Introduction
A clogged drain is a frustrating and unpleasant experience. It’s bound to happen to everyone at some point, but keeping your drain clean can prevent the hassle and expense of a major repair. This article will guide you through the most effective, easy, and inexpensive ways to clean your drain, from simple preventative measures to DIY methods and professional solutions.
7 Simple and Effective Ways to Keep Your Drain Clean
Here are a few easy tips to keep your drains clear:
Use a drain strainer
A strainer can be placed over the sink drain to prevent dirt, hair, food, and other debris from entering the drain and causing blockages. Empty the strainer regularly to avoid it from becoming clogged itself.
Run hot water down the sink after every use
Flushing hot water down the drain after using your sink or shower can help dissolve fatty substances that get stuck in the pipes.
Regularly clean your sink stoppers and drains
Over time, hair, soap scum, and other particles may accumulate in your sink stoppers and drains. Clean them regularly to prevent future clogs.
Use a homemade drain cleaner once a week
You can make your own drain cleaner using a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Refer to section III for a detailed recipe.
Pour boiling water down your drains on a monthly basis
Boiling water can help dissolve any buildup of fats, oils, or greases on the interior surface of the drainpipe.
Avoid putting non-degradable items down the drain
Non-degradable items, such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and cooking grease, can all form blockages. Dispose of them in the trashcan instead.
Call in a professional annually
An annual plumbing inspection can help detect and fix minor problems before they become major issues. It could also prolong the life of your pipes, saving you money in the long run.
DIY Drain Cleaning: 5 Effective Methods
Use baking soda and vinegar
Combine 1/2 cup each of baking soda and vinegar. Stir the mixture and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for half an hour to an hour. Then, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes.
Use a plunger
A plunger is an effective tool for removing small clogs. Place it over the drain opening and pump it up and down vigorously for several minutes. Repeat this process three to four times.
Use a drain snake
A drain snake is another way to remove stubborn clogs. Insert the snake into the drain, and twist and turn it until you feel resistance. This means the snake has hit the obstacle. Keep turning it until the clog has been removed.
Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be used to remove clogs from toilets and sinks. First, set the vacuum to “wet” mode. Then, seal the nozzle around the drain and turn it on until the clog has been removed.
Use a plumbing snake
A plumbing snake is useful for clearing out larger clogs. Insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Turn it several times until the clog has been removed.
How to Clean Your Drain in Under 10 Minutes
Prepare your cleaning solution
A simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean your drain effectively. Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar.
Remove the drain cover
If there’s a drain cover on your sink, remove it so you can access the drainpipe more easily.
Clean the drain with the cleaning solution
Pour the mixture into the drain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to dissolve the gunk and grime within the pipe.
Use a plunger to clear any remaining debris
After allowing time for the solution to settle in, it’s time to use the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain hole firmly, and pump the handle up and down for about 30 seconds to a minute.
Rinse the drain with hot water
Pour hot water down the drain to flush out any debris and remaining cleaning solution. Keep the water running for a few minutes to ensure the drainpipe is completely cleared.
Natural Ingredients for a Clean Drain: 4 Easy Recipes
Baking soda and vinegar
As mentioned earlier, baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients that work effectively on stubborn drains. Use a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and vinegar.
Salt and baking soda
Mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda and a 1/2 cup of salt, pour the mixture down the drain and let it rest for an hour or two before flushing with hot water.
Baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar
Combine a 1/4 cup of cream of tartar, a 1/2 cup of baking soda, and a 1/2 cup of salt. Mix the ingredients and pour the solution in the drain, then let it rest for an hour before flushing it out with hot water.
Lemon juice and baking soda
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then a cup of lemon juice, let it react for 30 minutes, then finish by pouring hot water down.
The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain
Causes of a clogged drain
Clogs are typically caused by foreign objects, such as food particles, dirt, hair, or soap scum, getting stuck in the drainpipe.
Signs of a clogged drain
Slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and bad odors are all signs of a clogged drainpipe.
How to identify the location of the clog
If the clog starts near the drain’s opening, the blockage can be seen and can be removed easily using a set of pliers or a bent wire. If the clog is deeper in the pipe, call in a plumber.
Methods for unclogging different types of drains
Methods such as using a plunger and a drain snake to remove clogs are effective in most cases. But if the clog is particularly stubborn, it’s better to contact a plumbing professional.
When to call a professional
If the clog isn’t responding to simple DIY cleaning methods or keeps recurring, it may require professional attention. Don’t hesitate to call in a plumber to investigate more challenging clogs.
Say Goodbye to Plumber Bills: Try These Drain Cleaning Hacks
Use a metal hanger
A straightened wire hanger can reach deep into the drain and help dislodge clogged debris. But Be careful not to scratch or damage any pipes.
Use dish soap and hot water
Mix a 1/4 cup of dish soap with hot water, pour down the drain, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to soften any organic materials causing the blockage.
Use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and vinegar
Combine 1/2 cup each of salt and baking soda, pour down the drain, then pour a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble and sit for an hour before flushing with hot water.
Use a combination of baking soda and salt
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of salt, let it sit overnight, then rinse it out with boiling water in the morning.
Use a combination of baking soda and borax
Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of borax, pour the mixture down the drain, then follow the cleaning process described previously.
Prevent Future Clogs: Tips for Maintaining a Clean Drain
Here’s a list of easy tips to maintain your drain:
Use a drain strainer
Prevent debris from entering the drain by using a drain strainer. Clean it regularly to keep it functioning efficiently.
Run hot water down the sink after every use
Running hot water down the sink after every use is an easy way to clean out any smaller particles before they become an issue.
Avoid putting non-degradable items down the drain
Apart from food and washing up water, don’t put non-degradable items down the drain, such as oil, fats, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products. They can cause blockages.
Use a homemade drain cleaner once a week
Maintain your drains by using a DIY cleaning recipe once a week. It helps to clear any small blockages and keeps the drain working efficiently.
Regularly clean your sink stoppers and drains
Proper hygiene can prevent larger clogs forming and create a fresher, healthier environment in your kitchen or bathroom sink.
Call in a professional annually
An annual plumbing inspection can help prevent major problems down the line and save money in the long run.
Conclusion
There are many effective ways to keep your drain clean, from simple preventative measures to DIY methods and professional solutions. Unclogging a drain can be a frustrating experience, but regular maintenance is key to preventing major problems. So, before calling in a professional, try some of the DIY methods discussed in this article. It’s easier than you think.
