Clog drains happen in sinks, showers, and tubs. Instead of flowing down your drain properly they tend to back up. I know what you are thinking “Oh no this is a disaster; we need to fix this now”! After seeing numerous commercials for drain cleaners I am sure you have a brand in mind that could help fix your clogged drain issue. With this blog we are going to talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about cleaning clogged drains on your own.
Harmful Effects of Drain Cleaners
The one thing about drain cleaners that companies don’t want to tell their consumers is that they are sometimes harmful to your pipes. Even if the bottle has a label stating it is marked at safe that doesn’t mean it is safe for your pipes. These chemicals can also be harmful to your health if ingested or absorbed by your skin.
If you opt for a liquid-based solution to help remove minor clogs, try to choose a cleaner that includes all- natural enzymatic products, choosing a cleaner with these ingredients will help break up mild clogs of organic material and bacteria. These products should be included into your monthly maintenance schedule and will make cleaning a breeze. You can also use your own and make a DIY Cleaner that works just as well.
DIY Drain Maintenance Options
If your drains are slow, or if you would like to clean them out each month to avoid buildup and further clogs, we recommend these two easy solutions that won’t break the bank.
If you end up with a really touch clog that you want to try to fix on your own without the help of a specialist, you want to make sure you have the correct tools that can help make the job easier. Snake, augers, and cup plungers are handy when you want to clear a problem drain.
There are certain things you should avoid putting down your sink in order to help prevent clogs here is a list of the things you should not dispose of down your drain.
For all plumbing problems call the experts at Team Plumbing. Our team of experts will be able to assist you with all your plumbing needs. Call (719) 226-0711 to schedule an appointment with us today!
The one thing about drain cleaners that companies don’t want to tell their consumers is that they are sometimes harmful to your pipes. Even if the bottle has a label stating it is marked at safe that doesn’t mean it is safe for your pipes. These chemicals can also be harmful to your health if ingested or absorbed by your skin.
If you opt for a liquid-based solution to help remove minor clogs, try to choose a cleaner that includes all- natural enzymatic products, choosing a cleaner with these ingredients will help break up mild clogs of organic material and bacteria. These products should be included into your monthly maintenance schedule and will make cleaning a breeze. You can also use your own and make a DIY Cleaner that works just as well.
DIY Drain Maintenance Options
If your drains are slow, or if you would like to clean them out each month to avoid buildup and further clogs, we recommend these two easy solutions that won’t break the bank.
- Hot Water: Pour a large pot of hot water that is NOT at the boiling point down the drain that is clogged. Once you have added the hot water continue flushing out the drain with cool water and this should remove the debris clogging your drain.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Is a great method to help clear any drains that may be giving you issues. Pour a half cup of baking soda directly into the drain and follow that with a half cup of vinegar. Plug off the sink and allow it to sit for 24 hours. Once it has sat, flush the drain with hot water the next day, and your sink should work beautifully with the clogs being completely removed.
If you end up with a really touch clog that you want to try to fix on your own without the help of a specialist, you want to make sure you have the correct tools that can help make the job easier. Snake, augers, and cup plungers are handy when you want to clear a problem drain.
- Snake and Augers: A snake or auger is a tool plumber use to assist in clearing tough clogs in sinks, toilets, and tubs. There are a variety of different sizes that you can get to help with more difficult jobs. They are simple to use, you just feed the cable through the pipe until you can feel the clog breaking up. You can also hook the cable on to the clog, depending on the organic material, and pull the items out.
- Cup Plungers: Are great for removing small clogs in your drains. To use a cup plunger on a sink you are going to want to remove the stopper to fist check to make sure it is not the cause of the clog in the first place. If cleaning out the stopper does not improve the water flow, use a plunger to try to restore proper drainage.
There are certain things you should avoid putting down your sink in order to help prevent clogs here is a list of the things you should not dispose of down your drain.
- Bones
- Eggshells
- Grease, oils, and any type of fats
- Fibrous Foods
- Coffee grounds
- Hair
For all plumbing problems call the experts at Team Plumbing. Our team of experts will be able to assist you with all your plumbing needs. Call (719) 226-0711 to schedule an appointment with us today!