Have you ever been about to take a relaxing bath, only to find the water refusing to go down? Or perhaps you’re washing dishes and notice the water pooling at your feet? It’s a common tale, and while your first instinct might be to call a plumber, there are a few handy tricks you can try at home. Pioneer Plumbing & Heating, leaders in the world of plumbing, have kindly spilled the beans on some of their top drain-clearing secrets.
First up, the good old-fashioned plunger. While most associate it with toilets, it can be a drain’s best friend. To use a plunger on a drain, ensure there’s a little water in the sink to help create a seal. Place the plunger over the drain and give it several good pumps. Sometimes, a little elbow grease is all you need!
If the plunger doesn’t do the trick, Pioneer Plumbing suggests the ‘baking soda and vinegar’ method. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of vinegar. It’ll fizz up, working its magic to break down the grime and gunk. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then rinse with hot water.
Ever think of using soda for your drains? It’s not just for sipping! For those stubborn clogs, a 2-liter bottle of cola (room temperature is best) can often help. Its acidic nature can break down buildup. Simply pour, wait an hour, and then rinse with hot water.
Now, if you’ve got a particularly sneaky clog, the borescope might be the answer. It’s a tiny camera on a long, flexible tube, perfect for seeing deep inside drains. While it won’t fix the clog, it’ll give you a good idea of where it is and how big. If you don’t have one, don’t worry; Pioneer Plumbing & Heating is always on hand to help out with their state-of-the-art equipment.