In any household, a blocked drain is a major and most common issue as it happens fast and often. There are a few ways in which you can not only clean the clogged drain but can also prevent it from occurring again. The kitchen and bathroom drain have to do a lot of work to keep your home clean and tidy and therefore are prone to accumulation of debris in the pipe that includes everything from hair to crumbs, from dirt to grease.
You will surely have a variety of drain cleaning liquids available in a store, local or online, but the problem with these cleaning agents is that these are harsh for the drain pipes. Moreover, these cleaning chemicals move the clog further inside creating a major issue in the future with larger accumulation.
Using Better Cleaning Agents
There are a few better cleaning agents that can clean blocked drains easily and effectively and at the same time prevent any damage to the drain pipes. Most of these cleaning agents are available at home and can be used as a more effective home remedy to clean clogged drains. These cleaning agents include:
Boiling hot water – if you do not have PVC pipes, then boiling hot water can dissolve the organic matter and clean the clog. Remember, not hot but boiling hot water will do the trick.
Vinegar and baking soda – In addition to boiling water, you can also use vinegar and baking soda if the clog cannot be removed easily. Pour the powders and wait for half an hour and then pour boiling hot water to clean effectively.
Plunger – You can also use a cup-shaped plunger and not a flanged one for cleaning the drain.
Drain snake – There are small drain snakes available that are handheld and can bend around all types of pipes. When it reaches the clog, you can catch the debris to remove it.
However, you may not be successful always and that is when you will need to call a professional.
Reasons Not to Liquid Drain Cleaners
There are lots of reasons apart from damaging the drain pipes why you should not use liquid cleaning chemicals to clear blocked drains. The most significant one is that these cleaners are toxic, especially those inexpensive and off-brand ones. The long lingering chemical fumes are injurious to health causing irritation to the eyes and nose. The hydrochloric acid that is present in high volumes in these cleaning agents eats away the enamel of the expensive finishes of your kitchen and bathrooms. These are not good for the environment as well. The residue that is left in the bottles reaches the landfills or water endangering the lives of fishes and wildlife. In addition, these cleaning agents are not as effective as desired.
Tips to Keep Drains Clog-Free
There are lots of things that enter the drain. Firstly, you will have to make it a habit that these clogs inducing materials are prevented from entering resulting in blocked drains. Though hard to grow, this habit will eventually save a lot of stress, time and money by not having to call for professional drain cleaning service on a regular basis.
Few simple ways to prevent clogs are:
Placing a mesh screen over the drains to catch debris
Brushing hair before showering or bath to reduce hair fall
Laying a wash cloth over the drain when washing pets or using a washtub
Using compost bin instead of a garbage disposal
Maintaining your home drain system regularly
Lastly, take help of professional plumbers to have the drainage system inspected and repaired, if necessary at regular intervals.
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