How to unclog your apartment's pipes: check out 5 tips

One of the most common problems recorded in a residence, whether in a house or apartment, is clogged pipes and as this is something that tends to happen from time to time, it is important to adopt some measures to avoid it, and of course, to know how to unclog it.

A clogged bathroom sink, kitchen sink or even a clogged drain can cause a lot of trouble. Trying to solve this problem on your own may seem simple, but you need to take some precautions. This is because, without the right guidance, the problem can get worse and become even more difficult to solve.

So, how do you unclog your apartment’s pipes without causing even more problems? What products and equipment can you use? To answer these and other questions, keep reading this article. Enjoy!

What to use to unclog pipes?

The first question that comes to mind when a pipe gets clogged is what to use to get the water flowing normally again. That's why we've put together some products and tools that may be useful.

1 - Baking soda and vinegar

The first tip for unclogging an apartment's pipes is to use baking soda mixed with vinegar . The combination of these two ingredients produces a strong effervescence, capable of loosening grease and other products that may be clogging the pipe.

To do this, simply pour two spoons of baking soda into the pipe, followed by a little vinegar. In a few seconds, the two elements will begin to fizz, and the mixture will remove the residue without much effort. Cover the pipe with a warm cloth and let it sit for about 25 minutes.

After that, pour some boiling water, which will help remove any remaining residue that may have stuck to the pipe. Another interesting tip is to replace the boiling water with hot lemon juice. This mixture, in addition to enhancing the cleaning effect on the pipe, will make the smell in the drain more pleasant.

2 - Boiling water and other ingredients

As we have already demonstrated above, boiling water is an important ally when it comes to unclogging pipes and preventing the pipe from becoming blocked again by deposits of grease and other products that accumulate. However, despite its miraculous properties, it is not enough on its own, so it must be combined with other ingredients.

One of these ingredients is baking powder. Simply place two spoonfuls of the powder in the pipe to be unclogged and then pour in the hot water. Just like baking soda , the mixture will start to fizz, releasing the dirt that is stuck to the pipe walls.

Another product that can be used to clean pipes is detergent. When poured into the pipe along with hot water, the product will act as a grease remover. However, it is important to note that, in this case, it is advisable that the siphon does not contain water. In simpler cases, boiling water alone is enough to unclog the pipes .

3 - Wire

Many cases of blockages are caused by the accumulation of objects inside the pipe. This is a common occurrence, especially in drains, since the hair that runs down acts as a net, holding the denser objects, creating a barrier. Since it is a lightweight material, it can be easily removed with the help of a wire.

Wire, because it is made of a thin but hard material, is easy to insert into blocked pipes and drains. The tip is to make a hook at the end of the wire and slowly insert it into the drain. Gradually push and pull until the hook catches on the object that is clogging the pipe and removes it. Repeat the movements until you feel the material come loose from the pipe.

Pull the wire and then clean the end of the hook. Repeat the process if necessary. To make sure the pipe is unclogged, turn on the sink faucet and let the water run. The pressure will cause any remaining material that may have remained in the pipe to be carried down the drain.

This is a very simple solution and doesn't require much effort. Just be careful that the wire isn't too hard, so as not to damage the pipes.

4 - Drain cleaner

A sink plunger is an essential item in any home. It is a very simple device, like a type of rubber cup, used to open the drain or sink, which must be pushed and pulled in quick movements, creating suction.

Very practical, this equipment is excellent for unclogging the pipes in an apartment . In addition, because it is small, it can be stored in the pantry, storage room or cleaning products cabinet.

This is a cheap and easy-to-use tool, but it requires a bit of effort, as you need to apply pressure to create a vacuum and the pushing and pulling movements unclog the pipes.

5 - Caustic soda

Caustic soda is a very useful product for unclogging pipes, but it should be used with caution, as it can cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin of the person handling it. The amount poured into the pipe should also be moderate, as a large volume can damage the pipes and cause the opposite effect, such as melting the walls and even causing leaks.

To use caustic soda, first put on a glove. Then, pour the amount indicated on the packaging label into the drain and pour some cold water. This will prevent the product from splashing. Leave it to act for a few minutes, add a liter of boiling water and wait a few moments. To make sure the blockage is cleared, just pour more hot water into the drain.

Despite being a corrosive product, there is a risk of the product becoming saponified, that is, when it comes into contact with the grease in the pipe, there is a chance that this material will turn into soap and clog the pipes even more. Another important detail is that caustic soda must be disposed of correctly, as it is a highly toxic product.

Main places that clog the pipes

A) Shower drain

Drains are undoubtedly the place where dirt accumulates the most, especially due to hair and debris that can get stuck in the pipes. To unclog bathroom drains, the tip is to use a hook made from the end of a wire. Then, turn on the shower for a few minutes to check if everything went well.

B) Toilet

Toilets often get clogged when toilet paper, sanitary pads, diapers, and other objects are flushed down the toilet. If the water doesn't drain, it can leak and even flood the bathroom. The best tool to unclog a toilet is a plunger. This is because the pressure exerted by the object moves the residue that is blocking the water flow. To make sure the blockage is clear, simply flush the toilet.

C) Sink

Sinks often get clogged due to food scraps that go down the drain, as well as oil, which can create a barrier on the pipe walls. Therefore, always collect food scraps and do not pour oil down the sink. This can be stored in a plastic bottle and disposed of in a designated place. To unclog the sink drain, simply pour hot water down it.

What should not be done to unclog a pipe?

Now that you know which products and tools to use to unclog a pipe, we’re going to tell you how to prevent your sink, drain or toilet from becoming blocked. The first thing we’ll say is about the durability of the pipes. In general, they tend to last for many years, but they’re not resistant to human intervention.

This means that if the pipes are working properly, they will not wear out as quickly, but if they are forced or hit, they will tend to break and deteriorate. Therefore, when faced with a clogged pipe, do not insert objects that could damage it, such as a broom handle or steel cable. This intense friction could crack or break the pipes.

Furthermore, avoid pouring chemicals into the pipes, not only because they will go to the treatment plant, damaging the water quality and polluting the environment, but they can also corrode the pipes.

Also avoid:

• Do not pour coffee grounds down the kitchen sink drain. The grounds can build up in the pipes and stick to the pipe walls or concrete;
• Avoid planting trees near sewers;
• Do not peel food in the sink. Leftovers can go down the drain and clog it;
• Always have a screen over the sink drain. This prevents solid waste from going down the drain and clogging the pipes;
• Before washing the dishes, collect any food waste and throw it in the trash;
• Every month, pour at least two liters of boiling water down the drain. This helps to clean the pipes and prevent them from clogging.

Professional help

All of these tips are very simple and easy to apply on a daily basis if you need to unclog your apartment's pipes. However, it is best to seek the services of a professional. As they are qualified professionals, they can perform this cleaning quickly and safely, without damaging the pipe or causing any unforeseen problems.

So, what did you think of these tips for unclogging your pipes? To see more content like this, read more of our articles on our blog . We talk about culture , architecture , gastronomy and much more.