How do you eliminate clogged or slow-moving plumbing drains?
The frequent reasons for drain blockages in homes is bathroom product, grease, and paper product like wipes and paper towels. In most cases, you are able to clear a clog with a plunger or a minor household drain snake. Then there are those challenging plumbing drains that require a plumbing contractor. This article provides multiple tips on how to eliminate clogged or slow-moving plumbing drains.
Hot Water Cleaning
Hot water cleaning is an easy way to eliminate clogged or slow-moving plumbing drains. Simply flushing your toilets with hot water can clear small clogs. Additionally, the mix of force, water pressure, and heat will often loosen blocked materials that gather in drain pipes. If everything goes as planned, the hot water’s heat and soap, along with a plunger, should liberate any obstruction in your drain.
Use Specific Plungers for Different Drain Designs
Before you go out and buy drain cleaning tools or hire a professional plumber, try using some techniques and tools you may have in your house. For instance, your bathroom plunger is usually a great tool to eliminate clogged or slow-moving plumbing drains. However, there are different plungers for various drains. Despite the type of plunger you have, use the plunger to cover the drain opening and push back and forth in a steady movement for 1 to 2 minutes.
In addition, apply petroleum jelly to your plunger’s rim to help you achieve the best seal to the drain opening because it temporarily keeps air from escaping.
Clean Your Drains with Branded Commercial Cleaners
You might want to eliminate clogged, or slow-moving plumbing drains using homemade remedies if the methods above fail to work. Other solutions, like Liquid Plumber or Draino, might dissolve and eliminate any small drain pipe buildup triggering your clogged or slow-moving drains. Remember:
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in toilets because they can impact your wax ring.
- Stick to the branded drain cleaners because they have been scientifically tested not to harm porcelain, chrome, or pipes.
- Make sure you read the labels and complete the directions because not all drain cleaners are equal.
- Only use drainers for small, slow-moving drains, not tough clogs.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture
You possibly have vinegar and baking soda in the cupboard. When these ingredients are mixed, they react to dissolve and loosen debris inside the pipes. Keep in mind that this mixture is only suitable for minor clogs in sinks and bathtubs. So, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour one cup of vinegar over it. After letting the mixture settle for a short time, rinse the drain with a hot water kettle.
DIY with a Plumber’s Drain Snake
Lastly, there are some plumbing drain snakes designed for the average homeowner. You can buy them at your nearest home improvement store for a reasonable price and receive a return on investment after just one use. Plus, these drain snakes are not necessarily for commercial use but work great around the home.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!