Clogged drains can cause serious damage to the plumbing system. The best way to avoid these issues is by regularly cleaning your drains with professional tools and techniques. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Some clogs are too stubborn to be addressed by using common DIY tools. These situations call for more advanced strategies, such as hydrojetting, which involves blasting the pipe with high-pressure water.
Clogged drains are a common household problem, but having the right tools can save you time and frustration. There are a number of cleaning tools every homeowner should have in their tool kit to tackle drain clogs and address minor leaks until they can call a professional plumber.
One of the most important drain cleaning tools is a wire brush, which can be used to remove stubborn buildup from your drain pipe. These brushes are available in a variety of sizes and can be found at your local hardware store.
Another helpful drain cleaning tool is a plunger. These are very effective for loosening and releasing clumps of hair, grease, food or other organic matter that may be causing your drain to stop up. Plungers are also available in a variety of sizes to fit different sized drains.
If a drain snake or plunger doesn’t work, you can try a chemical drain cleaner. Some of these chemicals corrode pipes, but others are made with natural enzymes that break down organic waste and don’t corrode your plumbing. If you opt for a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
When a drain line clog is especially severe, you can try using an auger to dislodge the blockage. An auger is a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew end that you feed down the drain pipe until you reach the clog. Some are motor-driven while others are hand-fed.
A more powerful drain cleaning tool is a high-pressure drain jetter, which can clear a drain line of any size without damaging your plumbing system. This powerful tool sprays a stream of water that breaks up and dissolves clogs or ice dams, clearing your pipes quickly.
If you’re not comfortable using the more advanced drain cleaning tools, a video inspection device can help you locate and identify the source of your clog. This is the best way to determine which drain cleaning tool works for your situation.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaning products that can help unclog a drain. The mixture works to break down organic clogs and dissolve some types of mineral deposits. This method is less expensive than commercial chemical drain cleaners and is safe for pipes. It is important to note that this method will not work on all clogs, and may require multiple treatments.
To use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain, first remove any visible debris from the drain opening. Next, pour about one cup of white vinegar into the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a bubbling action that can loosen and dislodge clogs. Once the drain is clear, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to rinse away any remaining baking soda and vinegar.
This method should only be used on minor clogs, as it can damage or corrode metal drain pipes. If the drain is still clogged, you should try using other methods such as a plunger or drain snake. If the drain is clogged again, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
It is recommended to use this method in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from the chemical reaction. It is also important to wear gloves to protect your hands from any possible contact with the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Additionally, it is important to use only distilled vinegar and baking soda, as other ingredients may be harmful to your pipes.
Baking soda and vinegar are effective for many home cleaning tasks, including unclogging drains. This is because they are both natural, non-toxic substances that can be safely used around the house. However, there are several other natural and homemade alternatives to chemical drain cleaners that can be equally effective for cleaning a clogged drain. These include combining lemon juice and cream of tartar to create a paste, pouring this down the drain and flushing with hot water, or combining coffee grounds with distilled vinegar.
Plumber’s Snake
Drain snakes are a tool in the arsenal of any plumber, and they can be used to break up and remove stubborn blockages. A snake is a long, flexible auger that is inserted into a pipe to dislodge and break up debris and clogs.
They are available in a variety of lengths, types, and sizes to suit different pipes. You can purchase one from most hardware stores or online. Before using, it is important to read the instructions and ensure that the snake you have is suitable for your drain.
Before you start snaking, prepare the area by covering any surfaces that you do not want to get dirty. You will also need to put on rubber gloves and a pair of protective goggles. You should also use a large garbage bag to catch any broken or flushed debris.
Begin by either sending the snake down the drain or removing the p-trap (the curved pipe under your sink). Removing the trap will give you the best access to the drainpipe and may make it easier to spot any obstructions.
After preparing the area and putting on your safety gear, uncoil the snake and feed it down the drain. While doing so, slowly turn the handle on the drum containing the snake. Once the snake reaches the clog, begin rotating it. This will chop up and dislodge the clog, making it easier to pull out of the drain.
If the clog is particularly stubborn, you may have to manually thread the head of the snake into the pipe. This can be a messy job, but it is necessary in order to successfully clear the clog. You will also need to rotate and maneuver the snake as it goes deeper into the pipe.
It is important to remember to keep your eyes and hands away from the end of the snake, as it can be very sharp. Once you feel that the snake has cleared the clog, pull it back out of the drain. After you have removed the clog, it is a good idea to wash off the snake to prevent any bacteria or debris from contaminating your home.
Hot Water or Vinegar
Many homeowners are unaware of the benefits of regular drain cleaning. However, if they do their homework, they can prevent clogs before they occur and minimize the need for expensive tools and toxic chemical drain cleaners.
Baking soda and vinegar have a natural volcanic reaction to break down and dissolve grease, soap scum, food particles, coffee grounds, hair, cigarette butts, and other debris that can cause clogged drains and garbage disposals. This natural solution is also gentle on pipes and less corrosive than store-bought chemical drain cleaners.
The first step is to pour a cup of baking soda into the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb any odors and begin to work its magic. Then, add a cup of vinegar. This solution is effective because baking soda (an alkaline substance) and vinegar (a mild acetic acid) have a neutralizing effect on each other. The fizzing action of the two substances helps to break down and dislodge clogs, as well as eliminate odors from drains and garbage disposals.
After the baking soda and vinegar solution has done its work, slowly pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. Be careful to not splash yourself, and allow the water to work its way down the pipe for several seconds before running hot tap water down the drain to flush away any remaining baking soda-vinegar mixture and any debris that may have loosened from its efforts.
This natural solution is safe and inexpensive, and can be repeated as needed to keep your drains flowing smoothly. Regular drain cleaning can also reduce the need for more costly repair services and extend the life of your drains and pipes. If your clogged drain is more severe than what a DIY remedy can handle, it might be time to call a professional. If you have a drain that you can’t clear on your own, find the nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location and book a service appointment online today!
