The Ultimate Guide To Clearing Clogged Drains

Now and then, you have had to deal with the uncomfortable feeling of standing water in your sink, shower, or bathtub. Not only is it an unpleasant experience, but it can be a magnet for bugs.

Usually, the first thing that comes to mind is to call a plumber. However, not every clogged drain needs a plumber. With the help https://amarcoplumbing.com/home-remedies-bathtub-drains/, you can get it sorted out yourself.

Here's how to clear your clogged drain and avoid standing water in the future.

What are the early signs of a clogged drain?

The first sign of an issue with your drains is when you notice that the water isn't draining out as fast. At this point, most home remedies should get everything flowing smoothly again.

However, if left unattended, you'll suddenly discover that you are either washing the dishes or taking a shower in a puddle of water every time. The key takeaway: the earlier you deal with the problem, the easier and cheaper it is to resolve.

When do you need to call in the cavalry?

If you notice any black stuff in the standing water, this is probably way over your pay grade. When this happens, it's probably because the drainage system is full or blocked, and raw sewage has started backing up to your drain pipes.

To verify, check if other toilets and drains are working correctly - the smell should confirm this issue. This has to be fixed by the professionals, like the team at Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling (www.summersphc.com/brownsburg/services/plumbing/drain-cleaning/), as there are health hazards as well as technical plumbing work involved.

When this is not the case, how do you resolve clogged drains?

How to clear your clogged drains

There are various ways to clear those pesky drains; however, you can categorize treatments into two broad categories:

Chemicals
Natural home remedies

Let's explore both options.

Chemical drain cleaning method

Chemical drain cleaners usually come in gel, powder, or liquid forms. Most, if not all the chemical drain cleaners, you'll find can be categorized into three types:

Acid drain cleaners: These are not usually sold in most stores. They are sold directly to plumbers due to the care and expertise needed when handling them. They contain a high concentration of hydrochloric or sulphuric acid.
Caustic drain cleaners: These are alkaline solutions, and usually contain caustic potash and lye.
Oxidizing drain cleaners: These are made from nitrates, household bleach, and peroxides.

Most drain cleaners work by producing heat that melts most of what blocks the drains, allowing for the flow of water through the ducts and washing away the clogs in the process.

However, they can also be toxic or melt the pipes in the process. This is more common when used in older drainage systems. They can also upset the sewage degradation process as they kill the beneficial bacteria found in your sewage tanks.

Natural drain cleaning methods

If you go online, you'll see tons of ways to clear your clogged drains using home-made solutions. However, these are the three most effective solutions:

Pour hot boiling water down the clogged drain: This is one of the most popular methods. To do this, you need to boil water till it's piping hot, and then use a funnel to pour it down the blocked drain. In some cases, using this method alone might not work, so it is usually best to do it in conjunction with the next natural remedy.
Use a plunger: A plunger in combination with boiling water can be an effective drain cleaning method. To get the best out of the plunger, add petroleum jelly to the suction pad's edges. Also, let the taps run for a minute or two so that the suction pad submerges in water. These help increase the pressure and grip of the plunger.
Last but not least, use vinegar and baking soda: This is a much more climate-friendly solution than chemicals; it is also pipe-friendly. With this method, pour a cup of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, a few minutes after each other. After a couple of hours, use boiling water to flush the pipes clean.

Finally, how do you prevent clogs from reoccurring?

Clogged drains are an exasperating issue - not only because of the inconveniences they bring, but they also can cause health issues in some instances. To prevent a reoccurrence, get a drain protector— usually sold in hardware stores.

A drain protector acts as a filter, preventing hair, soap, and any other substance that can clog the pipes from passing through. It's affordable and worth the purchase to avoid clogs in the future!