Maintaining functional drains is essential for a safe and healthy home environment. Regular maintenance keeps drains clean and reduces the risk of clogs, slow drainage, and foul odors.
Several methods of drain cleaning exist, including drain snakes, chemical cleaners, and hydro-jetting. These tools remove debris, clogs, and residue from pipes to restore proper wastewater flow. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Clogged drains can be a real headache. They prevent water and waste from flowing as they should and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other organisms that can cause health problems. Luckily, there are several ways to clean a drain and many of them require little time or up-front cost.
Most clogs are caused by food particles, hair, or other organic matter that accumulates in drains over time. This can happen in kitchen sinks, shower drains, bathtub drains, and even laundry sinks. When these materials bind together, they can create an iceberg-sized obstruction that keeps the sink, tub, or toilet from functioning as it should.
While it may be tempting to reach for chemical drain cleaners like Liquid-Plumr or Drano, these harsh chemicals can actually make the problem worse by damaging your pipes. Instead, try one of the following homemade drain cleaning solutions.
Boiling Water
The simplest way to clear a blocked drain is to simply boil some water and pour it down the clogged drain. This can dissolve greasy clogs and help loosen other debris as well.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Another simple but effective solution is to mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the clogged drain. Cover the drain with a plug or something to keep it from spilling out and let the mixture sit for about 20-30 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water to break up and wash away the clog material.
A Coat Hanger
A more rudimentary but effective tool for clogged drains is a wire coat hanger. Straighten the hanger and leave a hook at the end, then feed it down the drain. Wiggle it around until you feel it catch on the clog and then pull it up.
While you should always contact a professional plumber for serious drain issues, you can use these DIY methods to help manage minor clogs until you have the money and time to call in a pro. Clogged drains are a common problem that can cause major headaches if left unchecked, so take care of them as soon as you notice them to avoid costly repairs and to maintain a healthy plumbing system.
Clogged Sewers
Sewer line clogs are one of the most serious plumbing problems a homeowner can face. Not only are they expensive to repair, but they can also cause extensive damage to your home. Luckily, most sewer clogs can be avoided with regular drain maintenance and awareness of common causes. You can also learn about warning signs to watch out for, so you can quickly address issues before they become major clogs that require professional drain cleaning.
One of the most common warning signs that your main sewer line is clogged is sewage backing up into toilets and other drains in your home. Another sign is when your shower or sink water drains slowly and with difficulty. This indicates that the clog is blocking your entire sewer system, which can lead to flooding and other dangerous issues.
To clean a clogged sewer, you can use a combination of natural ingredients to break up grease and other debris. Start by boiling some hot water. Mix in a few tablespoons of dish soap and slowly pour it down the drain. This method works well for clogs caused by oils, fats, and other organic materials. However, it is not effective for hair or other substances that may clog the lines.
Another natural method is to use a snake or plunger. However, you need to know where your sewer line is located so you can easily find the clean out line and avoid damaging it. If you are unsure where your clean out line is, contact a plumber to help you locate it.
If you are unable to get your clogged sewer line cleared with this home remedy, there are chemical drain cleaners that can help break up and dissolve blockages. However, repeated use of these chemicals can cause pipe damage over time, so it is important to only use them occasionally.
To prevent future clogs, be sure to never flush sanitary products down the drain. You should also never put wet wipes, cotton balls, or rags down the drain. These items can clog the toilet, and can even lead to the breakdown of your entire sewer line. Also, don’t plant trees near your sewer line; roots can grow into and wrap around the line, causing a clog or damage.
Clogged Toilets
The toilet drain is one of the most common places for clogs to occur in the home. Oftentimes, these clogs are caused by non-flushable items or toilet paper buildup. However, in some cases a clog can be due to something more serious like a sewer-related issue or even a broken pipe that has displaced waste from the toilet and into other parts of your home. If the clog is serious enough, it may be necessary to hire a professional for sewage drain cleaning.
A clogged toilet can be quite unpleasant and embarrassing, but it’s possible to clean many clogs with a little effort. If you have access to a plunger, plunging the toilet several times can break up many clogs, especially if you alternate between lighter and heavier strokes.
Some clogs are more stubborn than others and require a more powerful solution, such as a wet/dry vacuum. Before using this method, make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves to prevent scratches and that the nozzle is firmly placed over the clog opening. In addition, the hose should be wrapped in an old towel for a better grip and to protect the drain. Once the clog is completely removed, be sure to clean and sanitize the wet/dry vacuum before returning it to use in your home.
Another good way to break down and dislodge toilet clogs is by pouring an enzymatic cleaner into the drain. Many enzymatic cleaners are designed to degrade organic waste and hair, which can help dissolve many types of clogs. Pouring an enzymatic cleaner a few times a month can also help prevent frequent clogs by breaking down the materials before they become too large to move through your pipes.
Most drain cleaners available at stores are not appropriate for use in toilets, as they can cause a chemical reaction that corrodes your pipes and causes toxic fumes to enter your home. However, you can create your own DIY drain cleaner by combining baking soda and vinegar. Start by measuring out a cup of baking soda, then add two cups of white vinegar to create a chemical reaction that fizzes and breaks down the clog.
Clogged Sinks
A clogged sink can lead to messy cleanup, bacteria, fungus and other organic growth that creates foul odors and may pose health risks. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to clear a slow drain. You can also help keep your drains flowing smoothly with regular maintenance. Kitchen chemistry solutions like baking soda and vinegar can dissolve clogs and prevent them from forming in the first place.
Hair is a common cause of clogged sinks, especially in the bathroom. Soap, shampoo and toothpaste residue can mix with hair to create clumps that block the drain. Regular cleaning with kitchen chemistry solutions can prevent hair from building up in your pipes.
If you have a serious or persistent drain clog that snaking or other DIY methods won’t remove, call a plumber for professional drain cleaning services. The professionals can use a snake or auger to dislodge the clog, and they can also clean your P trap.
Putting boiling water down the drain is another way to unclog your sink. Boiling water can melt soap scum, loosen grime and dissolve grease that has accumulated over time. However, you should only use this method if your pipes are rated for 212 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Boiling water that is too hot can melt or deform plastic or PVC pipes, resulting in leaks.
You can also try pouring a solution of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. The acidic vinegar neutralizes the alkaline baking soda, creating a fizzing reaction that can break up or dislodge clogs. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling baking soda, and use a funnel or measuring cup to prevent spills.
If you don’t have a funnel, straighten a coat hanger so it has a hook at the end, and then push it down the drain. Wiggle and move the hook around the clog until you feel it grab onto something. Gently pull the coat hanger out and run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris. If your clog is stubborn, you can try using a long piece of wire, such as a bent metal coat hanger, to fish out the obstruction.