Drain cleaning is one of the most important services a plumber can perform. However, by cleaning your drains effectively on your own, you may be able to reduce the chance of nasty clogs, increase the lifespan of your system, and save money on plumbing repairs in the long-run.
Many people assume that the best way to do this is through store-bought drain cleaners. Yet while these products may get rid of some clogs in the short-term, they are extremely toxic, and can actually eat away at your pipes over time. Keep reading to learn the best alternatives to chemical drain cleaners, and make sure to call our experienced Rancho Cucamonga plumbers at All City Plumbing, Air & Electrical, Drain Cleaning, & Rooter for your essential drain and sewer services.
The top 5 alternatives to chemical drain cleaners are:
- Dish Soap & Hot Water: While this may sound deceptively simple, it’s also extremely effective. By boiling a few tablespoons of dish soap in hot water, pouring the solution down the drain, and rinsing it out with hot water, you can eliminate clogs made from grease, and provide a nice cleaning for your garbage disposal.
- Salt, Borax & Vinegar: Sodium borate, also known as borax, is a simple cleaning product you can find at most grocery stores. Combining a fourth a cup of borax, along with a fourth a cup of vinegar and a fourth a cup of salt, is a great way to flush out your plumbing system. Just pour these items down your drain and rinse with hot water. Of course, there is a more common household item you could combine with salt and vinegar that would have a similar effect…
- Baking Soda: We chose to list baking soda on its own here, because there are multiple things you can combine it with to clean your drains. Some prefer half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt, some prefer half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar, some even combine baking soda and chopped up lemons (just remember to never put whole lemons down your garbage disposal, as the rinds are extremely bad for the blades.) Whichever method you prefer, just remember to flush your drain out with hot water, and let it sit for at least a few hours after.
- Coat Hangers: For the use of a professional drain snake, you will want to call a plumber. However, you can effectively create a makeshift drain snake on your own, simply by straightening out a wire coat hanger. This may not eliminate tough obstructions, but will break up most drain blockages.
- Plungers: For your toilet, the best way to get rid of a clog is to use a “flange plunger” (aka the one with the round part jutting out of the end.) For your sink, use a cup plumber, or—since many people don’t own one of those—a flat-bottomed plunger, which will look just like a toilet plunger except without the flange on the end.
Dial (909) 552-7550 now for more home drain and plumbing remedies, or click here to contact All City Plumbing, Air & Electrical online.