The proverbial adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” comes to mind whenever I have to deal with a blocked sink. It is necessary to prevent food debris, grease, and hair from traveling down the drain to prevent blockages from occurring in the first place. It is advisable to place a sink strainer or a tiny piece of wire mesh over each drain to collect any food particles or hair that may fall into the drain. Simply make sure that the mesh is cleaned regularly so that it does not begin to smell.
Clogged Drains Are A Fact Of Life, Just Like Everything Else
Now, for a healthy dose of the real world… No one is without flaws. It happens to the best of us; the kids may be washing the dishes and not paying attention, or we could be so preoccupied that we fail to see that there is hair in the bathtub. You’re going to run into trouble with a clogged drain sooner or later.
The issue with drain cleaning products sold in stores
The following are some of the issues with commercial drain cleaners:
- They cause the pipes to rust
- They are harmful to sewage treatment systems
- They are hazardous to the quality of groundwater
- They have the potential to wreak havoc on the components that make up your bathtub or sink.
Before You Attempt A Homemade Drain Cleaner, Read This First
First, take a look to see whether or not you can truly see the obstruction. Put on some rubber gloves, because this chore is not very enjoyable, and try to remove as much of the goop and hair as you can. You might also try alternating between putting a plunger in the drain and running hot water a few times to see if it helps. That could be the only thing that has to be done if the obstruction isn’t too severe.
Baking Soda Is The Best Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning
Baking soda and white vinegar, both measured out to be one cup, are the two ingredients that make up the most basic diy drain cleaner. Following 15 minutes, you should do normal maintenance by flushing the area with two cups of hot water after the severe foaming activity.
A Mixture Of Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a more expensive alternative to vinegar; yet, it performs similarly to vinegar and has a far more pleasant odor. Simply because it has a more pleasant odor, this mixture might be useful for cleaning your kitchen sink. Once again, once the baking soda and lemon juice have foamed up for 15 minutes, pour a lot of hot water through the mixture.
Boiling Water
The majority of blockages are caused by different kinds of fats and oils, which, when exposed to low temperatures in the pipe, solidify (think bacon grease, for example). The obstruction can be removed with as little as a pot of boiling water in some cases. These combinations can also be used in conjunction with water that has been brought to a boil. However, take care to pour it straight down the drain so that you don’t ruin any plastics or porcelain and save yourself the headache.
When To Call A Plumber For Service?
Drain cleaners are useful for removing the accumulated debris that might accumulate in the drain over time. They are not going to be effective, though, if you have a massive hairball that is stuck in there. There are instances when the only option to remove a blockage is to call a plumber and have them snake the drain professionally.
