If there’s one thing that every home or business owner dreads, it’s having to deal with a blocked drain. The key reasons for this are that you may be left dealing with stagnant water, foul smells, harmful bacteria and then of course the slimy sludge causing the blockage.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why plumbing experts recommend opting for the drain cleaning Melbourne plumbers routinely do. In addition to regular cleaning and routine maintenance, plumbers also recommend following a few simple tips to deal with smaller clogs before they escalate into larger issues.
Understanding Why Drains Get Blocked
When you take the initiative to maintain and clean your drains, it’s essential to know what causes clogs and all the negatives that go along with them. While there are an infinite number of reasons why your drain could be getting blocked, a few of the more common reasons are listed below:
- Fat, grease, and oil are being washed down the kitchen pipes
- Hair and soap from the shower and bath pipes
- Outside factors such as broken tree branches, leaves, and soil
- Items flushed down the toilet, such as too much toilet paper, wet wipes, or sanitary products
If you live in an area where your drain is consistently getting blocked, it’s recommended that you discuss this with your plumber. The problem may be more extensive than a surface blockage. Older pipes can become worn and crack over time, causing frequent blockages.
Basic DIY Methods to Unblock Minor Clogs
Not all drain issues are major problems. They usually start as minor clogs, which can often be cleared with a few DIY methods. It’s essential to avoid excessively harsh chemicals as these can damage your plumbing pipes. That said, a few of the more common DIY methods to try are listed below.
1. Start by Getting Proper Gloves
Drain clogs can be made of anything from dried leaves to raw sewage. That means, before attempting to clear or clean your drains, you should always invest in a pair of rubber gloves. Drain water, no matter how clear, contains harmful bacteria that can lead to disease. This is especially essential if you’re going to touch or clean the drain area.
2. Pour Boiling Water Down Your Sinks
Minor clogs can easily be cleared by using boiling water. Simply boil a kettle of water and slowly pour it down the drain. This will break up clogs caused by hair and excessive soap suds that have latched onto other things in the drain.
For more severe clogs, it may be necessary to repeat the process several times. It’s important to pour slowly so that the water has time to work through the gunk that may be causing the clog. You can also pour the boiling water into a bucket and then into the sinks and drains to avoid exposing your kettle to any potential flying bacteria.
3. Make a Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste
Clogs often go along with a foul smell. This is a clear sign that there are bacteria in your drain or pipes. One of the more popular DIY solutions for minor clogs involves using baking soda and vinegar. This combination works well to break down blockages and eliminate bacteria at the same time. Create a solution of equal parts of vinegar and baking soda and mix well. Slowly pour the mixture down the drain and wait for it to fizz. This is a sign that the blockage is breaking down.
4. Consider Caustic Soda as a Last Resort
If your drain is severely clogged and a few repeats of the vinegar solution aren’t working, you may need something a little stronger. Caustic soda is an effective cleaning agent for drains, but it can cause severe burns, so be careful not to get any on your skin.
Here’s how to use it:
- Add three cups of caustic soda to a bucket of cold water.
- Stir slowly to form a fizzy mixture.
- Slowly pour down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash down with hot water.
5. Opt for a DIY Drain Gadget
Plumbing tools can be expensive, and chances are you don’t know which one will work the best without damaging your plumbing pipes and fixtures. An old DIY trick is to use a wire coat hanger.
Here’s what you need to do to turn your wire hanger into a drain tool:
- Straighten the wire hanger.
- Bend one end to form a small hook.
- Insert the hooked end into the drain and wiggle the wire to loosen or fish out any debris that may be causing the clog.
Final Thoughts
No matter how big or small your outdoor drain is, it’s essential to routinely check it for organic debris as well as household items that could cause blockages. Keep your drains as clean as possible by rinsing indoor sinks, bath pipes, and showers with hot water.
You can also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to remove bacteria and odours. More severe blockages should be referred to your local plumber as soon as possible to avoid a much larger issue down the road. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your drains clean and debris-free.
