Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaning Solutions

Plunger

A plunger can save the day when you experience a clogged sink or a backed-up toilet. This tool creates suction when you form a vacuum seal over the drain opening, thereby loosening whatever is clogging the drain. Here’s how to use a plunger to clear a clogged drain:

• Make sure the plunger’s cup is submerged in water—there should be some water in the sink or toilet to allow for proper plunging.
• Place the plunger over the drain opening and make sure it creates a proper seal.
• Push and pull the handle up and down for 20-30 seconds without breaking the seal.
• Repeat this process a couple of times and see if the clog has been dislodged.
• If a plunger doesn’t clear the clog, you can try snaking the drain.

Drain Snake

One of the safest methods for drain cleaning is using a drain snake. You probably have one in your home if you experience clogged drains regularly. A drain snake is fairly easy to use, even if you’ve never used one before. Push the end of the snake into the drain opening until you feel a bit of resistance. This means you’ve reached the blockage. Rotate the auger head up and down and back and forth to break up the blockage. The rotating action can chop up the clog material or it will cling to the auger. If you’re able to dislodge the clog, flush the drain with hot water to wash away the debris. If the drain is still clogged, try a different method or call a qualified plumber to clear the clog.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

One of the most popular eco-friendly drain cleaning solutions is the combination of baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is an alkaline substance, while vinegar is an acid. When these two substances are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction that can break down drain clogs. Unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is gentle on your drain lines.

How to Clear a Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Pour a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and cover it with a plug or cloth.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Pour boiling water down the drain to flush away the loosened debris.
5. If the clog persists, try another method or call a professional plumbing service for help.

Coat Hanger Method

If you’ve never employed this method to remove blockages in drains, you may be wondering how it works. This old-fashioned technique actually works to clear minor clogs. Just straighten the coat hanger, bend one end into a hook, and carefully slip the hanger down the drain. Do it carefully to avoid scratching the pipe walls or bending the hanger. You may be able to hook onto the gunk in the drain and pull it out. However, note that a coat hanger may not be effective for clearing deep clogs. In such cases, it’s best to hire a local plumbing repair service.

If you have tried these eco-friendly solutions and still the clog won’t budge, it may be time to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for clogged drain line repair in Seagoville.