How to Clear a Blocked Drain with Bicarb in Cumbria

If you're experiencing a blocked drain in Cumbria, then the following guide will be perfect for you. In this guide, we'll go over the basics of dealing with a clogged drain or slow-running sink, and explain how bicarb soda can be used as a simple, effective, and eco-friendly solution.

Introduction

Drainage Cumbria is a blocked drains company in Cumbria, North West England. We understand that blocked drains can be a major headache and even cause water damage to your home or business. We've been providing drainage solutions for years and have come across our fair share of blocked drains during that time. Here are some of the common causes of blocked drains:

• Household waste (bits of food, hair, and fats)
• Foreign objects (such as toys, sanitary products, and wet wipes)
• Grease and oil buildup in pipes
• Tree roots infiltrating drainage systems

Clogged Drain Symptoms

It's essential to identify the symptoms of a clogged drain early on so you can prevent further damage. Here are some of the most common signs that your drain is clogged:

• Slow draining sinks, toilets, and showers
• Gurgling sounds coming from the drainage system
• Foul odor emanating from the drain
• Water backing up into the sink or shower when you use another appliance

How to Clear a Blocked Drain with Bicarb

The bicarb (baking soda) and vinegar chemical reaction is a popular method of unclogging a drain. Here's how it works: the baking soda neutralizes acid, while the vinegar produces carbon dioxide bubbles that displace any material clogging the drain. Follow these simple steps to clear your blocked drain using bicarb soda:

Materials Needed

• Bicarb soda (or baking soda)
• White vinegar
• Boiling hot water
• A pot for boiling water
• A measuring cup
• A spoon

1. Remove any standing water from the clogged drain.
2. Pour half a cup of bicarb soda directly down the drain.
3. Let the bicarb soda sit in the drain for an hour to help break down any debris.
4. Boil a pot of water and pour it into the drain.
5. Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain, immediately covering the drain with a plug to trap the bubbles and avoid splatters.
6. Wait for the chemical reaction to finish (this will take 5-10 minutes).
7. Boil another pot of water and pour it into the drain to flush out any loosened debris.

Dealing with a Slow-Running Sink

If your sink is running slow, it's best to take action before it become fully clogged. Here are some steps you can take to remedy a slow running sink:

Use a Sink Wonder Force

A sink wonder force is a handy tool that you can purchase for a few dollars. It's a rubber plunger that creates suction within the pipe to pull out any debris. To use a sink wonder force, follow these steps:

1. Place the plunger over the drain and apply downwards pressure
2. Push down and pull up the plunger handle repeatedly.
3. Do this for around 20 seconds and then release.

Use Vinegar

If you've already tried using a sink wonder force and the sink is still running slow, you can try using vinegar to dislodge any debris. Pour half a cup of vinegar followed by boiling hot water down the drain.

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are common sources of drain clogs, especially when you put the wrong things down them. To keep your garbage disposal in good working order and avoid a clogged drain, follow these steps:

1. Keep it clean: Rinse it with hot water before and after use to flush out food debris.
2. Run your disposal often: This prevents rust and corrosion.
3. Avoid putting the wrong things down your disposal:

• Fats and oils
• Bones
• Fruit pits
• Vegetable stalks

4. Throw away large pieces: If a piece of food is too large, throw it away instead of putting it down the disposal.
5. Keep water running: Keep the water running for a few seconds after the disposal has finished.

Is the DIY Solution or Professional Work Needed?

Using bicarb soda and vinegar is a simple and effective method for solving minor clogs, but sometimes it needs more than this. There are situations where it is recommended to call for the help of a professional:

• If the clog is severe
• You dont know what is blocking the drain
• You've tried the above-mentioned methods, but the drain is still clogged.

A professional plumber can determine the cause of the clog and use specialized tools to clear the drain.

Conclusion

Clogged drains can be a huge headache and can even cause water damage to your home or business. The good news is that there are some simple and cost-effective methods, like using bicarb soda and vinegar, that you can use to clear clogs. For more stubborn or severe clogs, contact Drainage Cumbria on 01228 734162, and we will be glad to help. Remember, prevention is the best remedy. Make sure to take steps to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place by clearing large debris from dishes and ensuring only appropriate items go down the drain.