Simple Drain Cleaning Tips You Can Use Today

A clogged drain is no fun for anyone, especially when you’re just trying to use the sink or tub. But before you turn to those easy-to-use chemicals for help, use these drain cleaning tips — straight from the master plumbers at Cliff Bergin & Associates. We’re here to help you clean your pipes and keep them that way. And remember that if you need a more serious drain cleaning solution, you can always call us at 262-242-2456.

Plumber in blue gloves followed drain cleaning tips to clear a clog with a snake.

Clear Out Clogs With Hot Water

Our first tip is one of the simplest. Boil some water over your stove, then immediately pour it down your clogged drain. The hot temperature and the force of a full pot of water can oftentimes be enough to flush away debris lodged in your pipes.

Use a Snake or Plunger

Pouring liquids down your drain isn’t always the most effective solution. Sometimes you need a little more elbow grease to fix the issue. Try using your bathroom plunger to dislodge any blocked pipes—even those in your tub or sink. You can also buy a sink-specific plunger from your local hardware store to help.

Or, to reach deep into your pipes, try a snake. By fishing it into your drain, you can pull out hair, food, or other debris causing the clog. It might mean getting your hands dirty, but a healthy plumbing system is worth the extra effort.

Prevent Drain Clogs

The best way to keep your drains clean is to prevent clogs in the first place. Here are some simple tips you can use to help do that:

  • Know what you can and can’t put down the drain. For example, never put solid foods, grease, or coffee grounds in your kitchen sink.
  • Add a stopper in your tubs and sinks. Hair is one of the most common culprits of a blocked drain, and a stopper makes it easy to prevent it from building up.
  • Only flush waste and toilet paper. That’s all your toilet is designed to handle. That includes “flushable” wipes—which are actually bad for your pipes.

Have Your Drains Professionally Cleaned

With decades of experience, the plumbing team at Cliff Bergin has seen it all. If your pipes are blocked and you simply need more drain cleaning tips, give our team a call at 262-242-2456. We’re eager and willing to help.