Random Drain Cleaning Solutions

There are several “commercial off the shelf” products that can handle almost any type of drain clog. In the worst case scenario, a plumber may be your greatest asset. But it isn’t always necessary to go out and spend a lot of money on drain cleaners to get your tub to drain again. There are a ton of homemade remedies, extra bits of advice and eco-friendly solutions that just might work for you!

·        Get the most bang for your buck: use a wet-dry vacuum to remove all the water from the drain pipe and the bathtub drain trap before pouring the drain cleaner in.  This allows the drain cleaner to get directly the clog.

·        Regular chemical drain cleaners contain ingredients that are harmful to septic systems. The chemicals can kill off beneficial bacteria within the septic tank. If you have a septic system, you should use the enzyme drain products that prevent clogs before they happen.

·        Copper drain lines seem to have the fewest clogs. Plastic drain lines are also resistant to clogs, while galvanized iron and cast iron pipes clog most frequently due to their rough inner surfaces.  Use larger pipes if you are building or replacing pipes as the pipes will be more forgiving and easier to clean out.

·        Don’t forget to try unclogging a drain first with an old-fashioned plunger!

·        Try several repetitions of 1 cup of baking soda plus 3 cups of boiling water. Repeat several times until the drain is clear.

·        Add 1 cup of vinegar to the above baking soda solution. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar cause bubbling that can help loosen the clogs inside a drain.

·        Using enzyme drain cleaners for septic systems and garbage disposals once a month can help maintain clear drains and your entire septic system. They will also significantly reduce odor from garbage disposals. All natural living enzyme culture drain cleaners will actually eat and break down any organic matter.

·        Keep drains in the shower and bath clear. This is a site where hair can be a real problem! Hair mixes with other products (soap, oils, etc…) going down the drain and effectively forms concrete-hard blockage that can be extremely difficult to get rid of! Be proactive by eliminating the hair to begin with (without shaving your head)!

·        Regular applications of powdered laundry detergent into drains (1 cupful) every month or so, followed by letting the hot water run for several seconds, has proven to be a good method of drain clogging prevention, also!