Drain Cleaning Perth is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system. Neglecting it can lead to slow drainage, foul odors, and even clogged drain lines.
While many people rely on Drano and other chemical cleaners, there are several environmentally friendly ways to clean and unclog drains.
Clogged drains can cause serious problems for your home. From slow-draining water to gurgling noises and unpleasant odors, these blockages are usually caused by hair, soap scum, or mineral build-up. Fortunately, there are many different tools that can be used to help clear away these blockages and restore the proper flow of water.
One of the most common and effective tools for unclogging a drain is a plunger. While most people think of plunging a toilet, this handy tool can be used to unclog sinks and shower drains as well. The most important thing when using a plunger is to make sure that the rubber cup is properly positioned over the drain opening. This can be done by making sure that the handle is firmly glued to the drain hole. Once a seal is made, the plunger can be pushed down and then pulled back up. This back and forth motion should dislodge most minor clogs.
When using a plunger, it is also important to be aware of the potential physical strain that can be put on your body. The repetitive up and down motions of plunging can cause back, arm, and shoulder pain if not performed correctly. To avoid this, it is important to take frequent breaks and not use excessive force when plunging a drain. It is also a good idea to wear rubber gloves when using a plunger, as this can help prevent any potential nicks or cuts to your hands.
If you are having trouble unclogging your drain with a plunger, it is a good idea to try using another method. Home improvement stores sell a variety of tools that can be used to clear clogged drains, such as a snake or homemade chemical cleaners. Using these tools can be much more effective than using a plunger and will not damage your pipes.
If you are still unable to unclog your drain with these methods, it is best to call a professional plumber. They will have the tools and experience needed to quickly and effectively unclog your drains without causing any additional damage to your pipes.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are household staples that can be used to clean a drain. Both ingredients are effective cleaning agents in their own right, but when combined they create a fizzing reaction that can help to loosen and remove debris from the pipe. This method is quick and easy to do, and it can be a great way to keep your drains clear and free of buildup.
This mixture is often recommended as a natural, chemical-free alternative to commercial drain cleaners. It is also a cost-effective method for cleaning a drain that can be used as a preventative measure against future clogs. However, it is important to note that baking soda and vinegar are not effective for severe clogs. If your drain is completely blocked, it is likely necessary to call a plumber for professional assistance.
Before using this technique, it is a good idea to turn on a large pot of scalding hot water. This will help to loosen any residue that is stuck in the pipes and allow the baking soda and vinegar to work more effectively. It is also a good idea to dry off the inside of the drain with a clean cloth before pouring in the baking soda and vinegar.
Once the hot water has been poured down the drain, slowly add in 1 cup of baking soda. This should be done in small increments to ensure that the entire drain is covered. Once the baking soda is poured in, pour in the white vinegar. The two should react immediately, causing a bubbling, fizzing action that can help to break up and remove blockages from the pipe.
After allowing the baking soda and vinegar to sit in the drain for about 30 minutes, flush the drain by pouring down another pot of boiling hot water. This will rinse away the mixture and any remaining debris from the drain.
Baking soda and vinegar are safe to use in most pipes, but it is important to be aware that the mixture can cause damage if the pipe is made from PVC plastic. This is because the reaction can create carbon dioxide gas, which can exert pressure on the pipe and cause it to crack or rupture. To avoid this, it is a good idea to use a different method for cleaning the drain, such as a plunger or drain snake.
Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake, also called an auger or a drain snake, is one of the most important tools in any plumber’s arsenal. It’s used to remove stubborn clogs that won’t respond to a plunger or caustic chemical drain cleaner. You can rent a snake at most hardware stores or plumbing supply houses. There are several types of snakes, each designed for a different type or size of pipe.
A basic manual cable snake, often referred to as a top snake or drum snake, comes in 25- and 50-foot options. You push the snake into the drain opening and then rotate the handle to feed it forward through the pipes until you feel resistance. The corkscrew-like bit on the end of the snake entangles with and breaks up the clog. You can even purchase a special “pusher” snake that does not have an auger head, which is better for shower and tub drains but may not work as well on toilets (those require a specialty tool, known as a toilet auger).
If you encounter resistance or run out of cable, lock the wire in place and manually feed more into the drain until you feel the clog break up or the snake moves freely. You can also use a power snake, which has a motor that powers the auger and is much easier to operate.
Before you begin snaking, prepare the area by covering it with old towels or a tarp. This can be a messy job, and you don’t want to get the snake stuck in your pipes or cause a backup. You can also consider removing the sink’s p-trap (the U-shaped piping under the drain) to make snaking easier and more accessible.
Once you feel the clog break up or pull out, stop snaking and clear away any remaining debris from the drain. Flush the drain with water to confirm it is fully unobstructed and run water through it for a few minutes to ensure that all the clog matter is gone. If you still have a clog, try snaking the drain 1 to 2 more times before calling a professional plumber. Rinse the snake in hot water and store it in a cool, dry place when you’re finished.
Hot Water
Boiling water can be an easy, natural solution for some clog types. When food particles, hair, or even a little bit of grease bind together inside your pipes and block your drains, pouring boiling water down the drain can often break it up. This works because these materials are heat-sensitive and can change their physical state with the high temperatures of boiling water. However, if you have plastic pipes, be careful when trying this life hack! The high temperature of the boiling water can soften or melt PVC joints and lead to costly repairs down the line.
When warning signs of a slow-draining sink come up, it can be tempting to reach for chemical drain cleaners like Liquid Plumber or Drano. However, chemical cleaners can eat through pipes and cause expensive leaks down the line. Instead, try these DIY clog remedies to quickly and easily fix your blocked drains!
If a plunger doesn’t work, try using a wire hanger to “snake” out your clogged drain. Straighten out a wire hanger and bend the end into a hook shape, then feed it down the clogged drain. Use the hook to snag and pull out any hair that’s accumulated in your pipes.
For a more permanent solution to stubborn drain clogs, consider an enzyme drain cleaner. These products introduce bacteria into your pipes that digest organic material like hair, soap scum, food particles, and paper waste. It’s best to use these products on a regular basis as a preventive measure to keep your pipes in good condition.
To avoid future clogs, always be sure to throw away any food waste in the trash or compost pile rather than down your drain. Also, never put fats down your drains or in your garbage disposal – they will harden in your pipes and cause clogs. If simple drain cleaning methods don’t work, call a professional for an assessment. An expert plumber can diagnose clogs that may be causing expensive pipe damage. They can also suggest long-term prevention measures to help you maintain a clean and healthy drain system.
