Clogged drains can cause unpleasant smells and slow drainage. Preventative steps, like regularly using baking soda and vinegar, can help avoid major clogs and costly repairs.
For minor clogs, try pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain. The chemical reaction can break down hair, soap scum, and food particles. Contact Drain Cleaning Aurora, CO now!
Chemical drain cleaners are liquid or gel formulas that cling to the sides of pipes and work with powerful chemical reactions to dissolve blockages of hair, grease, food, and other materials. They are available at hardware stores, supermarkets, and big box retailers and are often marketed as quick fixes for stubborn clogs. They may be effective for minor clogs but can damage your pipes if used too frequently or in high concentrations. Additionally, these products often release harsh fumes that are unpleasant to breathe and can damage your plumbing pipes if exposed for long periods.
Acidic drain cleaners are the most severe type of chemical cleaners and contain sulfuric, hydrochloric, or muriatic acid ingredients that create a chemical reaction with the clog to generate heat and melt away organic material. They are often used for removing tough grease clogs in commercial kitchens and may be effective for a few minutes, but they can damage your pipes if used too frequently or in high concentrations. Additionally, these cleaners can kill the good bacteria in your septic tank that breaks down waste and prevents clogs.
Oxidizing drain cleaners are a safe and effective alternative to acidic and caustic chemical cleaners. They are formulated with bleach, peroxides or nitrates that release oxygen to break down the organic material causing the clog and remove it from your pipes. These cleaners are also effective against slow-moving clogs like food waste, and they can eliminate odors while breaking down grease.
Another alternative to chemical drain cleaners is a basic household item that you can purchase at any grocery store. For example, pouring hot water and baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar can often dislodge simple clogs. If these home remedies do not work, you can try using a drain snake to loosen and remove the clog. These tools are available at most hardware stores and are much cheaper than professional plumbers, but they can be difficult to use and can cause damage if not handled properly. If you are unable to remove the clog, it may be necessary to call a plumber.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Many online cleaning hacks tout the ability of baking soda and vinegar to clear clogged drains. While these natural solutions are certainly less harmful than chemical drain cleaners, they do not work as well to eliminate the kind of gunky build-up that typically causes a clog. The reason is that the reaction they create primarily forms carbon dioxide, which does not have the power to break down grease or grime.
For this reason, it is important to use this kind of solution only as a preventative measure or as a supplement to more serious unclogging methods. When you do need to clean your drain, pour a large pot of boiling hot water down the drain first. This will help loosen any food debris or hair that may be stuck and help the baking soda-vinegar mixture to work more effectively.
Next, dump in about half a cup of baking soda. Cover the drain with a damp cloth or a drain plug (to keep the reaction contained) and let the drain sit for about an hour. Finally, pour in a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar should react with the baking soda and produce a fizzing action that can help to break down stubborn gunk in the drain. After the reaction has completed, flush the drain with another pot of boiling hot water.
Using this simple home remedy can help you avoid the need for harsh chemical drain cleaners and save you the expense of buying commercial products that are not needed. While this method is not effective for every clog, it can easily help to loosen food and hair debris, grease, and other organic material that often causes drain clogs. As a bonus, this method also helps to freshen your kitchen sink and remove any lingering odors. By combining this simple step with the regular use of a plunger or drain snake, you can maintain a healthy and free-flowing drain for years to come. However, if you do encounter a truly stubborn clog that does not respond to this treatment, it is best to consult a professional plumber for assistance.
Plungers
The humble plunger is an inexpensive and effective tool for tackling household drain blockages. It can be used to unclog toilets, sinks and showers and works by creating a powerful suction force around the drain opening. To use a plunger, a seal must be created over the drain or toilet hole; this can be done by covering the drain or toilet with water and pushing down on the handle. The rhythmic action of pushing and pulling the plunger can dislodge or break up a clog and get your drain flowing again.
Plungers are also much safer to use than chemical drain cleaners. Chemical cleaners can cause burns if they come into contact with skin or eyes, and can also pose a health risk if inhaled. In addition, the chemicals in chemical cleaners can damage pipes, leaving them prone to future blockages and corrosion.
When using a plunger, it is important to ensure that the rubber cup creates a tight seal over the drain or toilet opening. This is especially crucial when dealing with toilet clogs, which are often more difficult to clear than those in sinks or bathtubs. You can increase the strength of the seal by running hot water over the plunger before using it. If the clog is persistent, try adding a lubricant like petroleum jelly to the cup of the plunger.
If the plunger fails to remove the clog, it may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires professional help. For instance, a major clog may be caused by a broken pipe or extensive tree root growth. A plumber can use video inspection equipment to pinpoint the source of the clog and determine which tool is best suited to fix it.
Regular use of a plunger can reduce the need for chemical drain cleaners in your home, saving you money and minimizing the impact on the environment. Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous if they come into contact with your skin or if inhaled, so they should be avoided as much as possible. Instead, opt for a natural and inexpensive drain cleaning solution.
Drain Snakes
A drain snake or auger uses a physical approach to bore into and dislodge obstructions from your pipes. This tool has a coiled cable that is housed in a drum and unwound by turning the handle. At the end of the cable is an auger, a curved, corkscrew-type spring that pierces and chews through wads of compacted, stubborn drain gunk. The most common sizes of these snakes available for homeowners measure between 10 and 25 feet long.
Wearing rubber gloves, insert the snake into the drain opening and push it toward the clog while also cranking the handle to grind the clog. Keep rotating the snake handle to navigate curves in your plumbing’s pipe. Pay attention to sensory feedback – the noise and pressure of your snaking efforts can give you clues about what you’re dealing with. If the clog seems to be breaking up but water still remains slow to drain, don’t give up! Repeat snaking until the clog is broken up and draining freely.
Some clogs are tougher than others and may require multiple tries to break loose. Once the clog is eliminated, flush your drain lines again to make sure they’re clean and clear of any debris. Using this method regularly and practicing preventative maintenance can help ensure that your pipes last for years to come!
Keep in mind, however, that a drain snake is not a replacement for professional plumber services. You should always call a licensed plumber when faced with major blockages, damaged plumbing, or regular preventative maintenance needs. In the meantime, you can practice the above-mentioned DIY methods to keep your home’s drains flowing smoothly. Keeping the kitchen and bathroom drains clean will help avoid the buildup of food scraps, hair, toilet paper, tissue, and other common clog culprits. And remember to regularly remove and clean your sink strainers and p-traps to keep them in good shape! The more you know about your drains, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with them as they arise. Good luck! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
