The city of Guildford, steeped in history and boasting a picturesque landscape, is a desirable place to live. However, like any other place, houses here face common mechanical issues such as blocked drains. While hiring professional plumbers can be the most effective solution to such a problem, it can also be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, there are several effective DIY techniques to unblock drains, provided that the problem is not severe. So, if you’re in Guildford (or anywhere else for that matter) and facing a blocked drain issue, here’s a list of some DIY methods that you can use to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.
1. Boiling Water: Simple, yet effective, boiling water could be the easiest and quickest solution to a blocked drain. The hot water helps to dissolve or dislodge the elements causing the clog like grease, soap or fat. Pouring the boiling water into the blocked drain in two or three stages, with a couple of minutes in between, should result in a clear drain.
2. DIY Drain Snake: A drain snake is a long flexible metal rod that’s pushed down a drain to dislodge blockages. You can make your own using a wire coat hanger. The goal is to get in there and physically push the obstruction out of the way. But remember to be careful not to damage your pipes in the process.
3. Baking Soda and blocked drains guildford Vinegar: A mild chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can be used to unblock your drain. Pour half a cup of baking soda into your drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes. After that, rinse the drain with boiling water. This method can dissolve fatty acids thus clearing the drain.
4. Wet and Dry Vacuum: If you have a wet and dry vacuum, it can be a very effective tool to unblock drains. You need to create a seal for the hose to adhere to the drain with an old plunger head or some other tool flat enough to cover the opening. Set your vacuum to vacuum liquids, cover the vents to avoid a mess, form a tight seal over the drain, and, power on the vacuum to hopefully draw the clog up the pipe and into the vacuum bag.
5. Plumbers’ Plunger: A classic method is to use a plunger. Make sure there’s enough water in the toilet to cover the bell of the toilet plunger. Block any overflow spouts before you begin plunging so you can get a strong seal. The up-and-down pressure created by the plunger can help to loosen any blockages so your pipes can flow smoothly once again.
If you cannot unblock your drain using these methods, then the problem could be more serious than you initially thought. It might be time to call in the professionals for help. Professional drain cleaners in Guildford, equipped with the right knowledge and tools, can get your drains running freely in no time at all, without causing damage to your pipes.
Remember, do not pour chemicals into your drains to clear them. These chemicals can damage your pipes resulting in more serious problems in the future and they also are harmful to the environment. Whenever you are in doubt, it is always best to seek advice from a plumbing expert rather than risk causing more damage.
Maintaining a regular cleaning routine can also help to prevent blocked drains in Guildford homes. Regularly rinsing your drains with hot water or cleaning them with the baking soda and vinegar mixture can help to prevent the pesky build-up that leads to blockages. Prevention is the best cure and maintaining your drains regularly can save you from bigger issues down the line.