Can You Clean a Drain Yourself?

When you can fix a clog and when to call a professional plumber.

A clogged or dirty drain may be a relatively small issue, but it can also take up a lot of your time and energy. A sink that refuses to drain or creates a pungent odor in your home can put entire rooms largely out of commission. Washing dishes or hands becomes a real problem until the drain is cleaned.

The Homestead Comfort team provides comprehensive plumbing services in Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties. Here’s what you need to know about clogged, dirty drains and how to clean them.

When a Drain Needs Cleaning

Causes of Blocked and Smelly Drains

If a sink or fixture drains slowly, stops draining altogether or emits an unpleasant odor, there is likely some accumulation of substances in your drainpipe. It could be hair, dirt, soap or children’s bath toys in the bathroom. It could be food or grease in a kitchen sink or dishwasher. Utility sinks can accumulate any number of obstructive substances.

Do you have a situation where several sinks are clogged simultaneously? This is likely the result of a main sewer blockage. The cause of this is often a tree root, wet wipes, or some other dense object.

Cleaning Drains Yourself

We tell customers they might be able to clean a blocked or dirty drain themselves, saving a service visit. Here are some easy at-home fixes.

1. Straighten out a wire coat hanger, make a half-inch hook at the end and push it to the bottom of the drain. Twist it to remove the obstructions.
2. Pour baking soda and then vinegar down the clogged drain. The bubbling solution can often dissolve the clog and clear away substances that create bad smells.
3. Pour boiling water into the drain. This can loosen clogs and clean the inside of the pipe. Please don’t do it more than once, or you could damage your pipes.
4. If the issue is only a bad smell, thoroughly clean the trap, then add lemon peels or dish soap to the drain for freshness.

Please avoid using caustic drain cleaners, as they can corrode the inside of your pipes and damage your plumbing.

When to Reach Out to Homestead Comfort’s Plumbers

Try these at-home solutions. If they don’t work — or if you have an issue with your main — it’s a good idea to call the plumbing professionals at Homestead Comfort. We will safely and thoroughly clean your drains to get the water flowing again. Turning to licensed plumbers is a better idea than trying more invasive fixes yourself and risking damage to your plumbing. Our team can get the job done promptly, and you’ll have peace of mind that your drains are clean and clear.

We’re always ready to help with any of your plumbing needs. Touch base with Homestead Comfort today.