If you have ever had a clogged drain and tried to unclog it yourself, then you know that this is not an easy task. The substances utilized in these procedures usually aggravate the issue. There are many harmful chemicals found in common drain cleaners such as bleach and lye which can be hazardous to your health if ingested or inhaled, so using them on a consistent basis may cause long-term damage. It’s best to use natural methods for clearing blocked drains instead of harsh chemicals that could potentially harm your family’s health.
You should always contact a professional plumber or drainage company if the blockage does not clear after following our instructions below. If the blockage still persists after trying all of these options, then it might be time to call a professional plumber or drainage company.
1. What clogs drains?
Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are the main culprits that clog drains. Sources of FOG can be found in everyday items such as cooking oil, butter, donuts, cookies and most foods. Cooking soap is also a leading cause of clogged drains. Sometimes hair will clog your drain because it has turned into a sticky ball that has wrapped itself around other items in the drain.
2. How to unclog a drain without using dangerous chemicals?
There are many natural methods for unclogging drains and they all involve the use of items probably already found in your kitchen such as salt, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice. Spices like rosemary and basil could also be used. We are going to start by discussing the salt and baking soda method because it is the most popular natural drain cleaner.
3. The salt & baking soda method
This is not only a very effective way of clearing clogged drains but also safe for use if you have pets or small children in your household since both of these substances are non-toxic. Also, it might also be a good idea to keep some baking soda on hand in case you clog your drain more than once or twice. First, pour one cup (250ml) of baking soda and ½ teaspoon (2½g) of salt down the clogged drain and follow this with one cup (250ml) of vinegar. The mixture will begin to bubble and this is good because it means that it’s working.
You need to leave this mixture in your drain for at least an hour before rinsing with hot water. If the blockage still remains, then you can repeat these steps again once more but double the amount of baking soda and salt. If the clogging persists you should try other methods or contact a professional for help. One disclaimer: do not pour any liquids down your drain while doing this method because it will create toxic fumes.
4. The baking soda & vinegar method
This is another popular natural way of unclogging drains which involves the use of baking soda and vinegar. If you’ve tried the salt and baking soda approach but it hasn’t worked, it’s time to experiment this one. Pour one cup (250ml) of baking soda down your clogged drain followed by one cup (250ml) of vinegar. Make sure that you are wearing gloves when doing this because the mixture will begin to bubble and create a lot of fumes. You need to let this mixture sit in your drain for at least one hour before rinsing it with hot water.
If you clean your bathroom or kitchen drains on a monthly basis, then this is the method we recommend because it unclogs and cleans the drain at the same time. Once again: do not pour any liquids down your drain while doing this method because it will create toxic fumes.
5. Organic methods are best
Homemade drain cleaners created from organic materials that are safe for the environment and your health. A combination of baking soda and vinegar, for example, creates an effective cleaning solution that is also safe to use. That’s why it is the most commonly used technique on the current market.
6. Tips for preventing clogged drains in the future:
Never pour grease, oil or non-organic food products down the drain and put hair and soap in the trash instead. Also, try to avoid pouring any liquids down your drains if they are clogged. If you clean your bathroom or kitchen drains on a monthly basis, then this is the method we recommend because it unclogs and cleans the drain at the same time. Once again: do not pour any liquids down your drain while doing this method because it will create toxic fumes. If you have a garbage disposal, then clean it regularly and make sure to run hot water down the drain for at least 5 minutes after use to prevent food from accumulating in the trap or pipe which can eventually lead to clogs.
7. The importance of a clean and tidy kitchen and bathroom sink
The kitchen and bathroom are the two rooms in the house that get a lot of use especially when you have kids. This is why they can sometimes become messy and dirty very quickly which causes unnecessary problems such as clogged drains. A clean, organized and well-kept sink area promotes cleanliness for your entire household so make sure to always keep yours tidy to prevent problems like this.
8. The natural drain cleaner that actually works
Our #1 recommended way of unclogging drains is by using one of the most effective organic products on the market today: Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner . This product uses enzymes to break down the buildup in your kitchen or bathroom sink and makes it easy for it to flow through. It’s easy to use, inexpensive and is non-toxic so you can feel safe about using it in your home.
9. Cleaning the garbage disposal
The kitchen sink is where most of the food preparation happens in your household and it’s also the place where most of the food scraps end up. Many people use their garbage disposals to help them with this but these units can sometimes lead to clogged drains if you are not careful.
10.Call the Plumber if none of the above method works for you
No matter how much we love to promote natural and organic products, we understand that sometimes nothing beats the help of a professional. Because clogged drains can cause problems such as mold and mildew in your home as well as water leakage , it is important to consult with a professional if none of these methods work for you.
So, if you’re in Toronto, you can call any professional Toronto plumber when you have any plumbing problems which ought to be fixed. Plumbers who really are professional and effective are always equipped with a lot of information about typical issues like clogged drains and leaking taps, so they can help you have everything resolved straight away.
Conclusion
The blog post has covered the basics of clogged drains and how to unclog them, but if none of these methods work for you then it’s time to get in touch with a professional. A clean kitchen sink is important not only because it looks nice, but also because any food particles or dirt that fall into your drain can cause blockages which may lead to rooter service.
