Drains are an integral part of a home and must be taken care of properly. Regular drain cleaning can prevent future problems and ensure efficient water flow throughout a home.
Regularly cleaning your drains prevents clogs, saving you from expensive plumbing repairs or replacements. It also promotes a healthy and hygienic living environment for your family. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Baking soda and vinegar can be a powerful drain cleaning solution when used correctly. This old fashioned mixture produces some impressive foaming as the two chemicals react to produce carbon dioxide gas. It also works great for refreshing a smelly drain or clearing minor blockages. The best part is that it’s cheap, non-toxic and safe to use.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance and vinegar is a mild acetic acid. When they are combined, a chemical reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt), and carbon dioxide. The fizzing action that occurs can dislodge clogs and break up small amounts of hair, grease, food particles, and other materials that can clog a drain or trap.
This method can be used in most drains, including garbage disposals, tubs, and showers. It can even help clear clogs in toilets if you add a bit of hot water to the mix. The process is simple: Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow with a cup of vinegar. Once the mixture stops bubbling, wait a few minutes and then flush with hot water.
Be sure to use a sink that is easy to reach, and don’t overfill the drain with the mixture. Overfilling a drain can cause the vinegar and baking soda to mix together and become a thick paste, which will harden in your pipes.
Although this homemade drain cleaner is less expensive and safe to use than specialized chemical products, it’s not a 100% cure for most clogs and can’t remove all types of buildup. If your clog is large or involving grease, it may be necessary to physically clean the drain or remove and clean the trap.
Dish Soap
We all wash a lot of dishes in the kitchen, and unfortunately some of that grease can get into our pipes. This is one of the most common causes of clogged drains in the home, and it can be a real pain to clear up. Luckily, dish soap can be your secret weapon in the fight against greasy, stuck-on clogs.
Dish soap is among the mildest products in the supermarket household cleaning aisle, making it safe to use on a wide variety of surfaces and fabrics. It also works well as a stain remover for laundry and is a great tool for dissolving grease.
If you have a stubborn grease clog in your kitchen sink, pour a generous amount of liquid dish soap down the drain. Allow it to sit and penetrate the clog for about 30 minutes, then boil a pot of water. Pour the hot water down the drain, and the sudden temperature change will help melt any fatty materials in the pipe.
This DIY solution is effective because of the way dish soap works to cut through grease and oil. The non-polar molecules in the soap bind to the fatty compounds in the grease and oils, breaking them down and neutralizing their ability to stick to your pipes. This method is also safe for all types of pipes, and it will not cause any corrosive effects on your plumbing system.
Another great option for greasy, sticky clogs is coarse salt. This is a natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical drain cleaners, and it can be equally as effective. Follow the baking soda and vinegar recipe above, but instead of adding baking soda, add a cup of coarse salt. Once the clog is cleared, flush the drain with boiling water.
Chemical Cleaners
These liquid and gel drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog. They typically contain sodium hydroxide, caustic potash or oxidizing agents like bleach or nitrates. The lye in these products physically breaks down the clog, while the chemicals in caustic drain cleaners dissolve organic material such as hair or soap scum.
Unfortunately, these harsh chemical cleaners also harm your pipes and plumbing system. They can corrode the metal components in your plumbing system, especially older systems made of iron or galvanized steel. They can also damage PVC pipes by generating excessive heat as they react with the clog. They can also soften or melt the plastic in your pipes, which can lead to leaks and pipe failure over time.
Additionally, these chemical cleaners are often dangerous to humans. If they come into contact with your skin, they can cause chemical burns. If inhaled, they can irritate your lungs and cause nausea or even shock. And if they make their way into your drinking water, they can kill the microorganisms that help break down waste in natural ecosystems.
If you’re faced with a serious clog, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can use more safe and effective methods to clear the blockage. A licensed plumber can also advise you on preventative maintenance strategies to avoid future drain clogs.
Plunger
A plunger is one of the most effective and inexpensive tools for unclogging a drain. It is simple to use and easy on pipes.
The most important step is ensuring that the plunger creates a seal over the drain opening. This allows both the pressure of the plunger and the vacuum of the clogged drain to act directly on the blockage. A standard cup plunger works well for sinks and tub drains. A flange plunger or one with a special design is better for toilets, as they are shaped differently. Make sure the rim of the plunger is lubricated with petroleum jelly to enhance its ability to create this seal.
When plunging a drain, it is important to push down and pull up quickly. This action creates a sloshing motion that dislodges most clogs. After several vigorous plunges, you should see water flowing freely through the drain.
If the drain is still clogged, try covering the overflow opening with a wet rag or duct tape to prevent air from entering the pipe. If you are unable to stop the flow of water or if plunging is unsuccessful, it may be time to call a plumber.
Be sure to clean the plunger after each use. Use a disinfectant solution or bleach to kill any bacteria on the rubber part of the plunger and allow it to dry completely before storing it. Store it in a ventilated area, such as a utility closet or bathroom, away from other cleaning supplies to avoid cross-contamination. A plunger holder that keeps it up off the floor is an excellent idea and helps to keep it dry, which reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Wire Hanger
While many homeowners may scoff at the idea of using an old wire clothes hanger for drain cleaning, seasoned plumbers and DIY experts can attest that it is a highly effective method for dislodging blockages. Additionally, it is an inexpensive and safe alternative to chemical cleaners.
To utilize the wire hanger for drain cleaning, first bend one end into a small hook with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Then, insert the hook into the clogged drain and twist it in a circular motion. Continue to do this until the clog is dislodged or the end of the wire coat hanger is pulled out of the drain.
It is recommended to wear gloves during this process to prevent scratches and other damage to the pipe interior. It is also advisable to have a bucket or bin nearby to catch any gunk that may fall from the pipe. If the clog persists after multiple attempts with a wire hanger, it is best to seek professional assistance from a licensed plumbing service as this indicates that there is a more severe blockage in the pipe.
Clothes hangers are a versatile household tool with an extensive range of uses. From constructing bird feeders to rescuing misplaced rings and baseballs from sewer grates, these simple implements are an essential part of any DIY arsenal. However, when it comes to drain cleaning, some homeowners prefer to rely on more specialized tools such as liquid drain-clearing products or a flexible metal drain snake to get the job done. Ultimately, it is up to each homeowner to weigh the pros and cons of various methods for clearing stubborn clogs. Nonetheless, it is always better to seek professional help for persistent and recurring clogs as this will save time, effort, and money in the long run.
