Few things are more annoying than a slow or clogged drain. Water pooling in the sink, a shower that won’t drain properly, or a toilet that keeps backing up can throw off your whole day. While some clogs are easy to clear, others can be a real headache. Knowing when to tackle the problem yourself and when to call in a professional can save you time, money, and frustration.
Today, Bob Larson Plumbing will walk you through safe DIY methods for clearing minor drain clogs, and discuss signs that mean it’s time to call a plumber.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
A clog doesn’t happen overnight—it builds up over time. Here are the most common culprits behind slow or blocked drains:
- Hair – One of the biggest causes of bathroom drain clogs. It tangles and sticks to soap scum, creating a tough blockage.
- Grease & Oil – Kitchen drains suffer the most from this. Grease solidifies inside pipes, trapping food particles and leading to stubborn clogs.
- Soap Scum & Mineral Buildup – Hard water can leave mineral deposits, and soap scum can cling to pipes, gradually narrowing the opening.
- Food Scraps – Even if you have a garbage disposal, things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods can build up and block your sink.
- Foreign Objects – Kids’ toys, cotton swabs, dental floss, or even too much toilet paper can cause serious plumbing issues.
Understanding what causes clogs can help you prevent them, but if you’re already dealing with a slow drain, here’s how to handle it.
Safe DIY Drain Cleaning Methods
Before reaching for a chemical drain cleaner, try these safe and effective ways to clear minor clogs. Remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable doing DIY plumbing, always reach out to an expert plumber first:
1. Plunging
A plunger isn’t just for toilets—it can work wonders on sinks and tubs too.
- Make sure there’s enough water in the sink or tub to cover the plunger’s rubber end.e
- Create a tight seal and plunge up and down a few times.
- If the water starts draining, you’ve likely dislodged the clog!
2. Vinegar & Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
What is the best drain cleaner? You probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen: baking soda and vinegar. It’s a natural and gentle way to break up small clogs and eliminate odors.
- Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
- Add one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of vinegar.
- Cover the drain and let it fizz for 15 minutes.
- Flush with another pot of boiling water.
3. Hot Water & Dish Soap for Grease Clogs
Grease clogs can be tricky, but hot water and dish soap can help break them up.
- Boil a pot of water and mix in a few tablespoons of dish soap.
- Slowly pour the mixture down the drain.
- Follow with more hot water to flush away loosened grease.
4. Drain Snake
A drain snake, or auger, can help break up hair and debris deeper in the pipe.
- Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it while pushing forward.
- If you feel resistance, twist it to grab onto the clog and pull it out.
- Be gentle—forcing it can damage pipes.
If these methods don’t work, your clog may be more serious than it seems.
Does Drain Cleaner Work?
Store-bought drain cleaners might seem like an easy fix, but they can do more harm than good:
- They can corrode pipes – Harsh chemicals eat away at pipes, especially older ones, leading to leaks.
- They can be dangerous – The fumes are strong, and if they come into contact with your skin, they can cause burns.
- They don’t always work – If the clog is deep or caused by something like a tree root, a drain cleaner won’t help.
For tough clogs, a professional plumber can remove blockages without damaging your pipes.
Signs You Need to Call a Plumber for Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Sometimes, DIY just isn’t enough. Here’s when you should leave it to the experts:
- Recurring Clogs – If you keep dealing with the same slow drain over and over, it’s likely a bigger problem deeper in the pipes.
- Multiple Clogged Drains – When more than one drain is backing up, it could mean a blockage in your main sewer line.
- Bad Smells – Persistent sewer odors coming from your drains can be a sign of a major issue.
- Gurgling Sounds – If your drain makes gurgling noises when you flush the toilet or run water, air might be trapped in the pipes due to a blockage.
- Water Backing Up in Unexpected Places – If running the sink causes water to rise in the tub or a toilet flush leads to bubbling in the sink, something is blocking your plumbing system.
These issues require professional tools and expertise to fix—ignoring them can lead to costly damage.
Call Bob Larson Plumbing for Expert Drain Cleaning
If your drains are still clogged after trying safe DIY methods, it’s time to bring in the pros. At Bob Larson Plumbing, we use the right tools and techniques to clear blockages without harming your pipes. We can handle everything from a simple fix to a major backup; we’ll get your plumbing flowing again.
Don’t let a clogged drain turn into a bigger problem—call Bob Larson Plumbing today and get it fixed right the first time!
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Skip the Guesswork – Get Professional Drain Cleaning from Bob Larson Plumbing Now!
Dealing with a stubborn clog that just won’t budge? Don’t risk damaging your pipes with harsh chemicals or DIY mistakes—let the experts at Bob Larson Plumbing handle it for you!
Our professional drain cleaning services are safe, effective, and designed to keep your plumbing in top shape. Call Bob Larson Plumbing today for fast, reliable service and say goodbye to clogged drains for good!
Contact us online or call us at (253) 400-1615 to schedule your service!
