Understanding Different Drain Cleaning Products and Techniques

Whether you work in the industry of real estate or are homeowners, you’ve likely experienced clogged drains. Not only can drain cleaning be gross to mess with, but it can cause damage to the septic system over time.

Luckily, you can try several drain cleaning products, tools, and techniques to remove stubborn clogs and prevent them in the future. Try these methods for clogs that don't require drain cleaning services.

Common Drainage Problems Using Simple Techniques and Products

Here are some simple techniques to unclog and clean your drain before contacting commercial drain cleaning services. However, if these methods don’t work or you have a serious clog, you can contact A R Engh for any drain services you may need.

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake, sometimes called a plumbing snake or drain auger, is one of the most common drain cleaning techniques for clogged bathroom drains and clogged kitchen drains. Drain snakes are made with a thin, flexible metal, allowing you to get into the drain to remove blockages in drain lines.

Drain snakes may be up to 25 feet long and work best when removing small clogs like hair stuck in the pipe. This low-cost device can work for most sinks, showers, and toilet blockages. However, this tool is unable to pick up heavier items like rings.

To loosen a toilet clog, opt for a drain auger with a rubber sleeve that prevents scratching to the bowl. Simply rotate the handle to guide the cable toward the drain.

You can use this method for nearly every type of drain, like floor drains. Rotate a drain snake into your sink or shower drains until it catches the clog, then slowly pull back to remove it. Avoid turning it counterclockwise, as the obstruction could dislodge itself and fall back into the pipe.

Salt & Baking Soda Drain Cleaner

Using salt and baking soda is an effective and inexpensive drain cleaner that won’t be as harsh on your drain as strong chemicals. Mix half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt and pour down the drain.

For a minor pipe clog, let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, though an hour is best. If it’s a tough clog, let it sit overnight. After the mixture has been in the drain for the appropriate amount of time, follow with boiling water.

Not only is baking soda a staple for several household cleaning chores due to its ability to break up mineral deposits, but it also contains disinfectant and antibacterial properties that help reduce odors.

You can also use this mixture for regular drain cleaning to help prevent future blockages. This method works for most drain clogs, even a main drain, due to its lack of toxic chemicals.

Hot Water & A Plunger

You may have used a plunger to loosen tough clogs in your toilet, but thankfully, you can use a plunger for nearly any of your drains.

However, you’ll want a new, clean plunger for your sink or floor drains. To remove a clog from your sink, remove any debris that could make the clog worse or get in the way. If there’s a buildup or standing water, use rubber gloves to clean out debris.

Then, remove the sink’s stopper and fill it with at least three inches of hot water. Without water, your plunger will be unable to perform suction properly.

Roll the plunger over the drain rather than sticking it straight on it. Once the plunger is secure, grip the handle and push it up and down about twenty times. You should see the water begin to make its way down the drain.

Dish Soap & Hot Water

Another method you may try is using dish soap and hot water to loosen a clog. To do so, mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with a couple of liters of boiled water. Once mixed, slowly pour it down the drain.

This remedy works best for clogged kitchen drains, especially for grease clogs. It works by heating the grease while the soap breaks down oils, allowing it to slide fully down the drain.

Electric Drain Cleaning Machine

This drainage system best removes tough blockages in a main drain, or commercial drains, and can even remove tree roots from a sewer line. However, this can be pricey, so it may be more cost-effective in the long run to hire drain cleaning services and maintenance.

The Downside of Using Chemicals

If you’ve ever had a clog, someone likely told you to use some chemical to remove it from drain services first. While it seems simple and harmless, only half of that is true. In reality, there are a few downsides to using chemicals to clean a service drain.

Damage to Pipes

To dissolve a nasty blockage, the chemicals must be strong. While it works to eliminate whatever is in the way, the residue left behind doesn’t stop there. 

For example, the chemicals may settle into any crevices within the walls of the porcelain, causing cracking and other issues as time goes on.

The chemicals may also cause corrosion to PVC or plastic pipes. If corroded, your house and pipes will be susceptible to bursting, leading to serious damage, like flooding. Unfortunately, this can be costly to repair, and you'll wind up spending more money for drain cleaning services in the long run.

Harsh Cleaners Are Toxic

Not only are harsh cleaners damaging to plumbing, but they can also be harmful to your health. It’s vital to use extreme caution when handling any type of drain cleaner, or most household chemicals for that matter.

Getting a drain cleaner on your skin can cause irritation and burning. If it splashes up and gets in your eyes, it can irritate or even damage them. Even breathing in chemicals can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.

Drain cleaning chemicals are meant to break down organic matter, which doesn’t exclude any part of your body. So, it’s safest to avoid them.

Provides Temporary Fix

Depending on the reason for your clog, drain cleaners only provide a temporary fix. If you notice that you frequently have a clogged drain, an underlying problem must be addressed.

They’re Bad for the Environment

Lastly, harsh chemicals are an environmental hazard. Leftover residue in cleaning bottles ends up in landfills, which can leak into the water, damaging aquatic wildlife.

When to Contact a Professional

Sometimes it may be hard to tell whether a clog is an easy fix or a situation better suited for professional drain and sewer cleaning and services. However, if you try the techniques above and it doesn’t resolve the clog or have repeated clogs, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

If you’re unsure what’s going on with your drains and are struggling to find a solution, contact one of the drain cleaning services professionals at A R Engh to clear your drain professionally.