Clogged drains are more than just messy; they can cause odors, slow drainage and even water damage. Avoid them by practicing preventative measures like cleaning out drain strainers regularly and flushing only human waste, toilet paper and trash. 

If these tips don’t work, it may be time to call a professional plumber! Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ can help. Here are 4 top tips to unclog clogged drains in your plumbing. 

Plunger 

Many clogged drains are caused by fat, soap scum, food waste and other solids. These can become gummy and create an obstruction that water can't push through. Using a plunger can dislodge these solids and make them easier for water to flow through the pipe. 

Start by positioning the rubber bell of the plunger over the clogged drain and ensuring that there is a seal. Then, begin plunging in quick motions. Eventually, this back-and-forth pressure can break up the blockage and allow water to flow freely down the drain. 

If your plunger fails, try a'snake' (aka wire hanger) or another tool that can be snaked into the pipe. These tools can help dislodge hair, fat and other debris. If none of these methods work, you may want to try a commercial chemical drain cleaner. However, this should be a last resort as these cleaners are toxic and can damage your pipes. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.

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Snake 

A drain snake can remove most clogs from sink, tub, and toilet drains. It's a tool that can be used by homeowners with minimal plumbing experience. 

Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with a drain snake to avoid injuries. It's also important to use a handheld snake that fits the size of your drain pipe. 

Uncoil the snake slowly, aiming it toward your clogged pipe. When you feel resistance, you know you've encountered the clog. Rotate and maneuver the snake's head to break up or hook the clog and then reel it in. 

Once you've pulled the snake, run water to flush out the debris and test your drain. Clean the snake and store it in a safe spot for future use. If your drain is still clogged, repeat the steps or call a plumber. If you're careful, using a snake can save you time and money by avoiding costly professional plumbers. Taking preventive measures like putting in a grease trap, using a garbage disposal that's properly sized for your home, and placing strainers or screens in sinks can help reduce the need to snake drains. 

Baking Soda & Vinegar

You’ve probably tried this hack before—baking soda and vinegar create a bubbling chemical reaction that helps loosen and dislodge buildup in drains. It’s a cheap, eco friendly, and effective alternative to commercial chemical drain cleaners such as Drano. 

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) neutralizes acidic vinegar (dilute acetic acid), creating carbon dioxide gas that fizzes and foams. Together, they naturally clean your drain by breaking down grease and mineral deposits. This technique also helps eliminate odors and freshen your drain. 

Pour a large pot of boiling water down your drain to help loosen gunk before adding baking soda and vinegar. Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper and let the mixture sit and fizz for about an hour. Then, flush the drain with more boiling water. Repeat if needed until your drain is completely unclogged. Use this method regularly to keep your drains clear and smelling good. It’s also a great way to prevent future clogs! 

Boiling Water 

Boiling water is an effective drain unclogging method for some types of clogs, particularly those caused by soap scum or grease. However, the use of boiling water as a drain cleaning method is not without limitations. For one, the high temperatures of boiling water can cause damage to plumbing if used frequently. This is especially true for plastic pipe materials, such as PVC, which can be softened or even melted by high heats. 

While using boiling water for drain unclogging is fairly straightforward, it requires careful handling to ensure safety and effectiveness. This guide will help you understand the conditions under which this technique works best, as well as provide tips on how to handle boiling water safely and efficiently. Ultimately, this is an excellent at-home alternative to chemical drain cleaners, which can often eat through pipes and lead to more costly repairs down the line. For serious clogs, however, you may need to call a professional plumber for a thorough inspection and solution.