--- title: How to Properly Unclog a FIBC description: Bridging can significantly impact the efficiency of your operations by delaying the discharge of materials. Let's explore safe ways to unclog a bulk bag. image: https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/d.jpg --- Call Us Today! 1-888-237-4224|[info@nationalbulkbag.com](mailto:info@nationalbulkbag.com) [![National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/NationalBulkBag-Dec2016/Image/LOGO-National-Bulk-Bag-with-full-B-2-copy1.png)](http://www.nationalbulkbag.com/) - [HOME](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/) - [BULK BAGS](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/) - [In-Stock Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/) - [Duffle Top Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/duffle-top-bulk-bags/) - [Spout Top Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/spout-top-bulk-bags/) - [Bulk Bags with Baffles](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/bulk-bags-baffles/) - [Vented Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/vented-bulk-bags/) - [Food Grade Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc/in-stock-food-grade-bulk-bags/) - [Bulk Bags with Liners](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc/bulk-bags-liners/) - [Bulk Bag Poly Liners](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/products/bulk-bag-liners/bulk-bag-liners/) - [Hemp Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/hemp-fibc-bulk-bags/) - [Bulk Bag Filling Equipment](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/products/bulk-bag-filling-equipment/ibc3000-fibc-bulk-bag-filler/) - [FOOD GRADE FIBCS](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/food-grade-bulk-bags/) - [PRODUCE PACKAGING](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/) - [Produce Packaging](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/) - [Mesh Produce Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/mesh-produce-bag/) - [Potato Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/potato-bag/) - [Burlap Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/burlap-bags/) - [Custom Poly Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/custom-poly-bags/) - [Woven Polypropylene Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/woven-polypropylene-bags/) - [Netting Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/netting-bags/) - [V-board](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/gaylord-box/vboard/) - [Gaylord Boxes](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/produce-packaging/gaylord-box/) - [BUYER TOOLS](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/national-bulk-bag-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com) - [Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bags) - [Food Grade Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/food-grade-bulk-bags) - [Bulk Bag Safety](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-safety) - [Bulk Bag Liners](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-liners) - [Bulk Bag Industries](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-industries) - [Bulk Bag Construction](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/bulk-bag-construction) - [UN Certified Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/un-certified-bulk-bags) - [Pharmaceutical Bulk Bags](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/topic/pharmaceutical-bulk-bags) - [Bulk Bag Buyer Tools](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/national-bulk-bag-resources/) - [Bulk Bag Construction Options](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bags/) - [Bulk Bag Safety](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bag-safety/) - [Bulk Bag Liners](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-liners/) - [Custom Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/custom-bulk-bag-design/) - [Downloadable Resources](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/national-bulk-bag-downloadable-resources/) - [Types Of Bulk Bags A B C & D](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/types-of-fibc-bulk-bags-a-b-c-d-explained/) - [FAQ](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/faq/) - [Bulk Bag Glossary](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bag-glossary/) - [Bulk Bag Industries](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bag-industries/) - [UN Certified Bulk Bags](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/un-certified-bulk-bags/) - [ABOUT](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/) - [About National Bulk Bag](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/) - [Meet National Bulk Bag](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/about-national-bulk-bag/meet-national-bulk-bag/) - [Why Work With Us?](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/why-work-with-national-bulk-bag/) - [Worldwide Sourcing](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/worldwide-sourcing-of-fibc-bulk-bags/) - [GET QUOTE](https://www.nationalbulkbag.com/#book-a-demo-87520745-c6b8cd1f) # How to Properly Unclog a FIBC [![How to Properly Unclog a FIBC, National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hubfs/d.jpg)](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bags/how-to-properly-unclog-a-fibc) Spout bottom FIBCs are ideal for a wide range of applications due to their flexibility and easily controlled discharge of materials. However, due to their design, spout bottom bags can be prone to clogging. This clogging, commonly referred to as bridging, occurs as material sticks to itself during discharge and builds up around the bag’s spout. Bridging is especially common in applications involving materials with high moisture content, such as fresh organic products and agricultural goods. To learn more about bridging, read our recent article “What is FIBC Bridging? How Can You Minimize It?” by [clicking here](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/fibc-bulk-bag-industries/what-is-fibc-bridging). Bridging can significantly impact the efficiency of your operations by delaying the discharge of materials. Bridging can also present safety hazards to workers, making it important to understand the best ways to unclog a bag. Let’s explore the safest ways to do so.   #### **Tips for Unclogging a Filled FIBC** If you are attempting to unclog a spout bottom bulk bag, DO NOT stand beneath the bag. Doing so can be very dangerous and result in significant injury. Fortunately, there are many possible methods for unclogging a spout bottom bag without endangering workers, including: - Using a broom handle or other type of extension pole to push the spout bottom and attempt to free the materials, staying as far away from the bag as possible when doing so. - Massaging the area around the spout with your hands or an extension pole to attempt to loosen the materials. Pay close attention to the discharge spout and avoid getting underneath the bag. - Pushing the material through the spout with a broom handle or extension pole while standing above the bag. When attempting this method, be sure to maintain stable footing and keep other workers away from the bottom of the bag. - Cutting the bag around the bottom of the spout. This method should be used only as a last resort, as it renders the bag unable to be reused. When attempting this approach, be careful with the blade, and cut as minimally as possible to avoid uncontrolled discharge of the material. If possible, leverage a blade that can used at a distance to minimize risk to the worker.   Whatever method you choose to attempt to clear a clogged discharged spout, National Bulk Bag encourages you to consider all hazards and implement all available safety protocols.   #### **Prevention is the Safest Approach** While it may not be possible to completely prevent bridging, especially when handling materials with high moisture content, there are steps you can take to limit the possibility of a clogged spout. To prevent bridging, consider: - **Using an oversized spout bottom bag:** A recent innovation to the market, oversized spout bottom FIBCs feature a 28-inch diameter spout. This larger spout’s faster discharge rate and larger opening prevent material from bridging, resulting in increased reliability and safety for users. To learn more, [click here](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/bulk-bag-construction/what-is-an-over-sized-spout-bottom-fibc) to read our recent blog post “What is an Oversized Spout Bottom FIBC?” - **Using a vented FIBC:** When possible, use a bulk bag with vents to dry out the product before discharge. This helps to prevent moisture-filled material from sticking and building up around the discharge spout.   --- ### Thanks for reading! It's our mission to make your bag buying experience easy, informative, and enjoyable. We also want to share our knowledge with you, so you can make the best purchasing decision for the company you represent. Our Buyer's Guide to Purchasing Bulk Bags includes critical information ranging from types of bags to important safety information about handling and transportation.  ![A Buyer's Guide to Bulk Bags - National Bulk Bag](https://blog.nationalbulkbag.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A%20Buyer's%20Guide%20to%20Bulk%20Bags%20-%20National%20Bulk%20Bag.png?t=1540571758110&width=300&name=A%20Buyer's%20Guide%20to%20Bulk%20Bags%20-%20National%20Bulk%20Bag.png) Download the guide by clicking below. By downloading, you'll learn all about:  1. Types of bags 2. Coated vs. uncoated  3. Liners  4. Bags with baffles  5. Types of lift loops  6. 5:1 & 6:1 safety guidelines  7. 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She received her Associates Degree from St. Cloud State University and was previously a researcher at JNR Adjustment. Jenny's background at Rapid includes starting in Customer Service in 2015 and making the transition to sales in 2017. Her background in CS has helped her enjoy finding whole packaging solutions. This includes picking out stock options for short term use, to creating custom solutions unique to individual business and industries. In her free time Jenny enjoys going to concerts - particularly country, pop and rock. She is a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoys canning her own food in the fall (her favorite is homemade spaghetti sauce). Jenny is National Bulk Bag's resident food-grade specialist. This includes but is not limited to pet food, nuts and legumes, and ready-to-eat foods. She understands in depth the stringent rules facing the food industry as a whole and is an expert at helping food companies find the right bag for their product and application. She also has extensive knowledge of woven polypropylene, BOPP, polyethylene, and textile bags. 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