You are doing the dishes, and the water isn’t draining.
You were brushing your teeth, but the sink is filling up.
You are in the shower, and the water isn’t draining.
You have an emergency, and you have a clogged toilet.
OH NO!
You may have encountered one of these situations at least once. What do you do?
You rush to the convenience store to get a drain cleaner or look up a drain repair service in Green Bay. A drain cleaner might sound like a convenient and cheap option. Did you know it is harmful to the environment and your plumbing system?
So, you want to get the drain moving? There are some natural remedies that you can make at home and try. Most of the ingredients are available in your kitchen. We will be showing you some natural solutions to help you maintain clear and flowing drains.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Before diving headfirst into the natural solutions. Let’s learn the common causes of blocked drains so you can prevent blockages.
Hair: In the bathroom, the major cause of blockages is hair. Hair can accumulate over a long period of time and ends up like a hard ball that clogs the drain.
Foreign Objects: Small items such as jewelry, toys, soap scum, etc., accumulate in drainpipes. This can cause clogs.
Mineral Buildup: In areas with a hard water supply, mineral buildup is a common problem. Green Bay has hard water, and thus, you might need drain repair services in Green Bay on a regular basis.
Toilet Paper or Hygiene Products: First, you shouldn’t flush large wads of toilet paper; throw it in the trash. Excessive amounts of toilet paper and other hygiene products also cause drain blockages. Don’t flush baby wipes or diapers, either.
Natural Remedies for Clearing Blocked Drains
Here are some natural remedies you can use in case of emergency to clear blocked drains. These are temporary fix and should not be a substitute for calling a plumber. You may be getting temporary relief on a larger problem. Have your plumbing checked.
Boiling Water
For minor blockages, boiling water is enough. Boil water and pour it down the blocked drain to dislodge the blockages. It is an effective remedy for soap and grease scum.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are versatile, be it cleaning your car or dislodging the drain clogs. It is a classic natural remedy and is very effective. Besides, the two ingredients are available in every kitchen. They are available in yours, right? So, take two cups. Fill one of them with baking soda and the other one with vinegar. Now, first, pour down the soda and then pour the vinegar into the drain. The two ingredients will start fuzzing. Let them react for 10 minutes, and then flush them down with hot water. It might not be very effective on mineral buildup.
Salt and Baking Soda
Salt and baking soda are effective solutions for mineral buildup. Take half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda and pour this mixture down the drain. Pour hot boiling water, and you will clear some mineral buildup.
Plunger
For toilets and sink drains, use a plunger. Create a seal around the drain, and push and pull the plunger as many times as needed to dislodge the blockages.
Homemade Drain Cleaner
Instead of using the chemical drain cleaner, you can make its natural counterpart at home. This alternative doesn’t harm the environment or your drainpipes. You need three ingredients- salt, baking soda, and potassium bitartrate (Cream of tartar). Take half a cup of salt and baking soda each, and one-fourth cup of potassium bitartrate. Mix these and save them in an airtight container.
For drain cleaning, use one-fourth cup of the above mixture. Pour the mixture into the drain. Then, pour boiling water down the drain.
Wire
Professional drain cleaners use a plumber’s snake, but you can use a wire hanger. This may help you remove the hair and debris from the drainpipes. Bend the hanger wire into a hook’s shape and lunge it into the drain to dislodge the blocking agents. Be very careful with this method not to damage your pipes.
Preventative Measures
Clogged drains are common, but you can prevent by taking some simple measures, such as:
- Do not pour oil and fat down the kitchen sink as it solidifies with time and clogs the pipe.
- Always use drain screens so the hair and debris are caught, and you can clean them out easily.
- Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet.
Final Words
The natural remedies discussed above are effective and simple. Remember that your plumbing system requires regular maintenance. With preventive measures, you can keep your drains clean, clear, and flowing smoothly. Yet, if you are dealing with a blockage and the natural remedies are not working. Call for an expert for drain repair.
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