Clogged waste pipes are inevitable in any home but that doesn’t stop them from being a nuisance. The first sign that you have a clogged waste pipe is when the water drains slower than normal. It will gradually drain slower and slower before it doesn’t drain at all.
At this point, you’re going to need to deal with the clog. It’s worth noting that if only one appliance is draining slowly the clog is close to the appliance. If more than one is draining slowly then the clog can be almost anywhere in the sewer line. It’s a good idea to get a drain camera and verify the location of the clog. You’ll then know you are targeting the right area.
Once you’ve located the log you’ll find the following three methods are effective at eliminating it:
1. The Plunger
The plunger is the first tool you should pick up, it can be very effective, especially if the clog is near the appliance in the trap.
When using a plunger it’s important to ensure the rubber part of the plunger covers the whole of the plughole. This is essential to make sure a seal is formed.
When you have a good seal you can gently move the plunger up and down. This creates a vacuum in the pipe which causes pressure on the blockage. It often causes it to break up, allowing the wastewater through.
2. Drain Auger
If the plunger doesn’t have the desired effect a drain auger is a useful tool. It’s a slim piece of metal on a spool. You thread it into the waste pipe and it’s flexible enough to go round the bends. It will keep moving until it finds the clog.
You’ll then have to move it back and forth in an attempt to break-up the clog. The auger is surprisingly strong as it is made of metal. If it disrupts the clog your problem is solved.
3. Vinegar & Baking Soda
The third option is to use some natural ingredients you probably already have at home. You’ll want to put half a cup of baking soda into the clogged drain. Give it approximately fifteen minutes to settle against the clog.
You can then add vinegar. This reacts with the baking soda to create a mini-explosion, forcing the clog to break up and clearing your pipes.
You should note that it’s best to empty the water out of your sink first, you may need to do this by hand with a cup or bowl.
While there are many drain-clearing chemicals on the market you need to be cautious if considering using them. They can be effective. However, they use strong chemicals and these are known to damage the inside of your pipes. Use them too many times and you’re likely to find your waste pipes aren’t clogged but are leaking.
That’s another issue to resolve.
Final Thought
When you’re dealing with a clog near the appliance it’s often located in the trap under the appliance. You can usually unscrew this and clear the debris by hand. It’s not a pleasant job but it is an option.
