You must have experienced this before. You wanted to wash the dishes or run a bath and suddenly you couldn’t. But a clogged drain in your sink, shower or bathtub doesn’t just happen for no reason. The main cause is inadequate drain protection. At first the water starts to drain more slowly and only then the flow stops completely, so it’s nothing sudden. If you don’t want to call a plumber, in this article we will advise you on the most effective ways to clean and protect your drain. The most common culprits are:
- Hair
- Food debris
- Animal hair
Simple protective strainer
This is the most widely used drain protection that is also economically inexpensive. You can choose from plastic, chrome or silicone strainers in a variety of colours and shapes. A strainer can thus be not only effective but also aesthetic. You are sure to find one that will fit right in with the design of your bathroom or kitchen.
Combination of salt water, vinegar and soda
You can remove soap scum in the drain fastest by regularly flushing with salt water. Just keep in mind that the water must be boiling. If you conscientiously stick to this method, then you will keep your drain clean or at least delay any clogging. Another very good helper is baking soda mixed with vinegar in a 1:3 ratio. After you pour it down the drain, wait about 10 minutes and then flush the drain well.
Sound
This very useful tool is available in many shops, but chances are you don’t even need to go anywhere to get it because you already have it at home. Here’s how to do it: use a stopper to close the sink or basin drain, then fill it about halfway with hot water. Uncork and then push the bell several times on the drain. This method is very simple and works reliably.
Installer’s Feather
Now you may be hearing for the first time that such a thing even exists, but it is a very effective tool. A feather is basically a cleaning spring that slides into a clogged drain. It has an eyelet on the end that digs into the dirt and pulls it out. You’ll just need to have another person on hand, because while you’re holding the spring, you need someone to turn the handle.