When a drain moves slowly or seems clogged, most people reach for the miracle gel, Drano. It’s such a handy product for DIY plumbers… However, it can be harmful to your pipes, and it doesn’t always work. In fact, if used incorrectly, it can do a lot of costly damage.
Oftentimes, the method for clearing clogged drains will depend on the cause. Many simple clogs can easily be cleared by a homeowner with a bit of DIY experience. But there are times when you will save money and inconvenience by calling a plumber instead. That includes:
- when you don’t feel comfortable handling the problems yourself
- if you’re not experienced with unclogging blockages
- when you need new pipes
- when your pipes or drains need to be disassembled to reach the clog.
Since Drano and other chemicals are not always the best solution for all clogged drains, we’ve put together a guide to help you resolve plumbing problems without drano. Here’s how:
Homemade Drain Cleaner
Did you know that you can clean your drains using products from your pantry? That’s right! For minor clogs caused by fats, grease or soapy buildups, there’s an effective solution. To start, wait while all the standing water drains from the fixture, then do the following:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
- After 5 minutes, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain.
It will sizzle a bit. Leave it for 30 minutes, and then, flush the pipes with hot water.
Drain Plunger
Most homes own a plunger. We usually use them for toilets, but you can also use them to clear minor clogs out of your drains. Your plunger must be large enough to seal the opening of the drain, and there should be enough water in the fixture to cover the bottom part of the fixture. Dry plunging is not good for your pipes.
Plunging should help dislodge minor blockages in baths and basins with ease. If it doesn’t, you may have an issue deeper down the line.
Plumbing Snake
If your homemade drain cleaner and plunger won’t work, try a drain snake. This flexible, drill-like plumbing tool is maneuvered through the drain hole at the opening and pushed through until it reaches the clog. It is then drilled into the clog to break it up, grab it and pull it out.
If none of these methods work, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. Clogs that are located deep in the pipes will need a professional approach. Some of the signs that you need to hire a professional include:
- slow drains
- frequent clogs
- foul odors
When you’re dealing with stubborn clogged drains or pipes, don’t hesitate to call Anta Plumbers. We have the skills, experience and licensed plumbers to deal with any plumbing issues. If you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, you can cause more harm than good by attempting a fix on your own. Save money and inconvenience by calling Anta Plumbing today for your clogged drain.
