We have all been there! You turn on the faucet and the sinks backed up, or your tub is draining slowly. Your first thought is to grab the handy drain cleaner that’s been sitting under your sink for just this occasion. While some DIY solutions may effectively remove some blockages, there are several risks involved that make it a bad idea in general.
THE BAD NEWS ABOUT DRAIN CLEANERS
One of the main risks of DIY drain cleaning is that many commercial drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes and cause more harm than good. These chemicals can erode pipes and cause leaks, which can lead to costly repairs down the line.
If you insist on trying a liquid-based solution to clear up minor clogs, choose an all-natural enzymatic product. These products use natural enzymes to break up organic material and bacteria clogging your pipes, but they won’t break down particularly tough clogs. These products are better used for monthly drain maintenance rather than clearing up clogs, but we have some simpler (and less expensive) DIY solutions that you can try before buying a pricey product.
DIY DRAIN MAINTENANCE
If your drains are just a little slow or you want to clean out your drains each month to ensure gunk doesn’t build up along pipe walls, there are two easy, inexpensive solutions that could work:
- Banking soda and vinegar – Pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain and chase it with half a cup of vinegar. Plug the sink and let it sit overnight. Flush the drains with hot water in the morning and they will be good as new! We recommend doing this once a month.
- Hot Water – Pour a large pot of very hot (but not boiling) water down the drain you’re having issues with or want to clean. Follow it up with some cool water to flush out the clogs you just melted away.
AVOID DRAIN CLOGS ALTOGETHER – WHAT NOT TO PUT DOWN YOUR DRAIN!
Of course, the best way to avoid a clogged drain is to use it properly in the first place. Here’s a list of the most common things homeowners put down the drain (or toilet) that can cause major problems over time:
- Grease, fats, or oil (pour them into a jar, wait for them to solidify, then throw them away!)
- Eggshells
- Pasta, rice, and potatoes (starchy things)
- Bones
- Stringy or fibrous foods
- Coffee grounds
- Feminine products (sanitary napkins, etc.)
- Tissues and paper towels
- “Flushable” wipes
- Hair (get a stopper for your shower or tub!)
WHEN DIY ISN’T CUTTING IT, CALL THE EXPERTS!
Always have the number of a reliable, experienced plumbing company on hand for those times when easy DIY solutions just won’t cut it. At Magnum Plumbing Inc. we deliver prompt, same day service with a local team, fully stocked trucks, and respectful plumbers. Give us a call today 760-846-5673