A clogged drain can be an unsightly nuisance, but it’s also a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria that can spread throughout your home. Not to mention, it will most likely start leaking odors that can be difficult (and expensive) to remove. That’s why it’s important to keep up with drain cleaning to prevent a slow or completely blocked drain from becoming an ongoing problem.
Most drain clogs form when organic debris like food scraps, skin cells, hair, soap scum, and dirt build up inside of your home’s plumbing lines. These clogs are made worse by hard water, which can leave behind mineral deposits on the inside of your pipes and sink drains. While plunging can dislodge some of these deposits, most clogs require professional drain cleaning services to break apart and remove them.
Unlike commercial chemical drain cleaners, which oftentimes cause severe burns to the skin and eyes when in direct contact and can also lead to breathing issues when inhaled, homemade DIY drain cleaners are safe for the environment, your family, and your plumbing. However, they still can’t get rid of all clogs, especially if the blockage is very stubborn.
A popular drain cleaning drain cleaning pataskala method is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. However, be sure to wear rubber gloves as the fizzy reaction can irritate your skin and eyes. Furthermore, this solution is ineffective for most clogs, as neither baking soda nor vinegar is a strong enough degreaser to remove most grease and oil.
One of the most effective ways to clean a sink drain is to make it a habit of flushing out your drains semi-regularly with boiling water. This simple technique can wash away or break up most debris before it has a chance to fully clog your drain.
Another great way to clean a drain is by using a plastic drain cleaner. These 24-inch to 36-inch long strips are inexpensive and designed with barbs that grab ahold of clogs and pull them out the way they went in.
Alternatively, you can try using an untwisted metal coat hanger with a hook on the end to break up a stubborn clog. Just make sure that the hook is compact, or you could get stuck trying to remove it!
A more modern, yet extremely effective way to clear a drain is to hire a hydro-jetting service. These services are similar to sewer cleaning services but for your residential drain pipes. A hydro jetting machine consists of a hose pipe with a powerful nozzle that emits high-pressure water streams that can penetrate even the thickest drain clogs and clear them out.
While there are many DIY tools and solutions to unclog a drain, it’s best to call in the professionals from Frank Gay Services for professional drain cleaning services that will protect your plumbing. If you’re experiencing a sluggish or blocked drain, give us a call right away! We can help with a wide range of services that will keep your drains clean, flowing properly, and smelling fresh.