Drain Clearing Methods

What Are the Best Drain Clearing Methods?

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues in households. And while you can take measures to prevent drain clogs, it’s inevitable to experience clogs at some point. When they happen, it can be tough to know which is the best way to clear them out.

There are several ways to go about clearing out your drains, so we’ve put together a list of what you can safely do on your own.

Here are some of the best drain-clearing methods.

Eco-Friendly Methods for Clearing Drains

Because clearing out your drains can be a challenging job, there are plenty of chemical solutions designed to tackle them. If you’re more environmentally conscious, you might be wondering how you can unclog your drains in a safer, more eco-friendly way.

There are a few ways to clear your drains using the items already in your kitchen. These methods include:

• Baking soda & salt: Pour 1 part of each down your drain and let it sit for about 20–30 minutes, then follow up with boiling water.
• Vinegar, salt & lemon: Make a mixture of equal parts vinegar and salt and a half part of lemon juice. Pour the mixture down your drain and let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then follow up with boiling water.
• Salt & hot water: First, pour a half cup of salt down the drain with hot water. Follow up with more hot water after 20–30 minutes.
• Natural dish soap & hot water: Pour up to a half cup of dish soap down your drain and follow up with boiling water.

It’s important to note that if you have plastic piping, boiling water can severely damage and melt your pipes. Additionally, while these methods can help clear your drains, they aren’t highly effective against fat, oil, and grease-related clogs.

Chemical Solutions for Clearing Drains

For more stubborn clogs, natural solutions may not be enough. There are a few chemical-based alternatives that are highly effective against tougher-than-usual blockages. These include:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sodium hydroxide
• Borax
• Pre-mixed drain cleaners

Wear gloves when handling these chemicals, as they can irritate your skin and eyes and even cause burns. Breathing these fumes can also be dangerous, so use them with caution.

Drain Snake, Closet Auger & Plunger for Clearing Drains

If you’re dealing with severe clogs and you’re handy with tools, a drain snake or a closet auger are some of the best ways to unclog your drains. These tools can get deeper down the pipe for longer-lasting clearage.

But if you’re looking for something beginner-friendly, nothing beats a good old-fashioned plunger, perfect for clearing small to moderate clogs. 

Hire a Professional Plumber

If all else fails and you’re finding your clogs are just too stubborn to get rid of on your own, call a professional plumber. They’ll have a wide range of tools to provide a more permanent solution to your clog problems, so you won’t have to play chemist to fix it on your own.

When you need a plumber you can trust, HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited is the company to call. Our highly trained plumbing technicians are experienced in tackling the most severe clogs and are ready to bring you lasting results. 

Contact us today to schedule a drain clearing service.