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Two Plumbing technicians walking alongside the Meetze Plumbing van on their way into a customer's home to fix a plumbing issue Two Plumbing technicians walking alongside the Meetze Plumbing van on their way into a customer's home to fix a plumbing issue

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How To Unclog a Slow Drain

Dealing with a slow drain in your kitchen or bathroom sink can be frustrating. No one likes to look at, let alone wait, for the dirty water to drain out of the sink before going about their business. The thing is that the longer you put up with a slow drain, the more likely it will turn into a full-on clogged drain that can leave you without the use of your sink until you call a plumber to come and remove the clog.

The good news is that in many cases, fixing a slow drain is something that many homeowners are capable of doing on their own. Here are a few things that our plumbing experts suggest for dealing with a slow drain that don’t involve using dangerous chemicals. Those chemicals can damage your plumbing and cause harm to you, your family, and your plumber if they are called to remove the clog.

Remove & Clean the Sink Stopper

If you notice that your bathroom sink seems to be draining slower than usual, the first thing to check is its sink stopper. While the intent of this device is to plug your sink when you need it, it is common that it can become slimed up with soap scum, hair, food waste, mold, or even globs of toothpaste that can get trapped on it. Remove the stopper, clean off any slimy mess, and replace it.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Using baking soda and vinegar to melt away built-up residue is a tried-and-true way to dislodge built-up gunk in your drainpipe. If your drain is slow:

  • Pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain.
  • Next, pour half a cup of white vinegar to start the fizzing reaction that will start breaking up the residue.
  • Stuff a small rag into the drain to prevent the vinegar and baking soda from bubbling up into the sink.
  • Wait 15 minutes while boiling water in your kettle.
  • After 15 minutes, pour the boiling water down the drain and then run the hot water to flush away any remaining debris.

Fish Out the Clog With a Plastic Drain Snake

A plastic drain snake may be just the trick for fishing out small hair clogs that could be slowing down your drain. Insert the snake into your drain to snag hair or other debris that might have accumulated. Wiggle the drain snake around and then pull it out to wipe away debris. Continue doing this until no more hair or debris comes up.

In Columbia, SC, Call Meetze Plumbing for Your Stubborn Clogs

Sometimes, the clog in your drain is further down than what the previous three methods can tackle or require the removal of the sink’s P-trap, which many aren’t comfortable doing. When this happens, it’s time to call a plumber to remove your stubborn clogs.

In Columbia, SC, and the surrounding areas, call Meetze Plumbing to remove your clog and restore proper drainage to your sink. We have been trusted by customers throughout the area for more than 40 years. Our licensed plumbers are available seven days a week to fix clogged drains and other plumbing issues in your home.

Call Meetze Plumbing at (803) 732-3747 to schedule an appointment for all your home’s plumbing needs, including clogged drains.

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