Drain cleaning isn’t something most homeowners think about until their drains are slowing down or backing up. Unfortunately, putting off this type of maintenance can lead to expensive pipe repairs or even water contamination.
Store-bought drain cleaners aren’t just full of chemicals that can damage your pipes; they can also create clogs in the future! Visit https://www.draincleaningphiladelphia.com/ to learn more.
Whether in liquid, gel, foam or crystal form, most chemical drain cleaners work by creating a reaction with hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) and other strong bases or acids to break down the material that’s clogging your pipe. Because of the dangerous chemicals they contain, these cleaners are best used by professionals who can safely handle them. Homeowners should never mix different chemical drain cleaners, either to tackle a tough clog or to save money by purchasing less expensive products, as this can cause toxic reactions that are harmful to both people and property.
Liquid drain cleaners also produce noxious fumes that can be harmful to your health. If the vapors come into contact with your skin or eyes, they can burn it and irritate your lungs. If they make it into standing water, such as in a sink or toilet that won’t drain, they can also damage your pipes by eating away at the materials that make them up.
Another problem with liquid drain cleaners is that they kill the “good” bacteria in your plumbing system, which helps to break down organic waste and prevent clogs from building up. Without these helpful microorganisms, your pipes can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew and other unhealthy organisms.
Finally, many liquid drain cleaners pour out of your drainpipe into the sewer system or your septic tank. There, they can wreak havoc on the ecosystem by polluting the soil and water supply. And because they’re usually packaged in single-use plastic bottles, they can add to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Plus, the corrosive chemicals in liquid drain cleaners can seep into the surrounding soil and water supply, contaminating the environment far from your house.
Snake
Using a plumbing snake (also called an auger) is often the best way to tackle a drain clog that can’t be resolved with a plunger or liquid cleaner. These long, flexible rods are effective at removing hair, grease, and other debris that can clog your pipes. Unlike liquid cleaners, which can harm the interior lining of your pipes, a drain snake is safe for use at home and won’t cause any damage to your plumbing system.
Before you start snaking, make sure that you’re wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any sewer hazards. Also, turn off the power to any garbage disposals or other appliances that are plugged in near where you’re snaking. Next, feed the head of the snake into either the p-trap (if you haven’t removed it) or the wall pipe access point, depending on where the clog is located. Slowly crank the handle of the snake to extend it down the drain. Keep turning the handle until you feel resistance or reach your clog.
Once you reach your clog, simply twist the snake’s metal tines back and forth until they break up or drag out the blockage. Then, flush the snake and any remaining clog materials down the drain.
Keep in mind, though, that snaking a drain is a process that takes some patience. Depending on the size of the clog, it may take several attempts to break up and remove the blockage entirely. Additionally, if the clog is located in your sewer line, you may need to call in professional plumbers for help. Regardless, always consult with your local plumbers before reaching for liquid drain cleaners at home, as these can be dangerous and expensive to use in your pipes.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners
Enzyme drain cleaners use natural, organic ingredients to break down and digest fats, oils, and greases before they can solidify and clog your drain. These are safe for your pipes and septic tank and are environmentally friendly. They also work well for many types of stains and odors in kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers and toilets.
While chemical drain cleaners often contain dangerous and toxic chemicals like hydrochloric acid or lye, enzyme-based drain cleaners are a much safer option for your home. They are typically a powder or liquid that you pour down your clogged drain. These cleaners work best for organic clogs caused by hair, food particles and other debris. They are not effective against mineral buildup or tree roots that have grown into your pipes.
Enzymes take longer to work than chemical-based cleaners, but they are safer for your pipes and surfaces. You may need to leave them in your drain over night or for a few hours to see the results. If you’re unsure about using an enzyme drain cleaner in your home, it is best to consult with a plumber or septic system professional first.
You should also be aware that while these products are generally safe, they may cause burns if splashed on skin or eyes. Also, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to these cleaners. Read the label carefully and test a small amount of the product in an inconspicuous area before using it on larger areas. Also, make sure you follow the directions on the bottle for the best results. Lastly, enzyme cleaners should not be used for a long period of time as they can overwork your pipes and drains.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Homemade and natural drain cleaners are great solutions for minor clogs, but they’re not the best solution for serious blockages. In fact, if your clogged drain is caused by serious food particles and microbial growth, it’s likely that this method of drain cleaning won’t work.
Baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction that breaks down gunk and grime and makes the clogged drain less obstructed. This natural DIY cleaner is also a good deodorizer and can help remove unpleasant odors from your sink or tub.
However, while baking soda and vinegar can unclog a drain temporarily, it won’t last for long. Once the chemical reaction stops, so will the bubbles that are breaking down the clog. Additionally, because vinegar is an acid, it can wear down the composition of copper and brass pipes over time.
When using this solution, make sure you have a pot of boiling hot water ready to follow the mixture and flush away any remaining gunk. Also, it’s important to use a funnel or a strainer to prevent the baking soda and vinegar mixture from spilling over the sides of your drain.
To start, pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into your clogged drain. Follow this with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Wait a few minutes for the chemical reaction to take place. Then, slowly pour the boiling water down the drain to wash away the baking soda-vinegar mixture and any clogged residues. Repeat as needed to remove stubborn clogs. If you can’t get your clogged drain to clear, try one of these other methods or call a professional plumber for further assistance. It might be necessary to remove your drain trap or use a plunger to break up the clog and dislodge it from the pipe wall.
Hot Water
One of the best ways to prevent clogged drains is to clean them regularly. A wet/dry vacuum can dislodge much of the debris that accumulates in sinks and bathtub drains. It also works well for shower drains that become clogged with hair and soap scum. It is important to note, however, that liquid drain cleaners should only be used on fully clogged drains as their corrosive chemicals can cause damage to pipes and fixtures.
For a more hands-on solution, boiling water is an excellent choice for most drains. This simple home remedy can loosen grease, food residue, and other substances that clog drains. Just make sure that the water is hot enough to be safe for use in your home’s pipes. When using boiling water, pour it down the drain in bursts and check after each pour to see if the clog has been broken up or eliminated.
Another effective DIY drain cleaning method is baking soda and vinegar. The chemical reaction between the alkaline baking soda and acidic vinegar produces fizzing action that can help break down clogs. When using this method, it is recommended that you put a stopper over the drain opening to concentrate the cleansing reaction and to avoid spilling baking soda around the home’s plumbing fixtures.
For stubborn clogs, try adding coarse table salt to the mixture. The salt scours the inside of pipes, clearing away more material than just hot water alone. For best results, pour the baking soda-and-vinegar mixture down the clogged drain after you’ve removed any standing water from the sink. Leave it to work its magic for at least an hour before you run a pot of hot water down the drain.