The most common problem that homeowners face with plumbing has something to do with clogged drains, and it might be very convenient to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, but using one can indeed cause more harm than good. These harsh chemicals in them can gradually damage your pipes and result in an expensive repair bill.
Fortunately, there are several effective yet safe means through which one can unclog the drains without risking the integrity of one’s plumbing. Here is a short guide on how one can safely attack those pesky plugs without creating more problems and keeping plumbing in good condition.
Know the Cause of the Clog
Before trying to unclog your drains, one needs to know what’s obstructing its flow. Hair and soap scum, food particles, grease are most normally found to be the culprit for bathroom and kitchen clogs. Some cases involve tree roots or mineral buildup mainly in older plumbing systems. By finding where the clog is coming from you will find what method will work the best. You do not want to do anything to the drain until you have a course of action since more materials can make it worse. A plumber has the expertise and specialized tools to tackle severe or deep clogs that DIY methods can’t resolve, ensuring that your plumbing system remains safe and functional.
Effective Use of a Plunger
One probable first line of defence against clogged drains and quite effective for bathroom and kitchen sinks is a plunger. On its use, the plunger cup must always be set over the drain opening and must ensure that it is tight. Fill the sink or tub with water, making sure that the water level is above the head of the plunger. Then plunge up and down with forceful, deliberate motions. This will result in the suction and pressure needed most likely to dislodge the clog. Plunge repeatedly and test to see if the drain clears. If it doesn’t come out at this block, then it will need another approach.
Natural Remedy
Two of the most effective mixtures that dissolve buildup inside the pipes are baking soda and vinegar. To begin with, one should drop a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by pouring a cup of white vinegar down. The chemical reaction forming between the two gives out foam, which helps in breaking up debris inside the pipe. Place the drain cover on and let this stew for 15–30 minutes. Afterwards, run boiling water down the drain to clean it of any remaining sediment. This process is non-invasive to pipes and works best for minor organic blockages.
Use a Drain Snake for Pervasive Clogs
If the clog is pervasive, using a drain snake is another harmless method. A drain snake is a long flexible coil that you insert into the drain to break up or pull out blockages. Insert the snake into the drain, gingerly, in a twisting motion the snake will grab onto the clog. Upon feeling resistance, you can begin to slowly retract the snake through the drain to remove the debris. This is effective for blockages created by a build-up of hair or some other object that has become lodged in the pipe. Care should be taken not to exert too much force as this will cause damage to the lining of the pipe.
Maintenance to Avoid Blockages
Now that the drain has been cleaned, a little maintenance can be performed that will help prevent any future blockages. For bathroom drains, provide a hair catcher that catches loose strands of hair before they can make their way into the pipes and create blockage. Install a filter or screen over the drain hole that traps hair and other particles before they fall into the drain. For the kitchen, do not pour grease into the drain because it may congeal inside the pipes and cause blockages. Running hot water down the kitchen sink after doing dishes helps dissolve much of the grease, which prevents it from building up inside the pipe. You also can keep your pipes clean by running baking soda and vinegar through the pipes on a regular basis.
This is now the time to call a plumber when all of the above methods no longer work. Some blockages are deeper and problematic that no DIY solution could ever fix, requiring professional equipment or knowledge to unclog your drains. That is, it is only a professional plumber who can find the root cause of the issues of tree root or major mineral deposits. In this way, these are non-invasive techniques, and minor blockages can mostly be resolved using your hands, since you will not have to bear any pipe damages.
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