Drain cleaning: 8 effective and quick methods

If water does not drain properly in your sink, shower, washbasin, or toilet, you are likely facing a clogged pipe. This situation is often caused by the accumulation of hair, grease, soap residue, toilet paper, or food waste. Sometimes, it can also result from a design flaw, insufficient maintenance, or wear of the pipes.

A clog in the pipes can cause major inconveniences, such as bad odors, backflow of wastewater, or even risks of overflow, leaks, and flooding. It is therefore crucial to act quickly to find an adequate solution and remedy the problem.

This article explores 8 methods to unclog your pipes, taking into account simplicity, ecological impact, and cost. You will thus discover the option best suited to your situation to ensure the proper functioning of your pipes.

Understanding the clog issue

Identifying the cause of a clog in the pipes is crucial before proceeding with its removal. The location, nature, and size of the clog influence the unclogging method to be adopted. It is therefore essential to recognize the signs of a clogged pipe and determine the possible causes.

Signs of a clogged pipe

Typical symptoms of a clogged pipe include:

• Slow or interrupted water flow in sinks, basins, showers, or toilets.
• Backflow of wastewater in sanitary installations, generating unpleasant odors.
• Gurgling noises in the pipes when using faucets or toilets.
• Water overflow outside your home, especially at inspection chambers.

These symptoms should prompt you to act immediately to avoid major inconveniences affecting your comfort and safety.

What are the common causes of a clog?

Blockages in pipes can occur for various reasons depending on the type of affected installation. Here are the main causes:

• The accumulation of organic waste (hair, fur, food scraps, toilet paper) gradually forming blockages.
• The buildup of grease, soap, or limescale on pipe walls, reducing their diameter and hindering water flow.
• The presence of foreign objects (toys, wipes, tampons) accidentally or intentionally thrown, obstructing water flow.
• Invasion of tree roots into underground pipes, causing damage and blockages.
• Design, construction, or maintenance errors (inappropriate slope, incorrect sizing, connection issues) hindering flow in the pipes.

It is advisable to follow certain guidelines to prevent clogs: avoid throwing solid waste into pipes, regularly clean traps, use appropriate maintenance products, and have your sanitation network inspected by an expert.

Manual unclogging methods

When faced with a clog in your pipes and you have neither chemicals nor specialized equipment on hand, you can turn to simple manual techniques. Using common objects, these methods can be effective for resolving minor or easily accessible clogs. Here are three manual unclogging strategies to try.

1) Use a plunger

The plunger remains essential for clearing pipes. It creates a suction force capable of dislodging and bringing the clog to the surface. Here are the steps to use it correctly:

• Position the plunger over the blocked pipe opening.
• Make sure the water covers the suction cup's plastic by filling the sink, basin, or bathtub sufficiently.
• Plug the overflow opening with a cloth or adhesive tape.
• Make a rapid and continuous back-and-forth movement with the plunger to create suction and clear the clog.
• Stop the movement as soon as you hear the clog pass or when the water starts to drain normally.
• Remove the plunger and clean the pipe access.

This method is particularly suitable for clogs caused by organic residues or grease buildup. For increased effectiveness, you can pour boiling water or white vinegar into the pipe before or after using the plunger.

2) Manually disassembling the siphon

The siphon, that curved part under your sink, basin, or bathtub, traps odors and can accumulate debris forming a clog. To manually disassemble it:

• Place a container under the siphon to catch any water and debris.
• Unscrew the siphon by hand or with adjustable pliers.
• Clean the siphon with soapy water or white vinegar, then check the condition of the seals and replace them if necessary.
• Reattach the siphon, ensuring it is properly screwed in.

This method is suitable for removing clogs of hair, fur, food scraps, or small objects. Handle the siphon carefully and follow safety instructions.

3) The metal hanger as an improvised plumber's snake

In the absence of a plumber's snake, a tool specially designed to unclog pipes, a metal hanger can serve as a substitute solution. To make this improvised snake:

• Straighten the hanger completely and form a straight line.
• Using pliers or scissors, form a hook at one end of the hanger.
• Gently insert the hanger into the clogged pipe and push until you reach the obstruction.
• Make rotating and back-and-forth movements to catch or pierce the clog.
• Remove the hanger and the clog, then rinse the pipe with hot water.

This tip is useful for pipes blocked by objects or solid waste, but be careful not to damage the pipe with the hanger.

Unclogging methods with products

If manual methods fail to resolve your clogged pipes, it is possible to resort to chemical solutions. These, although more powerful, vary in their level of environmental and human health respect. Here are three methods using products to effectively unclog your pipes.

4) The baking soda and white vinegar duo

Baking soda combined with white vinegar is an eco-friendly solution that can effectively unclog your pipes. Baking soda, an alkaline salt, reacts with white vinegar, an acid, producing carbon dioxide and water. This reaction creates fizzing that helps dislodge the clog. To implement this method, follow these steps:

• Pour two tablespoons of baking soda into the pipe.
• Add a glass of white vinegar on top.
• Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then boil water.
• Pour the boiling water to rinse the clog and any residue.

This technique is particularly suitable for pipes clogged by organic waste or grease. It is safe for the environment and your health but may be less effective than conventional chemical products.

5) Boiling water to dissolve grease blockages

Using boiling water is a simple but effective method to dissolve grease clogs in pipes. Grease, solidified by contact with cold water, can be liquefied with boiling water. To do this:

• Boil a sufficient amount of water.
• Pour it carefully into the pipe, avoiding any risk of burns.
• Repeat if necessary until the water flows freely.

This method is recommended for pipes clogged by grease. It is environmentally friendly and safe for health but may be ineffective against other types of blockages.

6) The use of chemical drain cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners contain corrosive substances such as caustic soda, sulfuric acid, or bleach, which dissolve blockages through a chemical reaction. To use them safely:

• Read carefully and follow the product's instructions and precautions for use.
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
• Apply the recommended dose of product directly into the pipe.
• Let it act for the suggested time before rinsing with cold water.

This method is effective against all types of blockages but can pose a danger to the environment, your health, and the integrity of your pipes. Use it with caution and sparingly.

Mechanical and technological unclogging methods

When chemical products fail to unclog your pipes, it's time to consider mechanical and technological approaches. These alternatives use more sophisticated tools specially designed to tackle stubborn or deep blockages. Although these methods are often more complex and may require expert help, here are two techniques you can try.

7) Using a professional drain snake

The professional drain snake, equipped with a flexible metal cable and a rotating head at its end, is perfect for removing blockages by drilling, cutting, or scraping. To use it properly, you need to:

• Select a drain snake suitable for the diameter and length of your pipe.
• Connect your drain snake to a power source, electric or battery.
• Insert the drain snake into the clogged pipe and advance it until the blockage.
• Activate the drain snake so that the rotating head breaks and removes the blockage.
• Extract the drain snake and clean the pipe with water.

This method is effective on all types of blockages, including the most resistant or distant ones. However, it can be dangerous if the drain snake is misused or if the pipe is damaged.

8) Using a high-pressure cleaner

The high-pressure cleaner, thanks to its extremely powerful water jet, is capable of clearing pipes by expelling blockages. Its use requires:

• Choosing a model equipped with a hose and a nozzle designed for unclogging.
• Connecting the cleaner to a water and electricity source.
• Inserting the hose into the pipe until reaching the blockage.
• Activating the cleaner to spray the blockage with water pressure.
• Removing the hose and the final cleaning of the pipe with water.

This technique, although effective on all types of blockages, even the most stubborn or deeply located ones, can be noisy, messy, and involve a certain cost.

Conclusion

You now have all the necessary information to unclog your drains. You are aware of the warning signs and main causes of a clog, and know the various techniques to fix it. Depending on the nature, location, and size of the clog, as well as your preferences regarding ecology, safety, and budget, you can select the most appropriate method. You can choose between manual, chemical, or technology- and mechanical-based solutions, depending on the complexity of the problem.

It is important to act before a clog worsens and causes more serious damage. Take measures as soon as you notice slow water flow, wastewater backup, gurgling noises, or overflows. If you cannot resolve the problem yourself, or if you have doubts about the condition of your sanitation system, do not hesitate to consult a drain unclogging expert. This professional can offer you sound advice and a quick, effective intervention.

FAQ

How to unclog a very blocked pipe?

To effectively unclog a drain, you have several options:

• Mix baking soda, white vinegar, salt, and hot water. Pour into the drain, let sit for a few minutes, then repeat if necessary.
• Use a plunger to create a pressure effect that helps dislodge the clog.
• Use a plumbing snake to reach and break up the clog deep inside.

What is the most effective product to unclog drains?

The choice of product depends on the nature of the obstruction:

• Baking soda: ideal against grease, limescale, or hair clogs. Pour and rinse with hot water.
• Hydrochloric acid: effective on stubborn clogs like limescale or toilet paper. Dilute, pour, let act, then rinse thoroughly.

How to remove a clog in a pipe?

The method depends on the nature and location of the clog:

• For organic or limescale clogs, pour a mixture of boiling water with baking soda or white vinegar into the drain.
• If the clog is accessible, a plumbing snake or an unfolded hanger can be used to remove it manually.

How does a plumber unclog a drain?

A plumber uses various tools and methods:

• Plunger, to create pressure that pushes the clog.
• Drain snake, a flexible rod to pierce or remove the clog.
• Boiling water, to dissolve grease and soaps.
• Mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and salt for a cleaning chemical reaction.