Sharing Knowledge About Residential Plumbing

Cleaning your drains may not be on your weekly cleaning list. It probably isn't on your monthly or even your yearly list. Drain cleaning usually occurs when you have a problem, such as a clog in the drain or your drains backing up. There are ways to help prevent these issues, such as using 1-ply toilet paper, which may not get trapped in your sewer line, or using the drain basket in the kitchen sink to help prevent food particles from going down the drain and becoming trapped. See below for ways to help unclog your drain in the event of a problem and more tips to prevent this from happening to you.

Tools And Materials For The Job:

• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 gallon boiling water

Instructions:

1. Start with the salt and pour it directly down the drain. Then pour the baking soda into the drain.
2. Next, pour in the white vinegar. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and create a foam that will help loosen and clean out the clog. Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for at least 10 minutes to work.
3. Finally, carefully pour the boiling water into the drain. The boiling water helps to move the clog out of the drain and into the sewer system where it belongs. 

This method can be used in your kitchen to remove built-up grease, fat, and food particles, as well as in the bathroom sink or shower to remove clogs from hair and other beauty products. These natural ingredients help remove the clog without using dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family and sometimes cause damage to your drain pipes. 

Drain Maintenance Tips:

• Be sure to put only proper items in the garbage disposal. Things like bones, large pieces of food, and tough rinds should not be put in the disposal. Use ice cubes to help keep the blades sharp and dump lemon slices down the disposal to keep it smelling great.
• Never flush feminine products or other items down the toilet. Even if the packaging says you can flush them, some drain systems may not be able to tolerate them.
• Clean food from dishes thoroughly before putting them into the sink to help prevent food particles from getting into the drain (if you do not have a garbage disposal).

Help prevent drainage problems as much as you can, but in the event of a problem, try to use the natural drain cleaning instructions above. Call a plumber to have your drain cleared if you still have a problem or if you continue to have issues, it may be due to a bigger problem in your sewer system.