If you have to stick your hand through a few inches of dirty dishwater to reach your drain, you have a drain problem that isn’t going to fix itself. Clearing a clogged drain makes a world of difference, especially if you don’t want your shower to turn into a foot bath. However, harsh chemical drain cleaners may end up doing more harm than good.
At Raptor Rooter & Plumbing, we know of a few natural drain cleaning techniques that will protect your pipes and ease your frustration. Although some clogs may require professional drain cleaning services, using a natural drain cleaner is a great place to start.
Why Use A Natural Drain Cleaner?
It’s tempting to go to the store and pick up a chemical drain cleaner to clear a clogged drain. However, harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to bigger problems in the future. What’s more, chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous for humans if they aren’t used properly.
Chemical drain cleaners can also cause environmental damage once they leave your pipes. To keep you, your pipes and nature safe, it’s best to use natural drain cleaning methods to clear a clogged drain. Here are some techniques to try:
1. Boiling Water, Vinegar And Baking Soda
If you’re wondering how to unclog a drain, try boiling water, vinegar and baking soda. These are common household items that get the job done without damaging your pipes! You’ll need half a cup of vinegar and baking soda and two pots or kettles of boiling water.
Pour one of the pots of boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda and vinegar. Allow the vinegar and baking soda to fizz and break up the clog for fifteen to twenty minutes. Finish by pouring the second pot of boiling water down the drain. This method will usually clear clogs caused by soap scum, dirt, food and hair.
2. Salt And Baking Soda
If your drain is clogged with cooking grease, you might need to use salt and baking soda. Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt down the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water. Allow this mixture to sit in the drain for twelve to twenty-four hours before flushing it down with tap water.
Since salt is abrasive, it’s perfect for scraping away the cooking grease that builds up inside your pipes. However, if you want to avoid drain clogs, try not to pour any cooking grease down the drain. Instead, pour any cooking grease into a jar and throw it away in the garbage when it’s full.
3. Drain Snake
Drain snakes are a handy tool that break up tough clogs. Some people prefer to hire a plumber for this job, but if you’re feeling confident, you can try to snake your drain on your own. All you’ll need is a drain snake, which you can find at most hardware stores.
Follow the instructions on the snake’s packaging, inserting it into the drain and cranking the handle. As the snake makes its way through the pipe, it will eventually reach the clog. Keep cranking until the snake reaches the other side of the clog and no longer meets resistance.
The snake will either break up the clog or carry it with it when you crank it back out of the pipe. Once the snake is out of the pipe, turn on the water. Allow it to run for a few minutes, and discard anything attached to the snake.
4. Plunger
For shower drain clogs or sinks that are filled with standing water, a plunger is a great way to naturally unclog the drain. To use a plunger, there needs to be at least an inch of standing water in a bathtub, shower or sink. Place the plunger over the drain opening and pump it a few times to release the clog.
Schedule Your Professional Spokane Drain Service
If you try to unclog your drain but the clog won’t budge, it’s time to call a plumber. Raptor Rooter & Plumbing offers professional drain services for the Spokane area, so call us today for reliable plumbing assistance!
