There is no doubt you will want to reach for a chemical solution when your sink won’t drain, and the shower turns into a cesspool. However, whatever you put into the system eventually ends up in the municipal water treatment plant, and not all of that gets cleaned out. For that reason, many homeowners are turning away from chemical solutions and seeking alternative drain cleaning options. While some work, many don’t, and you need to be careful which you choose to use. To that end, we are happy to tell you which solutions we recommend that we know will generate the desired result.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 to learn more about the things you can do to keep your drains running freely. It is always our pleasure to help you keep the plumbing systems in your West Ashley, Summerville, or Mount Pleasant home operating in peak condition.

Plunge the Drain

Plunging will help clear some clogs, but it isn’t able to remove clogs from deep within the system. However, there are some things you can do to increase the effectiveness of plunging. Start by bailing out the sink or bathtub until it’s reasonably dry. Next, pour 1/2 box to 1 box of baking soda into the drain. Immediately add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of vinegar and place the plunger over the drain to create a seal. Hold the plunger down tightly while the reaction between the vinegar and baking soda goes to work. Once it stops sizzling, remove the plunger and wait about 30 minutes, then pour a teapot of hot water into the drain. You may need to do this once or even twice to remove the clog.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 to learn more about the power of baking soda and vinegar to clear your clogs. It is our pleasure to help you keep the plumbing systems flowing freely in your West Ashley, Summerville, or Mount Pleasant home.

Use a Bent Hanger

Bend a wire hanger and insert it into the drain. You can use the hook end to fish hair and other debris out of the pipes. Be sure to pull this gunk out rather than trying to push it deeper into the pipe. Many times, the clog that’s holding things up is only a couple of feet past the drain, and this method makes it easy to remove them.

Grab the Shop Vac

If you have a wet and dry vacuum, you can use it to unclog the drains in your Charleston-area home. Set it to vacuum liquids then cover the vent to help contain the fluid you suck out. Create a seal over the drain using an old plunger head, then affix the end of the hose to the plunger head. Turn the vacuum on to the highest setting and see what comes out.

Break Out the Snake

Drain snakes are long, flexible metal ropes that have a spiral hook on the end. This hook grabs debris and removes it from the pipe. These come in various lengths and styles, which makes it easy to choose one that works for you. While you may feel intimidated using a snake for the first time, the reality is these tried and trusted devices are some of the most straightforward tools to operate, and they are highly effective at removing stubborn clogs deep within the plumbing of your home.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 to learn more about how to use a drain snake. Our certified plumbers are always happy to help our clients learn how to use these tools to maintain their plumbing systems in West Ashley, Summerville, or Mount Pleasant.

Boil the Clog

Hot water is fabulous at removing clogs because many clogs are held together by oils, fats, and other debris that dissolves under high heat. Boil several kettles of water and gradually pour them into the drain. Allow the heat to work its magic by letting it sit for several seconds between pours. You may need to pour one kettle, or several gallons, down the drain for this method to work.

Dump in Dish Detergent

Dish detergent is designed to break up stubborn grease, fat, and oil. It also acts as a lubricant that can help flush debris from the drain. Pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent into your clogged toilet, sink, or shower, allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes, then pour in a gallon or two of hot water. Next, plunge the toilet or drain. If it’s a stubborn clog, you may need to repeat these steps to achieve the best result.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 for help clearing out your clogs. Our certified plumbers are ready to help you solve your plumbing issues in the Charleston area.