Author: Gilbert Bush

Natalie Wood Death in the Ocean Off Catalina Island in 1981

Gilbert Bush Publication , , , , ,

In November 1981 Natalie Wood, star of such movies as Miracle on 34th Street and Rebel Without a Cause, drowned in the ocean off Catalina Island. She was 43 years old.

Natalie Wood

In 2011 the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reopened the case after Dennis Davern, the captain of the yacht Splendour, wrote his own book claiming that he heard Wagner and Wood arguing before she disappeared. In 2018, sheriff’s investigators reclassified her death as suspicious and named Wagner, now 90, a person of interest. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Natalie Wood Death.

As Natalie Wood fans know, the enigmatic actress died at the peak of her movie-star career in a baffling mystery that’s never been satisfactorily explained. The film explores her storied life and her troubled death through the words of her friends and family, clips, personal home movies and photographs, and interviews with people who worked with her or knew her in a more personal capacity.

The story starts with a little background on the young girl who was born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko and became Natalie Wood thanks to Hollywood and a quick marriage. There’s also a look at her rebelliousness against the studio system and Jack Warner, and an interesting discussion of the way in which she forged her own path by choosing her own projects.

Much of the movie is a love story to the memory of Natalie, a warm and loving person who was also strong-willed and determined. The stories of the bonds that held her family together, as well as her extended circle of friends, are touching and inspiring. And there are some great photos of the actress, particularly one from the ’60s in which she stares right into the camera with that confident grin of hers.

At the end, though, we come to the inescapable subject of the night she went overboard. The boat captain, Robert Wagner, and her friend and co-star Christopher Walken offer their versions of what happened. Wagner speaks in soft, caressing tones about his relationship with Wood, and he’s obviously sorry for what happened at the end of their weekend on the yacht.

But he offers no explanation for why, according to him and others, she went in the water at night and drowned. He says she had a fear of “dark water” because her mother told her as a youngster that she would die by drowning. That’s not an explanation at all, and it makes no sense.

Even more confusing is the fact that the captain’s wife and some of his other witnesses say she went in the water because she was scared and didn’t want to go back onto the boat. There’s also the possibility that she slipped and fell into the water from the inflatable dinghy she was trying to get into.

The Power of Words

In the era of Hollywood superstars, few were bigger than Natalie Wood. Nominated for three Oscars and a Golden Globe, the actress wowed audiences with her performances in iconic movies like Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without a Cause, and Gypsy. But off the screen, her life was a bit more complicated.

On a November 29th, 1981, the body of Wood was found floating face down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California’s Catalina Island. She was wearing a flannel nightgown, blue wool socks, and a red down jacket. An inflatable rubber dingy from her yacht, Splendour, was nearby. What happened to the beloved star has never been fully explained.

Twenty-eight years after her death, a new documentary has reignited conversations about the circumstances surrounding it. The film, titled Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, features interviews with the late actress’s daughter and stepfather. The latter, Natasha Gregson Wagner, confronts her father, Robert Wagner, over speculation that he might have something to do with her mother’s untimely end.

The day of Wood’s death, she and Wagner had invited Christopher Walken to join them on a dinner cruise aboard the boat. After a few drinks, the four people returned to their staterooms. According to investigators, at some point, Wagner and Walken got into a fight over Wood. When the argument ended, the captain of the boat, Dennis Davern, said he heard Wagner say to Walken “I’m going to kill her.”

A few hours later, a call was received at the marina reporting that someone had gone overboard from the yacht. The rescue team went out and found the dinghy in the water. The next morning, Wood’s body washed up on the beach.

The investigation into Wood’s death has been long and drawn out, but new information has emerged that is disturbing. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has reopened the case, and a newly released autopsy report revealed fresh bruises on her arms and knee, a swollen foot, and a cut on her forehead. The coroner also ruled that the injuries could have been caused by an assault.

The Final Words

In the days before Natalie Wood died in 1981 at age 43, the famed actress known for her roles in West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause had dinner with her Brainstorm costar Christopher Walken. At some point, an argument reportedly broke out between the actors. Hours afterward, she was found dead in the water off Catalina Island. It was ruled an accident, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recently reopened the case and named Wagner, who was her husband at the time of her death, a person of interest.

The late actress was a frequent boater, often joining her friends Dennis Hopper and Tab Hunter for weekends and holidays on their own yacht. She also sailed with fellow actor Robert Wagner, who was eight years her senior. Despite their age difference, the two began dating and ultimately got married in 1957. Their marriage was tumultuous, but Natalie continued to act and appeared in over 50 films before her untimely death in 1981.

After her death, many pointed fingers at her husband, who was 91 at the time. His version of events didn’t seem to line up with the circumstances of her drowning, and his accounts of what happened on the night of her death didn’t always add up. The bruises that were found on her body didn’t appear to be fresh, and she struggled to pull herself into a rubber dinghy, which had scratch marks.

But it’s not just Wood’s daughter that thinks her husband has something to hide. Her younger sister Lana is convinced he’s responsible for her sister’s death and has never been able to shake her conviction that he committed murder.

In a new documentary, Lana digs into her mother’s life and death with a host of interviews from those close to her, including her widower, who has consistently denied any involvement in her sister’s death. The documentary also includes a stunning new witness who says that one night, she was so afraid of Wagner’s violent rage that she ran to her neighbor’s house, knocking on the door and screaming that he was going to kill her.

The Power of Love

The Power of Love is a curious thing. It can make one man weep and another sing, change a hawk into a little white dove, and bring inanimate objects to life. It is also a Deus ex Machina in many films, used to solve all manner of problems and reunite lovers after years apart. It’s also a deadly force that can cause great harm, as shown in the case of Natalie Wood.

Wood was an Academy Award-nominated actress who had grown into a serious, mature onscreen presence, moving beyond the hurdles of child stardom to become a leading lady in the silver screen’s most classic and beloved movies, including Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without a Cause, West Side Story, and Gypsy. Her career was not without its high points, but it was one that was largely defined by a series of personal tragedies.

In the aftermath of her death, speculation about what had gone wrong between her and Wagner ran rampant. The couple had invited several friends on board their yacht, Splendour, but most declined due to the less-than-ideal sailing weather. Only her Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken accepted, and the pair had a romantic weekend together on the island.

By 2011, 30 years after Wood’s death, sheriff’s officials reopened the investigation and county coroners changed her cause of death from accidental drowning to “drowning and other undetermined factors.” In 2013, a new autopsy revealed fresh bruises on her arms and knee—in addition to scrapes on her neck and face—that could have been inflicted before she died.

It was at this time that Lana Wood wrote her memoir, You Must Remember This. Although she didn’t want to be negative about her sister, she wanted to tell the truth about the troubled marriage and the problems with her sister-in-law. She would later say that she did not write the book to bring down her brother-in-law, but simply to set the record straight.

Jennifer Rush, a German-born singer and songwriter, released the song “Power of Love” in 1985, and it became a hit in Europe and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The next year, American singer Laura Branigan took a crack at it and her version peaked at #26 on the chart.

DIY Carpet Cleaning Tips

Gilbert Bush Carpet Cleaning , , , , ,

Regular vacuuming is great, but deep cleaning your carpets with a professional Carpet Cleaning Orem can make them look and smell like new. Use these DIY carpet cleaning tips in between professional cleans to keep your carpets fresh and tidy.

Mix hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and cornstarch to create a paste. Apply this to a stain and scrub with a brush. This will lighten and lift the stain,.

carpet cleaning

Baking Soda

One of the most basic DIY carpet cleaning tips is to use baking soda, which can tackle both stains and bad odors. If you have a particularly persistent smell, sprinkling the entire carpet with baking soda can help get rid of it. You can also mix it with hot water and vinegar for a more intensive deodorizing treatment.

Greasy stains are a little trickier to deal with, but the first step is to blot the stain to lift as much oil as possible. Then sprinkle the spot with baking soda, and wait for upwards of three hours to let it sit on top of the stain. After that, vacuum up the baking soda. Repeat this process as needed until the stain is gone.

Non-greasy stains, such as those from tea, ink, and wine, are easier to take care of. Sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda over the stain, and then pour over just enough vinegar to cause it to fizz. This helps to lift the stain, and you can then scrub it with a brush and rinse with water.

You can also add more fragrant dry spices, such as cinnamon or rosemary, to your baking soda mixture for a cleaner that will leave the carpet smelling wonderful. Just make sure to spot-test the combination on a small portion of your carpet, as more acidic chemicals can damage the fibers. Once you’ve tested the recipe, you can apply it to your carpet regularly for a fresh and clean look, as well as to get rid of unpleasant odors. For example, you could do a baking soda sprinkling once a month or every time you change your garbage bag to keep the area looking and smelling great.

Borax

The carpet is plush and comfy, sure—but it’s also super absorbent, soaking up pet smells, smoke, hairs, crumbs, and dust bunnies. And unless you clean it regularly, your rugs will quickly look and smell dirty.

Luckily, borax, which is also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, can come to the rescue with its natural cleaning power. This old-fashioned laundry booster has fallen out of fashion over the years as people moved to detergents with fewer chemicals, but it’s making a comeback with those who want to use natural products for home cleaning.

A box of the powdery white cleaner can be found at most grocery stores, and it’s also available online. This natural compound is safe to use and won’t harm children or pets, although it’s recommended to wear gloves when handling the powder.

Mix a teaspoon of borax with water in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Add a few drops of essential oil for freshness (but avoid scents that can irritate your pets).

For tough stains, apply the solution to a clean cloth and rub at the stain. You may need to repeat this process, particularly for stubborn stains such as red wine or blood. Then blot the area with an ice cube to soak up the liquid. Next, saturate the stain with hydrogen peroxide. After letting it sit for a minute or two, blot the area with paper towels to remove the peroxide and blood. Finally, vacuum up the remaining debris.

Essential Oils

Cleaning your carpet is an important part of housekeeping, and it’s especially necessary when you have pets or if your carpet has an unpleasant odor. But you don’t need to resort to expensive chemicals to get your carpet looking and smelling good again. With some simple items you can find in your pantry or local grocery store, your carpet will be as good as new.

Using a solution of water and ten drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil (avoid any color versions of these oils as they could stain your carpet), you can create a natural deodorizing spray that will also lift any residual stains from the carpet. Just mix a solution of equal parts water and oil, spray it on the affected area, let it dry, and vacuum over the spot.

If your carpet has blood stains, which tend to be particularly unattractive, try applying a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to the area. After saturating the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes and scrub with an old toothbrush to work the solution into the carpet fibers. Then, use a paper towel to blot up the peroxide and any remaining blood stain residue.

You can also use a mixture of borax and essential oils to make a natural deodorizer. Simply combine a tablespoon of borax with 10 drops of essential oil and two cups of water. Spray the mixture onto the affected area, let it sit, and vacuum it up.

A final tip to help you keep your carpet clean and hygienic is to use a squeegee, which is typically used for windows, to remove pet hair from your rug. This tool’s special sticky surface works to dislodge hairs and other tiny particles that can easily be missed by a vacuum cleaner or a standard broom.

White Vinegar

Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaning agent that can be used on carpets to remove tough stains and eliminate unpleasant odors. It’s a common household item that can be used to clean almost any type of stain or spill, and it’s also non-toxic, making it a safer and healthier alternative to synthetic carpet cleaners.

To make your own DIY carpet cleaning solution, combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, apply the solution to your carpet and scrub it with a brush or sponge. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, allow it to dry completely before vacuuming to prevent dirt and grime from re-settling in your carpet fibers.

If your carpet has an unpleasant odor that you can’t seem to get rid of, try using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Pour a small amount of the solution onto the affected area, then sprinkle a little baking soda on top. The resulting bubbling is a good sign that the baking soda has successfully absorbed the smelly chemicals from the carpet. Allow the area to sit for a few hours before vacuuming it.

Vinegar can be used on a wide variety of carpet types, including those made from wool, silk, cotton, and most synthetic fabrics. For the best results, use this homemade cleaner on fresh stains that haven’t had a chance to set. However, if you’re dealing with older or particularly stubborn stains, you may need to treat them separately before they will discolor or be removed from your carpet. For example, if you’re dealing with ketchup, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, or tomato sauce stains, follow steps 1 through 5 (above), but substitute the ammonia solution for the vinegar one in step 4. You can also use this remedy to treat butter, salad dressing, cheese, eggnog, cooking oil, crayon, tree sap, nail polish, and mascara stains.

Water

If you don’t have a machine to use, the best way to get your carpets clean is with water. It’s easy to do and is safe for your family, pets, and the environment.

First, blot any stain with an absorbent cloth – such as paper towels if you don’t have any microfiber ones available. Try not to rub the stain as this can make it worse and force it deeper into the fibres. Gently blot the carpet until the liquid has been fully soaked up and is no longer visible.

Next, try to remove any remaining stains with a solution made of clear ammonia, fabric softener, and hot water. This is an effective DIY carpet shampoo that lifts dirt and is gentle on the fibers. Then, vacuum the area and apply Scotchguard to help keep it looking great going forward.

Another useful tip is to place a sheet of white vinegar in the washing machine with your detergent when you’re doing a normal load. This helps to break down any soap molecules that have been left behind, making them less likely to be re-deposited on the carpet.

One final trick that’s especially useful for area rugs that can’t be washed in the machine is to take it outside on a snowy day. Unroll the rug and beat it against the underlying snow to lift dirt and mud into it. You can also use a lint roller to get rid of any small loose particles, but be sure to check the label before using it on your delicate rugs. Lastly, be sure to allow the carpet plenty of time to dry, and don’t walk on it until it is completely dry to avoid any accidents.

How Replacement Windows Will Affect Your Renovation Project

Gilbert Bush Home Improvement , , , , ,

New windows are easy to open, close, and clean. They provide enhanced energy efficiency and heightened curb appeal to your building or home.

Replacement Windows

Replacement Windows Massachusetts keep cold air out during chilly winters and hot air out, reducing the workload on your furnace and AC unit. They also reduce noise, making your home a quieter place to relax.

A window’s frame is the primary structural component, which also holds the sash (operating or non-operating). Window frames are usually made of wood or vinyl. They may be clad with aluminum, PVC or other factory-applied finishes for protection from the elements and enhanced aesthetics. Frames are often insulated to enhance energy efficiency.

The type of material used for a frame’s construction and its insulation properties will influence the final product’s performance. Wood frames and sash provide superior thermal resistance, but require regular maintenance and are subject to rot. Vinyl and fiberglass are durable, low-maintenance options with good thermal performance. Those with a foam core perform even better.

In general, the frame will determine how well a replacement window performs. It is therefore important to understand the difference between insert and full-frame replacement windows before you make a purchase.

An insert replacement window fits within the existing frame and preserves the original interior and exterior trim. This limits disruption and offers a quick solution without the need to remove existing sash, operating hardware or covers.

For this reason, it is often a simpler option for homeowners to undertake as a do-it-yourself project. However, if the frame is rotted or otherwise damaged, it may be a more complex task than expected.

A full-frame replacement window installs a new head jamb, sill and side jambs that create an entirely new opening for the replacement window. This is the only option if the old frame, sill or jambs are rotting or soft and cannot support a new window.

A full-frame replacement is the best choice if you want to upgrade your existing windows for improved performance and aesthetics, or if you need to replace a window in an area of your home with poor air and water insulation. It’s also the best option if your current frames are made of wood, which provide the highest level of performance but require a high degree of care to protect against the elements. Full-frame replacement windows are available in a wide range of materials, including fiberglass, vinyl and wood clad, to suit your aesthetic preferences and budget.

Glass

Many homeowners choose to replace a window because their current one has broken glass or is in poor condition. They may also want to upgrade the window style, increase efficiency or let in more natural light. It is important to understand the different styles, types and sizes of replacement windows available, and how they will affect your renovation project.

When a replacement window is installed, it forms a tight seal to reduce cold drafts and hot spots in your home. It can also help keep moisture out to avoid mold and mildew. It is a good idea to install replacement windows that are ENERGY STAR certified, which will help save money on energy costs in the long run.

A window frame is composed of the head, jambs and sill that form an exact opening (the frame) for a window sash. A sash is the moving part of a window that lifts or lowers to allow air to circulate.

The sash is supported by vertical and horizontal rails that run the full length of the window. Usually, they are made of wood or metal, but they can be made from other materials, such as vinyl or fiberglass. Depending on the style of window, the number and placement of rails will determine the operation and appearance of the window.

Before installing a new window, it is necessary to remove the existing sash and trim. Then, apply elastomeric caulking to the inside of the window opening and blind stops around the outside. Bore 3/8-inch holes in the sash weight pockets, and spray foam into them. Finally, apply a layer of glazing compound to the grooves of the window pane and install new compound points with the tip of a putty knife every 10 inches.

Some modern windows have insulated glass units (IGUs) with two or more panes of tempered or laminated glass with a spacer between each. This spacer is filled with a noble gas, such as argon or krypton, to improve the window’s energy efficiency. If you’re replacing an IGU, be sure to pay close attention to its NFRC label that shows U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient figures. The lower the numbers, the more efficient the window.

Muntins & Mullions

Whether you’re planning to restore windows in an historic home or want to upgrade the style of your new home with new replacements, the details matter. Understanding the differences between mullions and muntins will help you choose the right components for your project.

Mullions are vertical dividers that separate glass panes in a window frame. They’re often referred to as “dividers” or even “grille bars,” but they differ from muntins in that mullions channel the weight of the windows vertically instead of horizontally. Historically, builders used mullions to support windows, but they’re now primarily used for aesthetics and decoration.

Aesthetics: Decorative elements like a grid pattern can be added to single-pane windows to add detail and eye appeal. When paired with a distinctive color, they can create an elegant focal point for the window. Mullions also allow homeowners to bring new functionality to single-pane windows. With a track, hinges, and an operator installed to the mullion, a single-pane window becomes a casement window that can be opened and closed.

Historically, mullions were essential to supporting large windows, as the walls of homes couldn’t handle the load of large pieces of glass. They’re still a popular choice for bringing visual accuracy to period renovation projects and new constructions that want to capture the spirit of a particular historical style.

Function: When combined with a grid pattern, mullions help block out sunlight and reduce the amount of heat that enters a space. Modern mullions can be ornate and decorative, but they can also be streamlined and minimalist to provide the same structural integrity for smaller windows.

Modern muntins aren’t as ornate and decorative as their traditional counterparts, but they’re a great option for homeowners who don’t want to sacrifice energy efficiency for the look of classic windows. They’re a great alternative to traditional, fixed window grids and are available in a wide range of patterns that match a variety of home styles and decorating preferences, from the classic grid designs of Colonial-style homes to the Victorian style of curved or arched windows and even a modern, minimalist design for farmhouse-style homes.

Installation

Depending on the type of window chosen, installation could take several weeks. Insert replacement windows, for example, are typically custom-made to fit existing openings. While some professionals scoff at this method, many homeowners find that carefully installed insert windows perform quite well for years.

Before starting any work, carefully examine the frame and sill for signs of rot or other damage. If there is, the project should be put on hold until repairs are made. It is also important to ensure that the frame is square, or plumb, and is sound and dry.

The first step in a standard replacement window installation is to remove the interior trim from around the window opening. Carefully pry out the inside stop, sash, and parting stops using a sharp utility knife or nail nippers. Once the old windows are removed, save the interior stop moldings (or cut new ones to size with a miter saw) to reattach to the new window when it is installed.

With the new window positioned in the opening, use wood shims to keep the reveal even at the jambs. Be sure to place the shims behind each screw hole so as not to loosen the screws that hold the window in the frame. With the shims in place, open and close the window to be sure that it is sliding smoothly and aligning correctly where the top and bottom sashes meet in the middle.

If the window is sliding smoothly and aligning properly, install the rest of the screws and apply caulk to seal the joints between the new and existing frames. Use a water-resistant latex caulk for this, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much caulk to use — too little or too much can cause problems.

In addition to caulking the joints between the new and existing frames, you should also caulk the exposed edges of the exterior frame itself. This helps to reduce air infiltration and condensation, as well as helping the window look neater. Finally, if the sash weight pockets are hollow, spray them with expanding foam insulation to fill the spaces and help the window to seal better.

Drain Cleaning – How to Get Rid of Clogged Drains and Keep Pipes Healthy

Gilbert Bush Plumbing , , , , ,

When a home drain is slow to drain, it usually signals that there are buildups on the inside of pipes. Routine Drain Cleaning Tampa removes these buildups and keeps pipes healthy so that they can last longer. Manufacturers make chemical drain cleaners from sulphuric acid that flows into large tanks. Hoses and other equipment bring this solution into containers for distribution to homes.

drain cleaning

If your drains constantly clog, it may be time to invest in smart plumbing solutions. These alternatives to liquid drain cleaners and snaking will not only remove the existing clogs, but prevent future ones from developing, too. One option is hydro jetting, which involves utilizing high-pressure water jets to break up and wash away debris and clogs in the pipes. This method is more effective than other drain cleaning methods and does not use any harmful chemicals, making it environmentally friendly as well.

Hydro jetting is also more versatile than many people realize. While it is most often used in commercial properties, it can also be useful for residential homes. It can help clear out small clogs and clean the entire drainage system, which can be especially helpful if you have an old house with outdated or damaged pipes.

The first thing your plumber will do before using this process is locate the plumbing system’s cleanout, which gives them easy access to the piping throughout your home. This will allow them to determine the severity of your clog, as well as check the condition of the pipes for any damage. They will then use the video inspection to blast away any blockages and debris in your pipes, which will be cleaned thoroughly as a result.

Most clogs develop because of a residual layer of soap scum and grease left behind inside the pipe. This sticky material grabs onto food particles and hair that rinse down the drain, which creates a clog. Hydro jetting, unlike other common drain cleaning measures, can completely remove this layer of scum, which will make it less likely for your pipes to get clogged in the future.

It is important to note that hydro jetting is not recommended for older or fragile pipes. The high-pressure water can damage them, which is why it is important to have a licensed plumber conduct a thorough inspection before using this drain cleaning method. If you have older pipes, it may be a better idea to replace them rather than risk damaging them with hydro jetting.

Chemical cleaners

Often, when people think of drain cleaners they envision liquid chemical concoctions that are designed to dissolve or disperse a clog. While chemical drain cleaners may be able to remove some clogs, they can also damage your pipes and aren’t good for the environment.

There are several different kinds of chemical cleaners on the market, each of which works slightly differently. Acidic cleaners, for example, work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog material that generates heat and melts grease. They’re typically sold in hardware stores, although they’re sometimes only available to plumbers (and even then). These cleaners contain high concentrations of sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, which increases the number of hydronium ions in solution and attracts electrons from the clog material. The resulting reaction creates enough heat to dissolve most types of organic materials, including hair, soap scum and food particles.

Because they’re so powerful, acidic drain cleaners are only suitable for the most severe clogs. They can damage your pipes and are harmful to your health if they come into contact with your skin or eyes. And, since they create a lot of heat, they can cause warping or melting of PVC pipes, as well as leaks in copper pipes.

Caustic drain cleaners are a bit less harsh than acidic cleaners, and they’re usually made of substances like lye and caustic potash. They’re bases, so they give off electrons to the clog material and release hydroxide ions in return, which clears the clog by breaking down the material. These chemicals are also heavier than water, so they move through standing water to reach the clog.

Another type of chemical drain cleaners is oxidizing, and they’re generally composed of household bleaches, peroxides and nitrates. These chemicals aren’t as strong as acidic cleaners, but they still break down clogs by generating a reaction with the organic material that causes them. They’re also heavy-duty cleaners that can move through standing water and reach clogs in toilets, showers and bathtubs.

Baking soda and vinegar

There are many do-it-yourself hacks on the internet that promise to clean clogged drains. While these hacks can help loosen some blockages, they are not strong enough to dissolve tough materials such as hair, grease, and dirt. Baking soda and vinegar are both natural cleaning agents that can be used to deodorize, sanitize, and dissolve grime. They can also be used to clean surfaces like countertops, showers, and sinks.

When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, the chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas that bubbles down the drain and breaks up any gunk that is stuck on the sides of pipes or inside of the drain itself. The mixture can even remove smells from the drain. The process is easy and affordable, and it is safe for most types of plumbing.

This combination is especially effective when it comes to greasy or sticky clogs. It can dissolve oil and soap scum that accumulates on the surface of the drain, as well as food residue and other particles. The vinegar and baking soda solution also works as a great alternative to commercial chemical cleaners that contain harmful ingredients such as sodium hydroxide.

To use this method, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for a few minutes and then rinse it with hot water. Repeat the process as needed until the drain is fully clear.

When using this method, be sure to use distilled white vinegar rather than regular vinegar. The higher acidity of distilled white vinegar makes it more effective at breaking up and removing grease. Also, be sure to use a large pot of scalding hot water to flush out the drain. Boiling water helps prevent the buildup of rust and scale, and it can also help repair any cracks or leaks in the pipes.

If this method doesn’t work on your clogged drain, try using a different mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a more powerful chemical cleaner. If you still can’t unclog your drain, it’s best to contact a professional.

Snakes

A drain snake is a long, flexible rod that can be pushed into the line to break up and remove clogs. It can also eliminate bad odors from the pipes. This is an inexpensive tool that can be used at home, but it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. It is recommended that you use a pair of gloves and safety glasses when using a drain snake.

Before you begin snaking, you should make sure that your P-trap is clean and that the garbage disposal is not running. Once you have completed these steps, you should be ready to start. It is best to take a flashlight with you as you work, as this will allow you to see better and avoid any issues that may arise.

To use the snake, you’ll need to detach the P-trap and trap arm in order to access the clogged drain. You should also put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect yourself from any possible debris that might fall into your hands while you’re working.

Once the drain snake is inserted, it can be cranked to break up the clog and remove it from the pipe. You can then reconnect the p-trap and trap arm. If plunging or chemical cleaners don’t clear the clog, you can try a drain auger, which is a coiled metal cable that is hand-cranked to push through the blockage. The end of the cable has a corkscrew-like end that dislodges hair and other objects as it moves through the pipe.

You can buy a drain snake at most hardware stores. There are different sizes available, depending on the size of your plumbing. A flat tape snake is a cheap, easy-to-use option that works well for light clogs. A power snake is electric and uses a motor to rotate the snake, making it more effective for removing tree roots and other hard clogs. A drain snake can be very messy, so it’s a good idea to have a plastic bucket or trash bag nearby for the debris that it will pull up as you snake the line.