Overflowing kitchen or bathroom sinks can create a massive mess for homeowners. Not only is this an unsightly problem, but clogged drains can make a lot of extra cleanup work.
Unfortunately, clogged drains are inevitable. Even with the most diligent preventative maintenance, most homeowners experience drain clogs at some point in their lives. The good news is there are some great cleaning tips to help you avoid catastrophe when your drain gets clogged.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the drain cleaning tricks you wish you knew. So, let’s get started!
Drain Cleaning Hacks You Wish You Knew
Believe it or not, most clogged drains can be fixed before you need to call a professional plumber. Here are some drain cleaning hacks you should keep in mind the next time your drains get clogged.
1. Hot Water
Sometimes the most complicated issues require the most straightforward solutions. Clogged drains are no exception. To get rid of a clogged drain, all you might need is scorching, hot water. This trick has worked wonders for many homeowners. If the blockage is nothing significant, pouring hot water down the drain can break up the blockage and fix your issue. Again, this only works if your drainage system with simple clogs. If hot water does not work, you can try the next solution.
2. Baking Soda and Lemon
Aside from being a common baking ingredient, baking soda has many household uses. Due to its fundamental nature, baking soda cuts through grease with ease by neutralizing the surface. Due to its strong acidic properties, lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and cuts through grease easily. Combine these two, and voila! You have a quick, safe, and effective drain cleaner. Pour the baking soda and lemon juice mixture down the drain and let it sit for an hour or so. Then, pour hot water into the drain to move the solution through your pipes and wash away the blockage entirely.
3. Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, better known as caustic soda, is a common chemical available at most hardware stores. Caustic soda is present in most over-the-counter drain cleaners because it converts fat and oil to soap that can be easily washed away with water. Keep in mind that sodium hydroxide is a highly toxic chemical that needs to be handled with extreme caution. It may also not be an excellent option for older plumbing systems, as it can deteriorate your pipes.
4. Drain Snake
Drain snakes are true lifesavers. A drain snake is a straight, long metal rope with a metal spiral to remove clogs. You can find them at your local hardware store. Before you use this method, make sure you have some basic knowledge of handling a drain snake. If your clog goes deep into your pipes, don’t attempt to snake the drain yourself because it can cause more damage.
We hope that these tricks will help you resolve your clogged drains. If the blockage is challenging to clear, contact a professional plumber for help.
Contact Antelope Valley Plumbing for Your Drain Cleaning Needs
If you need a reliable Palmdale drain cleaning service, Antelope Valley Plumbing is here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for service!