Maintaining drains that flow freely prevents blockages and reduces the risk of serious plumbing problems. It can also protect home health by preventing bacteria and mold growth that could lead to infection and breathing issues.
If your DIY plunger or store-bought drain snake doesn’t clear a major blockage, call a plumber. They can use more advanced tools to get to the root of the problem and keep it from recurring. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Chemical drain cleaners are highly effective for clearing clogs that result from organic material like hair and food particles. Their ability to dissolve these materials makes them particularly useful for kitchen and bathroom drains where these types of clogs are most common. These products are also readily available at most retail stores, making them a convenient option for homeowners who need to tackle a clog quickly and easily.
However, despite their effectiveness, there are a number of drawbacks to using chemical drain cleaners. Most importantly, these cleaners can be dangerous to humans and the environment when not used properly. They are typically caustic, which means they can irritate skin and eyes as well as cause damage to metal pipes when mixed with water. They may also release toxic fumes that can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems.
Most chemical drain cleaners contain powerful corrosives such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash). These substances are solid at room temperature but release heat when they come into contact with water, melting away clogs and destroying organic matter. They can also be hazardous to pets and children if not used in well-ventilated areas and stored carefully.
These chemicals are also likely to erode or damage concrete pipes, especially older pipes made of unlined clay. This can lead to leaks and ruptured pipes that require costly replacement or repairs. Furthermore, they can react with other household items to produce toxic byproducts such as hydrogen chloride gas or vapors. Finally, they may not be effective if the clog is caused by a serious issue such as a broken pipe or sewer backup. For these reasons, many people choose to use safer alternatives to chemical drain cleaners.
Biological Drain Cleaners
Biological drain cleaners are a non-toxic blend of natural bacteria and enzymes. They eat away at the organic residues that cause drain clogs. These bacteria are also harmless to pipes and can be used over and over without damaging them. They don’t leave behind any toxic fumes and are safe around children and pets. In addition, they don’t leach chemicals back into the water supply like many chemical drain cleaners can do.
Bio drain cleaners are most effective when they are used at a time of the day when all of your drains are expected to be used least, such as at night before bedtime. They can be used on sinks, tub and shower drains, toilets, and garbage disposals. However, they should not be used on a slow draining washing machine, as it can damage the delicate parts of the pump and seals.
These cleaners do not work as quickly as chemical cleaners, but they will eventually clear a clog with repeated applications. They are best used as preventative maintenance to keep drains flowing smoothly. When using them, follow the manufacturer’s directions on the bottle carefully.
Enzyme drain cleaners, such as BioDrain, contain a special blend of 8 strains of engineered bacteria and powerful enzymes that consume waste and eliminate odors in a self-rewarding cycle. As they digest the problem waste, they multiply and create more enzymes to break down larger molecules into smaller ones that can be washed away by your plumbing system. They can be used on slow drains, clogged drains, and even as routine maintenance in your home. When using them, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label closely and flush with warm water afterward to wash away any remaining bacteria.
Baking Soda & White Vinegar
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and white vinegar are kitchen staples that can do a lot of the work a commercial chemical drain cleaner would. The two ingredients are also cheap, non-toxic and readily available. Mixing them creates a bubbly, slightly acidic solution that cuts through grime and dissolves grease and soap scum.
When baking soda and vinegar are combined, they undergo a chemical reaction that forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide gas. This neutralizing process is what causes the fizzing action that makes this cleaning mixture so effective.
This household duo works wonders on clogged drains and can be used to clean a wide variety of other surfaces. Pour a cup of boiling water down the drain followed by one cup of baking soda, then flush the drain with a second cup of hot water. This method removes greasy build-up as well as hair and other debris that can clog a sink or tub, and it costs a fraction of a store-bought drain cleaner.
Vinegar can also help lift stains on carpet and other fabrics, and it can dissolve minerals that can clog showerheads. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda over the surface, then spray it with vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, scrub, then rinse. It’s a great alternative to commercial stain removers that contain chemicals like chlorine bleach.
Baking soda can also be poured directly onto a dirty pot or pan to deodorize and clean it. The combination of baking soda and vinegar produces a reaction that’s as effective at removing burnt food residue as it is at eliminating mildew. It can even be used to clean the chrome trim on a stove top.
Plunger & Wire Hanger
Sometimes a simple plunger is all you need to clear a toilet drain. However, if the plunger fails or your clog is particularly stubborn, try an enzyme-based drain cleaner. These cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic waste and can be quite effective for a variety of drain clogs. Follow the instructions on the package and pour the solution down the drain, then flush the toilet to see if your clog is gone.
When a clog becomes so severe that it surpasses the capabilities of a plunger or even an enzyme-based drain cleaner, you might be tempted to resort to DIY methods such as a wire hanger or a snake. Some experts deem these DIY tools effective for dislodging some blockages, but they can also cause damage to pipes if not used properly.
A common household item that has long been a favorite for DIY plumbers, a wire coat hanger is easy to straighten out into a makeshift drain snake. To use, simply unwind the looped end and bend one end into a small hook no more than half an inch wide. Place a piece of cloth or duct tape over the hook to prevent scratching your porcelain. Next, insert the hooked end down your drain and begin twisting to snag on the clog. After hooking the clog, pull it out of the drain and sift any hair or other debris into a trash can.
A wet and dry shop vacuum is another useful tool for dealing with especially stubborn clogs. You can create a seal with the top of a plastic bottle or the head of your plunger and then vacuum up the clog using high suction. This method is best reserved for more serious clogs that don’t respond to other DIY remedies.