Clogged drains are one of the most common issues in every household. They can lead to unnecessary inconvenience in daily activities and even damage the plumbing system if they are not addressed on time. Knowing about the common causes of a clogged drain will help you find the best way to clear a clogged drain. Whether you are dealing with a clogged sink drain, bathtub drain, or clogged drain pipe, it is best to learn the effective ways to unclog them.
In this article, we will go through the best methods for cleaning clogged drains and some top tips to prevent clogged drains.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
There are several things that can lead to clogged drains on your property like hair, grease, oil, soap scum, food waste, and several other foreign objects. Sometimes, nearby tree roots can damage the underground pipes and lead to complete blockage of the drainage system of your property.
Effective Methods for Cleaning Clogged Drains
Using Natural Remedies for Cleaning Clogged Drains
Is your kitchen drain clogged after several weeks of dish soap residue and food waste? Well, you can use natural remedies to unclog it. You can use baking soda and vinegar to clear the debris and soap residue. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain and then pour the same amount of vinegar immediately after it. Now, throw several cups of hot water into the drain and leave it for some time. You can see the results in a few hours.
You can even use lemon with baking soda and water to clean the clogged bathtub drain. You can mix one cup of baking soda and lemon juice with three cups of water and slowly pour them into the drain. This will help you clean the clogged drain in your shower, kitchen, etc.
Chemical Solutions: When and How to Use Them
You can use chemical cleaners to deal with a clogged shower drain and kitchen drain. The sodium or phosphorus hydroxide cleaners are best for cleaning the debris that is beneath the drain hole. It is an ideal choice for cleaning kitchen and bathtub drains. The sulphuric acid cleaners are best for cleaning organic clogs like food waste and grease in the kitchen. The HCL-based cleaner is best for dealing with clogged toilet drains. However, you must use them cautiously as they can damage your plumbing system and even have an adverse effect on your health.
Professional Help: When to Call a Plumber
If you are not able to clean the clogs with natural methods, then it is best to call a professional plumber. They have the experience to deal with most of the issues and offer the best solution possible according to your specific issue.
Best Way to Clear a Clogged Bathtub Drain
Is your bathroom drain clogged after hair and scum buildup? Well, you can use a drain snake to pull out all the hairs and debris. Once you insert the drain snake, twist it and then pull it out to remove all the debris.
Now, you can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to remove the scum and grease buildup. In case the clog is close to the surface, then you can take the help of the plunger to remove it. Use the plunger to create a tight seal over the drain and perform an up-and-down movement to create pressure and unclog the drain.
Handling a Bathroom Drain Clogged with Hair and Soap Residue
When it comes to handling a clogged bathroom drain, the best thing is to remove the stopper and clean the clogs with a small plunger. In case you are facing clogs at a deeper level in the drain then you can opt for a drain snake. Then you can use a combination of lemon/vinegar and baking soda to clean all the soap scum and residue. Make sure to use hot water to clean everything properly.
Solutions for a Clogged Toilet Drain
Well, if you want to unclog a toilet drain yourself, then you need to have a good plunger. It will help you create a seal around the drain and unclog it. If it does not work, then you can use a snake or toilet auger to break the clogs in the drain. Chemical cleaners can also help in cleaning the clogs but they can damage your toilet and drainage system. So, ask for professional help before using them on your own for your safety.
Preventing Clogged Drain Pipes in the Future
Regular Maintenance Tips For Kitchen And Bathroom Drains
Regular Cleaning is a simple step to prevent clogged drains in both the kitchen and bathroom. For that, you should pour hot water down your drain per week. Also, using a drain cleaner can help remove minor build-ups. However, you need to be cautious with harsh chemicals as they may damage your pipes over time.
The Importance Of Using Drain Covers
Drain covers act as a barrier to prevent clogs from happening. They protect the pipes by catching larger debris and prevent blockages before they even occur. Also, these drain covers are easy to install and maintain which prevents the need for intensive drain cleaning efforts.
How To Avoid A Clogged Drain Pipe Altogether
The best way to prevent clogged drain pipes is to be mindful of what goes down your drains in the first place. This can be done with the help of regular inspections. Also, disposing of small and large food bits properly can help in avoiding blockages. You can also make sure to brush your hair before taking a shower or bath to reduce the amount of hair going down the drain.
