Shea Simmons
When your shower drain is clogged, you might go straight for the chemical cleaner. However, there’s a bathroom staple that’s likely just as effective, and far less dangerous for your pipes.
Have a plunger? Great! You can unclog your drain.
Aaron Mulder, co-owner and operations manager for Mr. Rooter Plumbing, says a plunger is a simple and effective way to get rid of stubborn clogs.
The flat rubber cup at the end of the handle works better on flat surfaces, like the floor of a shower, rather than on curved bases, like a toilet bowl.
“When used properly, the flat cup works to create a vacuum over the drain and dislodge the clog at hand,” Mulder said.
To use the plunger, Brian Parmenter, a plumber with 46 years of experience, advises removing any drain coverings or stoppers in the open drain. Then, fill the tub or shower with a bit of water and place the plunger over the drain, making sure it’s completely covered.
Plunge up and down repeatedly for about 20 seconds, and then repeat until the drain is unclogged.
If the drain doesn’t unclog, Parmenter recommends following up with a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar or borax, salt, and white vinegar.
The one thing you shouldn’t use, however, is a chemical cleaner.
“We never recommend pouring chemicals down your drains because the fumes can be dangerous,” Parmenter said. “And there are safer and more efficient solutions.”
So, next time you’re tempted to reach for the Drano, grab your plunger instead. You might also be able to fend off clogs completely with a hair catcher.
[Via Well + Good]
