When you have a clogged drain at home, it can be a bothersome ordeal. In most cases, it’s likely to occur when you least expect it and during inconvenient times. Luckily, taking the necessary steps to keep the drains clean can save you from the hassle of dealing with a blocked drain.
The bathroom drain routinely slows down due to materials and substances such as hair, toothpaste, and shaving cream. The kitchen sink drain is likely to clog up from grease and oil that solidify over time. If you want to avoid an unsightly sink with the buildup of water since there’s a blockage in the drain, it’s vital to regularly clean the drain using various methods.
Proper functioning of the drains is crucial to the smooth operation of your house. Once you switch on the faucet, use the washing machine, or flush the toilet, the drainage system should rapidly remove wastewater. As constantly working elements in your home, the drains can eventually fall into disrepair or end up with excessive residue. When the drains in your home have a significant blockage, professional drain cleaning Chantilly or from wherever you live can help you manage the issue efficiently.
Here are valuable tips to effectively clean your drains:
Use Household Products
Several products that you have at home will help you clean the drains effectively. White vinegar, hot water, and baking soda can eliminate odor due to grease buildup, bacteria, and organic residue in the drain. They can also help get rid of residue to prevent blockage from forming.
Pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain. You must cover or plug the drain right away and allow the mixture to sit for up to 15 minutes. Then, pour some boiling water. Both baking soda and vinegar can work wonders in getting rid of stains or mineral deposits in areas around the outside of the drain.
Use A Biological Cleaner
If you want to keep your drain free of odor and blockages, a regular preventive treatment using biological or enzymatic cleaners will work best. An advantage of using these products is that they’re safe and environment-friendly. You must carefully follow the instructions when dealing with odors and residue accumulation in the drains.
Enzymatic cleaners utilize natural enzymes and bacteria to eliminate any residue that causes the drain to clog up. The enzymes convert the fat, oil, and other biological compounds into various elements, such as hydrogen and oxygen. Although enzymatic cleaners are slightly higher in price than chemical drain cleaners, they’re a worthy investment than chemical cleaners that can be detrimental to people’s health and the environment.
Use The Plunger
When there’s a blockage, it’s ideal to force it out of your sink or tub with the help of a plunger. It’d be best to fill the tub or sink with enough water to ensure water in the pipe. Position the plunger over the drain and switch the faucet back on, ensuring that water covers the plunger’s base.
Begin plunging until the gunk or residue comes up through the back of the drain, or the clog breaks into smaller pieces and the water starts to flow freely. You should ensure not to place too much force on the pipes if the blockage doesn’t break free.
Use Hot Water
A simple way to minimize the buildup of residue in the drains is to pour hot water down the bathroom and kitchen sinks. You should execute this task at least once a week, which can go a long way.
Pouring hot water in the kitchen sink will help melt and flush away light deposits of grease. As for bathroom drains, the passage of hot water can remove excess gunk and residue.
Eliminate The Grease
When grease is the issue of concern, especially in your kitchen sink or drain lines in the laundry room, you can prepare a homemade drain cleaner using ingredients you have at home—baking soda, table salt, and cream of tartar.
Combine a cup of baking soda, a cup of table salt, and a quarter cup of cream of tartar in a small jar. After mixing thoroughly, place a small amount into the drain and pour boiling water. You can use this mixture for regular sink maintenance.
Conclusion
If you want to keep the drains in your home in tip-top shape, without any blockages, make it a point to carry out routine maintenance. Often, you might not be able to avoid a clog. If you want to prevent a clog from developing in your home’s drains, these tips will surely come in handy.