Your home’s drains have a lot going through them, including things like hair, grease, laundry detergent, and the occasional cotton swab being flushed down. While major clogs like invading tree roots or accidental children’s toys require professional intervention, there are simple yet effective drain cleaning hacks that homeowners can use to improve slow drainage and prevent large-scale blockages down the line. So, whether you’re a homemaker looking for simple plumbing maintenance tips or someone who doesn’t want to throw in the towel just yet, this blog highlights things like baking soda and lemon peels to keep your drains flowing.
Opening Up Congested Pipes: Tips, Tricks & Useful Techniques
Hearing gurgling sounds from your drains or experiencing slow drainage in your tub are some of the most obvious signs of clogged drains—aside from foul odors, of course. So what do you do? Homeowners have been getting rid of small clogs for centuries with just a few simple household ingredients and smart inventions. But what are these drain cleaning hacks?
Keep on reading as we explain a handful of useful DIY hacks that restore proper drainage.
Wash Away The Blockage With Boiling Water!
Tried and tested; pouring boiling water down the drains is the easiest and fastest way to clear soap scum and grease. Just grab an electric kettle and slowly pour boiling water in two to three stages to effectively clear the pipes. Do it at least once a week at the end of the day for better results. But remember, if you have PVC pipes instead of metal, use hot water from the faucet instead to prevent damage!
The Magic Of Vinegar & Baking Soda
Up next, open up your pantry and grab some baking soda and vinegar. The combination of these household ingredients is almost mesmerizing. Just pour a half cup of baking soda and then a half cup of vinegar down the sink and cover the drain for fifteen minutes to contain the ensuing fizzing. The magical mixture will dissolve more stubborn soap scum and grease, clearing out a path for your day-to-day drainage. Afterward, pour hot water to wash the concoction away. Do this once a month for fast drainage and blockage-free pipes.
Citrus Peels For Fresh-Smelling Kitchens
One of the most obvious signs of clogged drains is the foul odor they emit. To keep your kitchen sinks odor-free, drop a few peels down the garbage disposal and run it with cold water. The oils in the peels will not just cut through the grease, but also remove any nasty smells coming from your drains.
Salt & Water: Another Lethal DIY Drain Cleaning Technique
If you find that the boiling water alone wasn’t enough, you could reinforce it with ordinary table salt. Simply mix equal parts salt with water and bring the mixture to a near-boiling temperature. After removing any standing water in your sink, pour the mixture down the drain and wait for a few minutes. Later, just flush the solution with hot water. Since the salt is abrasive and has anti-septic properties, it makes for a solid, eco-friendly cleaning agent.
Pulling Out The Plunger
Still experiencing slow drainage? No problem! We’ve still got a few more tricks up our sleeves. A plunger isn’t just for toilets; there are special plungers designed for tubs and sinks to suction out small, localized clogs. Simply ensure that there is enough water to submerge the rubber part of the plunger and use your strength to extract food particles, hairballs, Lego pieces, or even small pins that are preventing smooth water flow.
The Handy Dandy Hair Removal Tool!
Finally, you could use the flexible stick with multiple barbs, which is a hair removal tool, to unclog your bathroom drains. Simply insert it down the shower drain, twist, and pull out any hair that might have accidentally fallen in.
| Pro Tip Install drain screens over your sink and shower drains to prevent hair from sneaking in in the first place. |
Conclusion
To conclude, while having a professional perform routine maintenance of your plumbing system is essential to keep your drains flowing smoothly, there are a few useful drain cleaning hacks you can follow to prevent clogs on your own. Pouring down baking soda and vinegar mixtures, installing drain screens, and using boiling water are just a handful of hacks we’ve highlighted, but as small as they are, they are quite effective in keeping your drains running efficiently.
FAQs
How often should I schedule a professional drain cleaning?
At least once every year is a good idea to keep your drainage efficient.
What other drain cleaning hacks can I use to clean my drains?
Aside from the above-mentioned techniques, use drain snakes and enzyme cleaners to open up your drains.
How much does a professional drain cleaning cost?
Depending on the location and severity of the clog and the cleaning method used, a professional drain cleaning service ranges between $100 and $800.