There are a few things that are more annoying AND inconvenient than a slow draining sink or clogged shower drain. Thankfully, ForRent.com has been together a few quickfix tips to handle unclogging a drain. Having a plunger or drain stick handy can make the job easier, and be sure to have a bucket and sponge nearby to deal with overflows if they occur.
As with all clogs, make sure to clear the area around the drain first. Next, remove the cleaning strainer or stopper over the drain. If you need to unscrew it, be careful not to lose the screws down the drain.
Some clogs can be taken care of with a drain stick, such as this. Simply insert the drain stick into the drain, twisting it to go as far as you can down the pipe. Once it penetrates the clog, pull the drain stick back out to pull out the obstruction. If you don’t have a drain stick around, a wire hanger should be able to do the job just fine.
One of many home remedies for unclogging a drain involves using baking soda and vinegar. Pour a pot of boiling water slowly down the drain first, leaving a cup in the pot. Then dump ⅓ cup of baking soda down the drain and leave it for 5 minutes. Mix a cup of vinegar with the remaining hot water, then pour it down the drain as well. After another 20 minutes, pour in another pot of boiling water. Please note this method may not work on more stubborn clogs. In this way, you’ll know how to unclog a bathtub, sink, or shower drain.
Are there other methods you’ve found successful while trying to unclog drains? If so, we’d love to hear them, please share with us in the comments.
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*We can’t promise you that the following techniques won’t get you in trouble with your property manager. Before you start any of these projects, make sure that you get written permission.