hear. Nonetheless, when you use bath products with salt scrubs and exfoliants, you are more likely to have drainage issues.
Furthermore, these products love to cling to the sides of pipes and stay there. They are extremely hard to break down and will likely be the cause of your plumbing problems.
Also, really thick body creams and hair conditioners are also problematic.
If you must use these products, try to use them sparingly and not as frequently as your everyday conditioners and body washes.
Calm Waters Ahead
After fixing and preventing your plumbing, you will surely have calm waters ahead. Nevertheless, you will no longer be caught in dirty tub water!
Congrats on the great do-it-yourself work and make sure to take a nice relaxing bath afterward to soak up all of your success!
& Remember
Start with the Bed,
Juliet
