Blocked drains are what most homeowners dread, but sometimes it’s inevitable. A kitchen sink, for instance, has to process huge amounts of grease and food.
When it comes to a bathroom drain, it has to cope with soap suds, grime and hair on a regular basis.
To help unclog drains properly, experienced plumber and CEO at Ace Plumbing Justin Cornforth has shared his go-to method.
He explained that the method for unblocking drains depends on where exactly you have clogged drains: in your bathroom or kitchen.
If you’re dealing with a clog in a bathroom, Justin said: “Don’t spend your time on methods like mixing baking soda and vinegar or other homemade solutions.”
While the mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can be effective at dissolving some kitchen clogs, it “does nothing with hair and bathroom clogs”.
To remove a clog caused by hair, it’s “better to use mechanical methods rather than the ones” that work on a chemical level.
Justin claimed that a drain snake is an “excellent tool for removing clogs” in bathroom drains as they “effectively catch hair, freeing up the drain”.
He added: “A drain snake can clear a clog that is deep in the drain without harming the pipes.”
When it comes to drain snakes, Justin advises opting for one made from flexible durable materials rather than a cheap plastic version that could snap inside the pipe and become “a big problem rather than a solution”.
He suggested: “A drain snake made of stainless steel would be a great long-lasting choice.”
If you’re in a pinch without a drain snake and need to unclog your drain pronto, Justin recommends using a wire coat hanger.
Simply straighten it out, leaving a small hook at one end. Carefully insert it into the drain and try to fish out any hair, soap or grease buildup.
For kitchen drain blockages, something that is “better” than white vinegar, baking soda and harsh chemicals are enzymatic drain cleaners.
These cleaners are composed of natural enzymes and sometimes bacteria that break down organic matter. These enzymes are designed to target specific substances like fats, proteins, and starches, which are often found in kitchen clogs.
However, enzymatic cleaners can struggle to remove mineral deposits and take longer to break down clogs.
