A clogged laundry drain can spell disaster for your floors, not to mention that it can bring your laundry to a halt. Pooled water around your washer is often the first sign of a clogged drain. If you have a clogged drain, there are a few different steps to fix it. Keep reading to learn how to solve this problem.
Know What You’re Dealing With
You need to make sure that you are actually dealing with a clogged laundry drain before you start working on the problem. Other laundry issues might mimic a clogged drain. Handy YouTube videos can help you properly identify this problem.
Once you are certain you are dealing with a clogged drain, try some of the steps below to clear out any drain blockages.
Hot Water and Baking Soda
This easy fix can often take care of simple clogs. This does not cost much and usually works very quickly. You will want to first unplug your washing machine.
Next, you should boil a gallon of water. Remove the drain hose from the drain pipe so that you can see down the drain pipe. Pour the boiling water directly down the drain pipe and then start adding baking soda. Use about 1 cup of baking soda for every gallon of water. You could also add vinegar to the mix as well. For a simple clog, this combination will break it apart and flush it away.
Drain Cleaner
Another option is to use a traditional drain cleaner. You simply apply the drain cleaner directly into the drain pipe following the directions on the bottle. You will need to rinse out the drain pipe with clean hot water later.
Plumbing Snakes
You could also use a plumbing snake to clear the drain. This is recommended if the other options do not work. You would insert the snake into the drain pipe and follow the directions for the snake. You will hit resistance when you hit the clog. Once you have encountered the resistance, you will need to work the snake to break up the clog. When you pull the snake back out, be prepared to remove gunk or debris that it brings with it.
Power Auger
If you are dealing with a truly difficult clog, you might need to use a power auger. Professional plumbers use this type of device to clear difficult clogs. This device will use a motorized snake to power through the debris. These are expensive tools. If your clog is this significant, you might want to contact a local plumber for help.
Professional Help
It is sometimes necessary to bring in professional help. A plumber will have the tools and equipment to quickly and easily clear any drain blockages. Although this will cost more than DIY solutions, it is faster, and these professionals will ensure that nothing is damaged in the process. It is essential to know when you should and when you should not attempt repairs on your own.