Using preventative measures like regularly sending boiling water down drains, installing hair traps, and not flushing wipes or cotton swabs is key to avoiding drain clogs. In addition, the use of a plunger is an effective first step for dislodging minor clogs.
Unlike chemical cleaners, which often create a chemical reaction inside the pipe that can damage pipes, a plunger is a safe and natural solution. If you need help, call Drain Cleaning Aurora, CO pros.
Plunger
Clogged drains are one of the most common and frustrating problems for homeowners. A plethora of reasons contribute to this issue, including hair accumulation, food debris, soap scum buildup, and a variety of other factors. Whether the problem is from a shower drain full of gunk or a sink that’s backed up with an overflowing toilet, these effective methods for drain cleaning can help resolve the situation.
A plunger is a great way to break up and dislodge blockages. Start by removing the drain cover and cleaning it thoroughly, then use the plunger to force water up and down the pipes. If the clog is large and stubborn, you may need to try this several times before it becomes resolved. Alternatively, you can try using an extended handle for extra leverage and maneuverability.
Another great DIY method to resolve minor clogs is using baking soda and vinegar. This combination is a safe and non-toxic solution that can quickly break down the gunk in your pipes and eliminate unpleasant smells. Simply pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain and wait for the chemical reaction to occur. Afterward, flush the drain with hot water to clear away the residue and leave your pipe functioning normally.
For serious clogs, a power auger is an excellent tool for the job. These devices can be inserted directly into the drain and can reach deep down into the pipes to physically dislodge hair, food scraps, and other material. They are especially helpful for tackling clogs in kitchen and bathroom drains that can’t be cleared with plungers or chemical cleaners.
Aside from these handy tools, it’s important to practice preventative maintenance and be proactive in addressing potential issues before they turn into major clogs and blockages. By implementing these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of your drains or pipes clogging in the future. Be sure to also regularly check for leaks and other signs of wear and tear that could lead to bigger problems down the road. With these tips, you can keep your drains and piping in great condition and avoid expensive plumbing repairs.
Chemical Cleaners
Most chemical drain cleaners begin working on clogs within a few minutes and can “eat away” most blockages in about 15 to 30 minutes. They are effective for tub and shower drains whose clogs often involve hair, as well as kitchen sink drains that experience food and grease buildup. But these products don’t work well against fully formed clogs or those caused by foreign objects like toys, clothing, and other items that can easily get into your pipes. In addition, most liquid drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can eat away at your home’s plumbing lines and are bad for the environment.
Using natural, organic, and non-toxic products for your drain cleaning can be just as effective as, or even more effective than, chemical clog removers. One popular option is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda into your clogged drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. The fizzy reaction will break down any debris or sludge in your pipes, and the acidic vinegar will help dissolve any remaining grease. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before flushing with boiling water.
Another effective DIY drain cleaning solution is a combination of dish soap and hot water. Add two tablespoons of dish soap to a pot of hot water and slowly pour it down your clogged drain. The sudsy mixture will break up greasy deposits, and the hot water will flush any remaining residue.
You can also try a homemade bio or enzyme-based drain cleaner that contains good bacteria and concentrated enzymes. These natural products won’t damage your pipes and are safe for the environment. But they aren’t as fast-acting as liquid chemical clog removers and may require multiple applications to completely clear a clogged drain or pipe.
Prevention is the best drain-cleaning strategy. Installing drain screens and strainers can help keep foreign objects, such as jewelry, children’s toys, hair, hygiene products, and non-flushable materials out of your plumbing lines. Regularly cleaning your drains with hot water and a plunger can also help prevent clogs and backups.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using household products like baking soda and vinegar when drain cleaning is a cheap, natural, eco-friendly solution to breaking down and dissolving clogs. It’s also more effective than some store-bought chemical cleaners and is gentler on pipes, decreasing the risk of damage over time.
Baking soda and vinegar work together to create a fizzing reaction that physically agitates the clog, helping to break it down. The resulting carbon dioxide gas also helps create pressure that aids in dislodging the clog. This method is best suited for organic clogs like hair or grease, but it can still be useful on stubborn clogs that are formed from other materials.
First, pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a half cup of white vinegar. After letting the mixture sit for several minutes, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to rinse it away. This will help to flush out the pipe and prevent the baking soda and vinegar mixture from re-clogging the drain.
If the initial treatment is ineffective, try again by repeating the process and adding more baking soda and vinegar as needed. If the clog remains, it might be time to consider other more powerful drain-cleaning methods.
Unlike baking soda and vinegar, commercially available drain cleaners are designed to tackle tougher, more serious clogs. They’re typically more effective than DIY solutions, and they can sometimes break through clogs that are too stubborn for other remedies. They can also be harsher on the pipes and can cause chemical burns to the skin and eyes if they come into contact with them.
If you’ve exhausted all other drain cleaning options, a professional may be required to remove more severe or stubborn clogs. A plumber will have specialized tools and expertise to help restore free-flowing drains without risk of damage or further blockages. They can also assess the situation and recommend more permanent or preventative measures to reduce the risk of future clogs and blockages. If you need a professional, consider contacting an experienced drain cleaning company to get the job done right.
Plumbing Snake
If a plunger fails to dislodge your sink or toilet clog, it may be time for more advanced (and more hands-on) drain cleaning techniques. You can try a wire drain snake to break up and push through a more stubborn obstruction, or you can use baking soda and vinegar to create an effective chemical reaction. Whether you choose the more advanced methods or opt for the more rudimentary approach, it’s important to remember that prevention is the key to drain cleaning success.
Clogs can be caused by a variety of things, from food scraps to clothing and other household items. Even if they’re flushed down the drain, these materials can still clump together and form larger blockages that can damage your pipes.
Cooking grease, for example, solidifies as it cools and narrows the inner walls of your pipes. Soap scum can also build up, especially when mixed with food waste. And the smallest objects—such as toys flushed down toilets, butter knives dropped into kitchen drains, or hair—can become stuck and cause blocked pipes.
To use a drain snake, remove the pop-up assembly from your sink and feed the coiled end of the snake into the pipe opening while cranking the handle. Continue feeding the snake into the pipe until you hit an obstruction and feel resistance. As the snake makes its way through the clog, twist it to entangle the head with the material and push it out of the drain.
Once the clog is broken up or entangled, turn off your water and slowly withdraw the snake. Be sure to use caution when doing so, as the cable can be sharp and could damage your pipes if it is pulled out too quickly. It’s also a good idea to periodically withdraw the snake to check its progress and ensure that it isn’t pushing the clog deeper into the pipe.
If you’re still experiencing a clogged drain, try using another tool or technique to dislodge the material. If you can’t get your clog under control, call a plumber for professional assistance. Taking steps to prevent clogs in the first place will save you both money and hassle.