The Best Methods for Drain Cleaning

Most Common Ways to Clean Drains 

Drains should be cleaned annually, even if there are no signs of something being wrong. This preventive step can save people a headache later down the road by eliminating problems before they occur. By keeping drains well-maintained, homeowners can eliminate bad odors and diminish clogs, preventing slow draining problems and more severe obstructions that can cause sewage backup. 

DIY Drain Cleaning

Liquid drain cleaners are unnecessary because people can make their drain cleaning solution from a few ingredients in their kitchen. There are a few different DIY solutions that one can craft at home, but the most popular mixtures are: 

• Baking Soda & Vinegar: Dump ½ cup baking soda down the drain, then ½ cup of vinegar. Close off the drain and leave it to sit for an hour. Once an hour has passed, pour boiling water down the drain to help break up and wash away the debris. If the clog is stubborn, this process may need to be repeated. 
• Baking Soda & Salt: Mix ½ cup of table salt and ½ cup of baking soda. Pour this mixture down the drain and leave it to sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour down some boiling water to aid in the disposal of the debris. For tougher clogs, the mixture may need to be left overnight.
• Detergent & Hot Water: For those suspecting that their clog is caused by grease buildup, a mixture of detergent and hot water is a great solution. Mix two tablespoons of dishwashing detergent in a pan of hot water, then pour this mixture into the drain. 

Of course, one can achieve many other solutions with simple ingredients, but these should do the trick. 

Guide to Drain Snaking 

Most homeowners are probably familiar with a drain snake or plumber’s snake. This method is one of the most popular ways to clean a drain. It can be done without the assistance of a professional drain cleaning company, making it the go-to choice for many. 

An auger attached to a long cord is inserted into the drainpipe and continues being fed down until it finds a clog. A crank is then turned to turn the auger which helps to clear the blockage. 

While this method of drain cleaning is a popular choice among the common, everyday homeowner, it is also a widely used method among professional plumbers. While drain snaking is easy to do, it’s not as thorough as other cleaning methods and is limited to getting rid of clogs and not cleaning out the system entirely. 

When All Else Fails – Hydro-jetting 

Hydro-jetting is more complicated and will require a professional. It uses equipment that helps to push highly pressurized water throughout the plumbing system. While this method is more thorough at clearing away clogs and dirt, grime, and debris, it can be damaging to older and weaker pipes and may not be as effective at removing serious drain obstructions.

Since this cleaning method requires a professional, many homeowners opt not to use it and instead use a drain auger. Still, the benefits of hydro-jetting should be noted: hydro-jetting can thoroughly clean pipes and remove residue – and it’s environmentally friendly, too. 

About Cleary Plumbing & Air 

Residents in West Palm Beach, Florida, can turn to Cleary Plumbing. This family-owned business has catered to its community for over 25 years. Their services include water, drain, sewer, and air conditioning needs, and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, upfront pricing, and 24-hour service, including emergency drain cleaning services.

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