How to Clear a Clogged Pipe

How to tell if your pipes are clogged

If you suspect that one or several of your pipes are clogged, you probably have a few questions about how this happened and how you can fix it. Don't stress too much, we're here to answer them! The first thing you need to do is determine if your pipes are actually clogged. Luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs to help you determine this. If you are, indeed, dealing with a clogged pipe, here are some DIY options to consider. 

There are a few dead giveaways when it comes to clogged pipes. A clogged pipe can come with several noticeable symptoms.

If your sink isn't draining or if it's draining very slowly, you likely have a clog in your pipes. If the clog ends up being too serious, don't hesitate to contact a professional plumber.

Water in Your Yard

If it hasn't been raining and you notice large puddles in your yard, it could very well be an issue with your pipes. Quite often, the culprit is a clogged pipe. This is another case in which it's best to call a professional plumber right away.

Unclogging your pipes can be very simple, but the required level of involvement really depends on what's clogging your pipes. In many cases, pouring boiling water down your sink's drain can erode or dislodge whatever is obstructing your pipes.

According to this article from Wise Bread, one potential solution to a clogged toilet involves the use of caustic soda or lye. Simply pour ¼ cup of caustic soda into your toilet's bowl, and follow it with a boiling pot of water. Once you've done this, you need to plunge the toilet to force the solution into your pipes. Ideally, it'll break up whatever's causing the clog. Caustic soda or lye is extremely dangerous and can cause chemical burns. Always wear proper safety equipment when handling caustic soda.

Utilize a Bent Wire Hanger

When it comes to clogged sink drains, sometimes, all you need to resolve the problem is a bent wire hanger. A wire hanger is pliable enough to snake down the drain, but they're firm enough to break up clogs.

If the previous DIY solutions have proven unsuccessful, you can always try a more powerful solution. As the name implies, wet and dry vacuums are designed to vacuum both wet and dry substances. If you don't already have one of these vacuums, purchasing one can be a large initial investment. However, it can cost less than a plumber. Plus, you only have to pay for the vacuum once, and after that, you can use it for other clog issues you encounter.