Drain Cleaning – How to Get Rid of Clogged Drains

A drain is a vital component of your home’s plumbing system, and keeping it clear can help prevent unpleasant odors and blockages. There are many ways to clean your drains, including commercial chemical cleaners and household remedies such as baking soda and vinegar.

What is a drain clean?

You may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, but it’s best to try these more natural solutions first. Most of them are easy to use, inexpensive and safe for your pipes. Some of them can also prevent clogs from returning in the future.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Grandmothers everywhere swear by this simple drain cleaning technique, which is non-toxic to your pipes and the environment. When baking soda and vinegar meet, they produce a reaction that can dislodge even the most stubborn drain blockages. All you have to do is pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed immediately by a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing action is enough to break down soap scum, hair, grease and other residue that build up over time in your drain and sewer pipes. After the fizzing stops, wait fifteen minutes and then flush the drain with boiling water.

This technique can be repeated as often as necessary to keep your drains clean and odor-free. If the drain is still clogged after several attempts, it might be time to call in the professionals for more advanced drain cleaning. Professionals can use a drain snake or auger to cut through hard-to-reach clogs, and they can also perform a video inspection of your pipes to identify the cause of the clog.