So you’ve discovered a clog in your sink or tub drain? Don’t panic, it happens to the best of us! Clogged drains are an extremely common occurrence in most households; although some are worse than others, many are easy to fix with these home remedies!

Drains get clogged for a number of different reasons, kitchen sinks succumb to grease, foreign food objects, and soap residue. Similarly, your shower drain can accumulate soap buildup over time, along with hair and dirt. There are several home remedies you can try in order to dislodge the clog before calling in the pros. Just remember, most plumbers get calls regarding a small problem that got worse once the homeowner tampered with it, so be sure to take a step back if you feel the job requires more attention than you can give.

These two home remedies may take you by surprise. Although they might not seem like the most conventional methods, they might be able to help you unclog the smallest to the most stubborn drains in your home:

#1 Coca-Cola: Not Only Hard On Enamel

Surprise! Coke or Pepsi are great for vanquishing a clog! Everyone’s heard about how a nail will dissolve in a glass of Coke over time, and although most of us know this is a stretch, coke is arguably better than many commercial chemical clog removers because of its strong dissolving agents!

To get started, purchase a two-liter bottle of Coke and allow it to acclimate to room temperature. After pouring it down the drain, let it fizz and work its corrosive power for an hour or two before running hot water. Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down the buildup that can clog your drains! Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and another tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with. This is an effective and refreshing home remedy if we ever saw one!

#2 Using A Plunger in Your Sink or Bathtub

If your sink or bathtub is clogged beyond what a little Coca-Cola can clear, it might be time to pull out the big gun: the plunger! This may come as a surprise to those of us who only call on this device when we’ve got a clogged toilet, but yes, you CAN use it for other clogs. If your sink gives you issues, fill it halfway, and if it’s your bathtub, stick to about four or five inches. This method, although effective, can be messy, so be prepared! Another tip to remember when using the plunger is to make sure that it has water in it. Using a plunger transfers energy through the pipe to dislodge the clog. If your plunger is full of air, it’s less effective because of the energy lost. If your plunger is full of water, all that energy will be submerged in the water, which will put more force on the clog.

How To’s of Plunging*:

• Completely cover the drain with your plunger

• Press and pull rapidly for about 35 seconds

• If water starts draining slowly, add more water and plunge some more

• If water starts draining rapidly, you’ve got it handled

These home remedies are good DIY methods, but remember that if your plumbing issue seems like more than a plunger can handle, call a professional. As always, when your plumbing is on the blink, and you can’t seem to get a handle on it, call the experts at F.H. Furr to assist you with all of your plumbing needs! We’ll take care of you and your home and make sure things are done right the first time!

*Check out this pictorial guide to plunging a sink!