Drain cleaning is an essential aspect of keeping your home’s drain system healthy. Hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate in the drains over time. This can lead to slow draining, bad smells, and even flooding. It is important to be proactive when it comes to drain cleaning and the best way to avoid the mess of drain cleaning is to prevent problems before they start. In this blog article, we’ll give you the best tips and tricks essential for your drain cleaning.
Types of Drains and How to Clean Them
There are two main types of drains: primary and secondary. Primary drains are the main lines that carry water away from your home. Secondary drains are the smaller lines that connect to the primary drains.
Cleaning primary drains are generally best left to a professional, as they can be difficult to access and may require special tools. However, there are a few things you can do to help keep them clean.
- Use a drain cover. This will help to catch hair and other debris before it has a chance to go down the drain.
- Use a plunger. If your drains are already starting to slow down, a plunger can help to break up the clog and get things moving again.
- Be careful what you put down the drain. Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, and other food waste down the drain, as this can lead to build-up and clogs.
- Use natural drain cleaners. Vinegar and baking soda can be used to break up small clogs. Just pour 1/2 cup of each down the drain, then follow with a pot of boiling water.
Cleaning secondary drains are a bit easier and can usually be done with a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
- Start with a plunger. If the clog is not too severe, a plunger can usually break it up and get things moving again.
- Use a plumber’s snake. This is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to reach and clear the clog.
- Use a natural cleaner. If you want to avoid using chemicals, there are a few natural options that can be effective, such as baking soda and vinegar.
Preventing Clogs in the Future
The best way to deal with drain clogs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
Don’t pour grease down the drain
Pouring grease down the drain is one of the leading causes of clogged pipes. As it moves through the pipe, it cools and solidifies. Eventually, it sticks to the sides of the pipe and begins to build up. Over time, this build-up can lead to a complete blockage, causing major problems.
The best way to deal with grease is to avoid putting it down the drain in the first place. Scrape it off into the trash can before washing dishes, and dispose of it properly. This will save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.
Use a strainer
This will catch food scraps and other debris before it has a chance to go down the drain. Doing this will help keep your kitchen sink clean and clear. Additionally, it is much easier to clean a strainer than it is to unclog a drain.
If you have a garbage disposal, you may still want to use a strainer. This will help prevent larger pieces of food from clogging the disposal. Just be sure to scrape off any food scraps before rinsing the strainer and putting it back in place.
Be careful what you flush
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. This includes dental floss, sanitary napkins and wipes, baby wipes, hair, and other non-biodegradable items that could easily clog your drain system.
Clean your drains regularly
You can use a natural cleaner, such as baking soda and vinegar, or a commercial cleaner designed for drain maintenance. Regular cleaning will help keep your drains clear and free of clogs.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner you choose, and take care to avoid using too much or letting the cleaner sit in your drains for too long, as this could damage your pipes.
Have your drains professionally cleaned
Having your drains professionally cleaned is especially important if you have primary drains. A professional will have the tools and expertise to clean them properly and prevent future clogs.
How to unclog a drain using household items
There are a few household items that can be effective at unclogging drains.
- Baking soda and vinegar – This combination can help to break up and dissolve clogs.
- Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain – The hot water can help to break up the clog and get things moving again.
- Plunger – A plunger can be used to break up and dislodge a clog.
- Wire hanger – Straighten out a wire hanger and use it to reach and remove the clog. Be careful not to scratch the pipes.
Never pour toxic chemicals down your drains! These can damage your pipes and lead to health risks. If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t get the clog cleared, call a professional. They will have the tools and expertise to get the job done safely and quickly.
What to do if your drain is clogged beyond help
If your drain is clogged beyond help, you may need to call a professional. A professional can clear any blockage quickly and efficiently. Additionally, a professional will have the proper tools to safely clear your drain without causing any damage to your drain system. If you attempt to clear a blocked drain yourself and cause damage to your system, you may end up paying for expensive repairs. Therefore, it is always best to call a professional when you have a serious clog.
So there you have it – our top tips for drain cleaning. Hopefully, this information will help you keep your drains clear and clog-free. But if things do go wrong and you find yourself with a backed-up sink, don’t worry! Call of Dooty in Las Vegas got you covered. Just give us a call at (702)788-2513 and we’ll take care of everything for you.
