9 Ways to Stop Overflowing Drain

What to do if a drain is overflowing?

If you are seeing water pouring out of the sink or shower, it is probably because there is a clog in the drain. In this article, we will show you how to locate the source of the clog and fix it.

Read more: What are Drains?

Using a Wire Hanger

Hair, skin, grime, and food particles can quickly clog your drains because they bind to the soap scum that builds on the walls of your drain pipe. This can slow down water flow over time. A simple hanger can be used to unclog a clogged sink.

Straighten out a conventional coat hanger and form a little hook shape at one end of the wire. Press this end slowly down the plughole and start “fishing,” being careful not to push the hanger downward, as this will transfer the obstruction deeper down the drain. Instead, use moderate “prodding” and “hooking” motions to dislodge and remove the sludge from your drain.

Dish Washer/Detergent

Hair commonly clogs shower drains. Poop, excess toilet paper, wipes, female sanitary goods, or cotton wool balls are commonly found in toilets. Dish detergent is an excellent choice for these areas because it breaks up residue and lubricates your drain. Add a cup of dish detergent, then a cup of boiling water. Then, using a plunger, help remove the blockage. You can also put on rubber gloves and use your hands to unclog the drain.

Baking Soda or Vinegar

The fizzing action of this mixture can also assist eliminate mild blockages, such as those in your bathroom sink. Pour boiling water down the drain and wait for it to clear. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain next.

After that, add one cup of boiling water and one cup of white vinegar. Allow this mixture to work its magic for at least one hour, preferably for as long as possible for optimal effect. After that, use the hot water tap to drain it and check to see if the water is draining properly.

Use a Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum removes both liquids and dry dust and grime. These creatures are frequently utilized to suction garbage from clogged drains, particularly if the blockage is high up. Make a seal over the plughole before you begin to avoid making a mess – an old plunger head placed over the hole works well. Then, set the vacuum to the liquid setting with the strongest suction and place it over the plughole. Turn on the vacuum and let it run for 1-2 minutes. Then turn off the water and run it slowly to observe if the sink has unblocked.

Coca-Cola

Coke is a lesser-known remedy that you can find in your fridge. Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola down the clogged drain – Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand equivalents. Coke is highly caustic and excellent in removing buildup in drains, but it is significantly gentler than professional drain cleaners. Allow at least an hour before putting on the hot water to drain it all away.

Clean the P-Trap

If the vinegar or baking soda procedure fails to unclog your drain, you may need to manually remove the source of the clog. The p-trap is the bent pipe beneath your sink that collects debris and prevents it from entering the rest of your home’s plumbing system.

Place a bucket under your sink to catch any excess water, and remove the u-shaped pipe (the p-trap) beneath your sink with a wrench or pliers. Empty the p-trap and transfer it to another sink to rinse and eliminate any debris. Then replace to see if your clog is gone.

Use a Plunger

If none of the mixtures work, try physically unclogging your drain using a plunger. It’s critical to use the proper plunger – a toilet plunger will not suffice if you’re working with a smaller drain, such as in your sink or shower.

A cup plunger built for smaller drains is required. Unscrew the grate or stopper and insert the cup plunger into the drain, making as tight a seal as possible (applying petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger can help with this). Then, plunge vigorously, run water to determine if the clog is gone, and repeat as needed.

Snakes and Millipedes

Snakes and millipedes are sold in every hardware shop. They are very effective, although if done wrong, they can damage or puncture your pipes. If you are a novice plumber, it is advised that you hire a professional plumber to snake more problematic clogs that cannot be addressed using the procedures described above.

Caustic Soda

Because it can produce chemical burns, caustic soda is harsher than natural alternatives. Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, must be used with eye goggles (or other eye protection) and rubber gloves. When handling this chemical, exercise extreme caution and keep the location well-ventilated.

Pour three-quarters of a gallon of cold water into a bucket, followed by three cups of caustic soda. With a wooden spoon, thoroughly combine all ingredients. The mixture should begin to bubble. Pour the liquid down the clogged drain and leave it to work for 20 to 30 minutes. To remove the mixture, pour boiling water down the drain. If your drain is substantially plugged, you may need to repeat this procedure.

Do emergency plumbers work at night?

Royal Flush Plumbing, like your plumbing, does not take a weekend break. We’ll be there the same day if you have a plumbing emergency. An emergency plumbing issue is one that requires immediate service, so we will obviously be there to help you the same day!

Call us now: 0434 069 247