DIY Drain Cleaning: What Works (and What Definitely Doesn't) 🛠️🚰
Clogged sink or bathtub drain? 🛁 Slow kitchen sink draining? 🍽️
Before you reach for harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets, let's talk about the safe and smart ways to clean your drains—and the mistakes you should never make.
What Actually Works ✅
🪠 The Good Old Plunger
A plunger isn't just for toilets!
A cup plunger (flat bottom) works best on sinks, showers, and tubs.
How to do it:
- Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger’s bell.
- Create a firm seal and push up and down vigorously.
- Release and check if the water drains freely.
🧠 Pro Tip: Always cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth for better suction!
🐍 Manual Drain Snakes
Also called drain augers, these flexible metal cables can physically pull out hair, food clogs, and gunk.
Steps:
- Insert the snake into the drain.
- Crank it slowly to snag or push through the clog.
- Gently pull it back and clean off debris.
⚠️ Be gentle! Forcing a snake too hard can damage pipes.
💧 Hot Water + Vinegar + Baking Soda
An eco-friendly, budget-friendly drain cleaner! 🌱
How to do it:
- Pour boiling water down the drain.
- Add 1/2 cup baking soda.
- Add a mix of 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup hot water.
- Cover the drain and wait 5-10 minutes.
- Flush with more hot water.
This can clear small soap, grease, and scum build-up!
What Definitely Doesn't Work (or Can Make It Worse) ❌
🚫 Chemical Drain Cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners can damage your pipes over time, especially PVC, older metal pipes, and septic systems.
They also rarely work on serious clogs.
⚠️ Warning: Chemical reactions can generate dangerous fumes!
🚫 Hacking with Wire Hangers
We’ve all seen DIY videos bending coat hangers—but this can scratch your pipes and push clogs deeper instead of clearing them.
🚫 Ignoring Bigger Issues
If your clogs keep returning, DIY methods are only masking the problem.
You could have:
- Tree roots 🌳 in your sewer line
- A collapsed drainpipe
- Major grease buildup
👉 Time to call in Garza’s Plumbing pros for a professional inspection!
When to Call Garza's Plumbing 🚨
If you notice:
- 💀 Frequent clogs in the same drain
- 💀 Multiple drains clogged at once
- 💀 Water backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets
- 💀 Strange smells or gurgling sounds
It’s not just a clog—it’s a deeper problem that needs expert attention!
📞 Contact Garza's Plumbing today for fast, professional drain cleaning services.
🛠️ Tired of Stubborn Drains?
Don't fight clogs alone!
Call Garza's Plumbing for expert drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and plumbing peace of mind.