Blocked drains are one of the household issues that may be a cause of hassle, bad odors, and even plumbing problems. Instead of using chemical drain cleaners available in the market, they can harm your pipes and the environment too. The best part is that blocked drains can be unclogged using safe and natural means, and here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean drains naturally and safely.
Knowing the Cause of Clogs
Before trying drain cleaning products, one needs to know what is clogging the drain. The most frequent culprits are:
Hair buildup: Most common on bathroom sinks and shower drains.
Soap scum: Creates a sticky film that traps other particles.
Food particles: Kitchen sinks, mostly grease and oil.
Mineral buildup: Hard water leaves mineral deposits over time.
Eco-friendly Ways to Unclog Drains
Boiling Water Method
One of the easiest methods to clear a clogged drain is with boiling water. It is most effective on kitchen sink clogs caused by grease and soap scum.
- Boil a big pot of water.
- Slowly pour it down the drain in two or three portions, letting hot water dissolve grease and debris.
- Let it sit for a few minutes and see if the water drains freely.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
A safe, clean, and efficient way of doing the job as well as professional drain cleaners who do not use chemicals.
- Pour down one cup of baking soda down the pipe.
- Follow with one cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture bubble and set for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the loosened material with boiling water by flushing it away.
Plunger Method
A plunger is a standard tool of any plumbing business and serves especially for small clogs.
- Make sure to fill the bathtub or sink with sufficient water to form a seal.
- Place the plunger over the clogged drain and push hard for several 30 seconds.
- Check if the water drains; repeat as needed.
Drain Snake or Wire Hanger
For clogs of bad hair and debris, a drain snake or an unbent wire coat hanger is an incredible tool.
Feed the snake or hanger into the drain.
Gently push and turn to break up and remove the clog.
Flush with hot water to clear out any obstructions.
Salt and Baking Soda Paste
Inexpensive yet effective alternative to chemicals.
Combine 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Let the solution run down the drain and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Flush with boiling water to break up and remove the clog.
Preventive Maintenance to Keep Your Drain Clean Long Term
Although these procedures assist in unclogging blocked drains, prevention is indeed better than the cure. Below are some instructions on how one can keep his drains clear.
Drain strainers: Stop hair, food, and other dirt from going down the pipes.
Disposal of grease: Never drain fat or oil down the sink.
Excessive hot water usage: Aids in dissolving deposition before resorting to clogging.
Schedule professional drain cleaning: Every year, you can hire a plumber to avoid large clogs and plumbing catastrophes.
When to Hire a Professional Plumbing Service
If you have tried all the above and still the clog does not go away, it might be time to call the services of a professional plumbing service in Marana, AZ. Signs that you need expert services include:
- Multiple clogged drains in the house.
- Slow draining after repeated efforts at unclogging.
- A foul smell from the drain, which indicates a more serious blockage.
- Water flowing back into other toilets or sinks.
A professional plumber can use advanced drain cleaning technology, like hydro jetting or video inspection, to identify and fix serious plumbing problems in an effective way.
Final thoughts
Draining a clog without hard chemicals is not only easier on your pipes, but safer for your home and the environment too. Simple techniques like boiling water pouring, vinegar and baking soda, plungers, or drain snakes are nothing short of magic. If you, however, experience recurring or consistent clogs, then the most appropriate thing to do is to engage the services of a professional plumbing company to put your drains in order. Through drain cleaning in Marana, AZ, on a regular basis and preventive maintenance, you can keep your plumbing system in order for years to come.
