To keep your drains at home as clear as possible, it is important to understand the causes of clogging. By knowing these causes and how to identify them before they become a problem, you will be able to fix the issue yourself or at least diagnose your problem so that a professional can take care of it correctly.
According to plumber Sydney owner Justin Rizk, blocked drains are most often caused by grease from food scraps, body oils/lotions/sunscreen, medications, dirt from outdoors, and other contaminants all building up over time in drains, which makes drains difficult or impossible to use. In some cases, this collection of debris may create an unseen blockage that eventually results in a backup situation.
Make use of these tips to keep your drains from blockage and allow them to do their important work!
Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda combined!
This is a great way to clear out even the most stubborn of clogs. Simply pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then follow with about three cups of apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for up to an hour before flushing with boiling-hot water! This is probably one of the best solutions because it can be used on sinks, tubs, showers, or any other household drain. It’s safe for all pipes as well as septic systems!
Plunger
Found in almost every home, the plunger is an essential tool when it comes to plumbing repairs. A good plunger should have enough suction that you can feel it in your hand when you pull it away from the drain. Make sure that when plunging, there’s enough water to cover the plunger head.
Baking Soda and Plain Vinegar
Combine 12 ounces of vinegar with ½ cup of baking soda in a container then add about 10 drops of plain vinegar. Shake well and pour half the solution down each drain, followed by about two cups of boiling-hot water. Let stand at least 45 minutes before rinsing with cold water and using plungers or another tool if necessary. This is an effective method most often used on sinks and tubs but can be applied to any drain!
Boiling Water
This is a great way to clear out even the most stubborn of clogs. Simply pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then follow with about three cups of boiling-hot water. Let it sit for up to an hour before flushing with cool water!
Baking Soda and Boiling Water
Combine 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 quart of hot boiled water. Let stand at least 30 minutes, then flush with cold water or try using a plunger or some other plumbing device if necessary.
Liquid Drain Cleaner
This product can be found at any local grocery store but should only be used on drains that are occasionally clogged because it can be too abrasive and damage the inner workings of a drain. Pour about 1/4 cup into each clogged drain and follow with boiling water or use a plunger if necessary to clear within 15 minutes.
Dish Detergent
Pour 7 to 8 drops of liquid dish detergent down the drain followed by 4 cups of boiling-hot water and let stand for 45 minutes before rinsing with cold water or plunging if necessary. This is one way that can be used on any kind of sink but may not be too effective in very slow-moving drains.
Citrus Peels
Citrus peels add a nice scent to drains while also helping to break apart contaminated substances found in nearly every kitchen sink. Use 6-8 citrus peels in the drain then fill it with boiling water and let it stand 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water or plunging if necessary.
Baking Soda, vinegar, and hot water
Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 3 cups of white distilled vinegar into a container then add about 10 drops of liquid soap. Shake the bottle well and pour half the solution down each drain, followed by about two cups of boiling-hot water. Let stand at least 45 minutes before rinsing with cold water and using plungers or another tool if necessary. This is an effective method most often used on sinks and tubs but can be applied to any drain.