Drain Cleaning Aurora, CO is a preventative maintenance task that can help reduce the number of clogs and other plumbing issues. Hair, grease, coffee grounds, and food waste are just a few things that can clog drains.
Store-bought chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they can damage pipes and are dangerous to the environment. Professional drain cleaning uses environmentally safe methods.
Baking soda and vinegar are natural, inexpensive, and easy-to-find household cleaning products that can help unclog drains. Their chemical reaction creates a fizzing action that breaks up and dislodges gunk in the pipes. When combined with hot water, baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean a drain and eliminate bad smells.
Many homeowners use baking soda and vinegar as a home-based alternative to commercial drain cleaners. While this can work in some cases, it’s not a good solution for serious clogs. The bubbling reaction created by this combination is not strong enough to dissolve large blocks of hair or grease in the pipes, and it can actually damage older pipes with its acidic nature.
It’s best to use this method as a complementary technique alongside other drain clearing methods. Pouring boiling water down a drain before applying the baking soda and vinegar can help loosen any gunk that’s stuck in the pipe. Likewise, adding a second cup of boiling water after the initial reaction can flush out the pipe and remove any remaining residue.
This is a simple method that’s great for removing simple drain clogs in sinks and bathtubs. It’s important to note, however, that this method is not suitable for toilet drains. The resulting chemical reaction can cause damage to the internal pipes and sewer system.
To try this DIY solution, start by filling a kettle or pot with scalding hot water. Then, carefully pour the boiling water down a drain. This can help loosen any gunk that’s accumulated in the pipes and will also prepare the pipe for the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Next, add a generous amount of baking soda to the drain. Finally, pour in a cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour. Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper and let it fizz. After an hour, slowly pour in another cup of hot water to flush out the mixture and any remaining clogs.
This is a simple, effective, and natural method to clear a blocked sink or bathtub drain. While it may not be strong enough to tackle a major clog, the fizzing reaction can break up and dissolve small bits of hair or soap scum in the drain. The addition of hot water after the reaction can also help remove any remaining baking soda and vinegar residue in the pipes.
Dish Soap
A sink drain is a major entry point for clogs, especially in kitchens where grease and oil are washed down the pipe. Unlike water, oil and grease are insoluble, meaning they stick to pipes and create a barrier that prevents water from flowing freely. Because of this, it’s important to regularly clean your drains with non-toxic products to prevent the buildup of greasy gunk and grime.
Many drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes if used over an extended period of time, and they often produce unpleasant or toxic fumes. Some of these cleaners are also difficult to use, and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Dish soap is a natural and safe alternative to chemical cleaners that is gentle on your pipes. In addition, it’s available in a wide variety of scents and formulas, making it an ideal choice for cleaning your kitchen drains.
The best dish soaps cut grease, smell great, and are made with eco-friendly ingredients. Many brands have also added beautiful designs and innovative packaging to make washing dishes more of an experience than a mundane chore. Some have even eliminated plastic altogether in favor of glass and recycled paper.
One of the most effective ways to unclog a drain is to pour a few teaspoons of lye down the obstructed pipe. Lye is a powerful chemical that can destroy organic matter and break up clogs. Carefully pour a few teaspoons of the liquid down the drain and wait for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, slowly pour boiling water down the drain to flush it and clear away any remaining clog material.
If you’re not a fan of lye, try using baking soda and vinegar instead. This homemade drain cleaner will quickly dissolve and remove a clog, and won’t harm your pipes or environment. It’s also much cheaper than store-bought chemical formulas, and is easy to make at home. In fact, most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry! This DIY recipe is simple enough to be done in the sink or bathtub, and can be repeated as needed to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are pure or mixed substances that you pour down your pipes to dissolve clogs. They usually work by creating a chemical reaction with what is causing the blockage. Most liquid cleaners are acids, caustics, or oxidizers. They all create heat during the chemical reaction and essentially burn away the clog. This can damage your pipes over time and only works on certain types of clogs.
Acidic drain cleaners typically contain sulfuric or muriatic acid. They corrode the surface of metal pipes and can weaken or crack them over time. This type of cleaner can also be dangerous to touch, and may require protective gloves and goggles when using it. It is best used for removing hair or grease clogs.
Caustic drain cleaners, like lye and caustic potash, are bases. They have a high pH and create a lot of heat when combined with water. They can also break apart fats into a soap-like substance that is more easily dissolved. These chemicals are often effective at dissolving paper and hair clogs, but have little effect on more serious obstructions.
Oxidizers, such as household bleach or peroxides, change the chemical makeup of organic clogs to make them less solid and easier to remove. They can also help dissolve some hair and grease, but do not work on more serious blocks. They can also be damaging to your pipes, particularly if they sit for an extended period of time or if they contact copper or PVC pipes.
Liquid drain cleaners can also be hazardous to your health. They release harsh chemical fumes that can irritate your nose, eyes, and lungs. If the area is not properly ventilated, these fumes can also be toxic to your family pets and small children. Additionally, liquid drain cleaners only break down small clogs and can leave behind a residue that is difficult to remove.
If you regularly use chemical drain cleaners, they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank that is responsible for breaking down waste. This can lead to more problems in the future and can cost you money when it comes to replacing your septic system.
Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake looks like a long, metal pipe cleaner with a coil at the end that can hook onto and break up tough clogs. It is one of the most effective tools to remove a drain clog, and it is safer than chemical drain cleaners that corrode your pipes over time. Before using the snake, prepare the area by wearing gloves and a face mask, and having old towels nearby for under the drains. Also, be sure to run a bit of water through the drain to help with movement and dislodging of the clog.
Before snaking, it’s important to remove the P-trap (the curved piping under your sink) or the trap arm in order to make it easier to insert the snake. This will ensure that any trapped sewer gas doesn’t enter your living space.
Next, begin uncoiling the snake by cranking the handle to extend it into the drain or pipe opening. Be careful not to push too hard; doing so could damage the drain entrance or the snake itself. Instead, slowly feed it into the pipe while applying some natural pressure. Depending on the size of your pipe and the location of the clog, you may have to twist and turn the snake to navigate any bends or obstacles.
Once the snake reaches the clog, rotate it to break it up or entangle it. Be cautious not to apply too much force, and always keep an eye on the snake’s head in order to avoid getting it stuck in the pipe or breaking the snake itself. Once the clog is broken up, you can retrieve the snake and test the drain for any remaining obstructions or clogs.
While it may seem like a hassle to learn how to use a snake, it’s a great tool to have on hand for those stubborn clogs that won’t respond to a plunger. Plus, it’s far more environmentally friendly than chemical drain cleaners. But don’t rely on this alone; if a clog persists, it’s best to call a professional for plumbing services.