Many people avoid using strong chemicals to clear up clogged drains because of the risks they pose to people’s health. Chemicals can also harm the environment and your home’s structural integrity. Thankfully, simple chemical-free drain unclogging methods can fix small clogs without harming your plumbing. You can save yourself a lot of hassle, money, and time if you know these techniques and understand when to hire a professional plumber.
What Are Chemical Drain Cleaners and Why Are They Harmful?
Chemical drain cleaners are substances that remove obstructions in plumbing systems; they can be in the form of liquids or gels. Most of these products contain chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, which are strong enough to decompose organic matter, grease, and hair. However, these compounds are extremely acidic and can eat away at pipes with continuous usage.
Because they can contaminate water sources and destroy aquatic life when rinsed down the drain, chemical drain cleaners also pose threats to the environment. If not handled correctly, they can cause skin burns, respiratory problems, and eye irritation. Instead of putting yourself in harm’s way, you should always try to use safer, nontoxic options.
Using a Plunger for Drain Clearing
A plunger is the best tool to use for clearing a drain because the combination of suction and pressure it generates can loosen obstructions. When using a plunger, it’s important to fill the basin with water up to the cup, as this forms a seal. After positioning the plunger over the drain, firmly push down on it and swiftly lift up so as not to break the seal. It may take multiple repetitions of this method to generate enough force to remove the blockage. This approach usually succeeds if the obstruction is not too severe. But if you’ve already tried plunging and the drain is still not clear, it could be an indication of a more stubborn blockage that needs a plumber.
Employing a Drain Snake or Auger
Using a drain snake or auger is a good backup plan in case plunging doesn’t work. These tools can reach further into the drain, allowing the plumber to loosen or remove the obstruction-causing debris. A drain snake is essentially a coiled, flexible wire. Once you spin the handle, the snake will either grab onto the obstruction or break it apart, allowing you to pull it out. While both tools accomplish the same goal, an auger is usually more powerful and better suited for larger or more stubborn obstructions. If the blockage is further down the drain, out of reach of a plunger, this method might work.
Flushing With Boiling Water
An easy, chemical-free way to clear small blockages, like those produced by soap or grease, is to flush the drain with boiling water. When exposed to hot water, these chemicals will dissolve and melt. This technique involves heating water in a kettle and then pouring it, little by little, down the drain to loosen the obstruction. Keep in mind that boiling water might damage PVC pipes if applied repeatedly, therefore this procedure is better suited for metal pipes. While this method is simple and quick, it may not work for solid-material obstructions or those deeper in the system.
Utilizing Baking Soda and Vinegar
A time-tested method for naturally unclogging drains is the mix of baking soda and vinegar. These two substances, when mixed, produce a carbonic explosion that can loosen obstructions and unclog pipes. Before you add the vinegar, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. To contain the reaction within the pipes, cover the drain immediately with a stopper or cloth. The combination needs 15 to 30 minutes to soak and break down the blockage. After that, pour boiling water down the drain to remove any remaining particles. Not only can this procedure deodorize your drain, leaving it clean and fresh, but it is also quite successful at clearing obstructions produced by organic material or soap scum.
Removing Hair and Debris Manually
When it comes to bathroom sinks and showers, hair and other debris are the most prevalent causes of clogged drains. A plunger or snake can usually loosen most obstructions, but sometimes you just have to pull them out by hand. To begin unclogging a bathroom sink or tub, take the drain cover off. Reach down into the drain using a wire hook or needle-nose pliers to remove the clogged hair and other debris. If the blockage is easily accessible and mostly made of tangled hair or built-up debris, this simple procedure can be highly successful.
Checking and Cleaning the P-Trap
To stop debris from getting farther into the plumbing system, there is a U-shaped pipe called a P-trap beneath each sink. Hair, soap, and other debris can build up over time and cause the P-trap to become clogged. To catch any water or debris that may spill out when cleaning the P-trap, set a bucket underneath it. When you go to remove the P-trap, loosen the two slip bolts on each side of the device. Before reattaching the trap, clean it with warm water and empty its contents into the bucket. In many cases, a simple cleaning of the P-trap will remove impediments from under the sink and allow water to drain freely again, all without the use of harmful chemicals.
The Benefits of Drain Screens and Guards
Using drain screens or guards is a simple yet effective way to keep your drains clean. You can prevent clogs caused by hair, food particles and other debris by placing one of these cheap devices over the drain opening. Screens and guards work wonders in the bathroom and kitchen sinks, two places where clogs caused by hair and food tend to occur frequently. Stainless steel, silicone, and plastic are just a few of the materials available for drain screens. While silicone or plastic guards are great for bathroom drains because they can readily catch hair without rusting, stainless steel screens are good for kitchen sinks since they are long-lasting and can withstand food particles.
Understanding When a Clog Requires Professional Help
Many clogs are manageable using do-it-yourself techniques, but a professional plumber may be necessary in other cases. A more serious or deeper obstruction may be to blame if you’ve exhausted more fundamental methods like plunging or snaking without success. Repeated problems, sluggish draining from various fixtures, or persistent blockages are usually indications of a more serious issue with the main sewer line.
At We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air our team can handle any drain clog. We also specialize in slab leaks, bathroom remodeling, hydro-jetting, HVAC installations, and humidity control. Call us now to schedule a drain repair in Orange or any of the surrounding areas of Southern California.
