Cleaning Your Own Drains: Is It Doable?

If you have ever peeked into one of your drains, you likely know the pipes do not look very appealing. In fact, most of the time you look at the pipes, you likely pull out hair, food, and other debris that otherwise block your pipes. In fact, you might have wondered if cleaning your own pipes is possible. The answer is sometimes. If you are unsure how to clean your pipes or if you should pursue professional help, read on.

Most people are familiar with commercial drain cleaners sold in stores, but should you use them on your pipes? Probably not - as most plumbers will tell you.

First, commercial drain cleaners can be dangerous for those who use them. Cleaners can cause chemical burns, and if you get them in your eyes, you may face vision loss.

Next, commercial drain cleaners can destroy the linings of your pipes.

Plumbers also tend to agree that commercial cleaners are not very effective. They may dissolve some debris in your pipes, but in many cases, they simply push clogs further along the pipe, making them more inaccessible.

If you still have your heart set on cleaning your pipes yourself, hope is not lost. You may have all the ingredients you need to clean your pipes right at home. You can finally say goodbye to smelly, blocked pipes in your kitchen or bathroom after all.

One of the best home remedies is to boil a pot of water on the stove. Once the water is boiling, pour it down the drain you want to clean. The hot water will help dissolve some of the matter in your drain. Next, dump some baking soda down the drain, followed by double the amount of vinegar.

Next, put a stopper in the drain and allow the mixture to work its magic in your drains. After a few minutes, boil another pot of hot water and pour it down your drain once again.

If you have a small clog, you might not need to use a drain cleaner. In fact, a plunger may be able to unclog some normal problems. You can also use a drain snake, which collects a lot of debris that tends to work its way down into the pipes. In fact, a drain snake or auger may one of the first tools a plumber uses when they arrive.

If you do not have a drain snake or auger, you can use a wire coat hanger to create a long stick that you can then use to pick up debris lodged in your pipes.

If you have tried everything, from the home remedy cleaner to a drain snake, call a professional plumber to look at your pipes. Plumbers are professionals who get to the root cause of your pipes. Whether the issue is bad piping or simply a lot of debris that has worked its way down past the stopper, plumbers can remedy the issue.

One of the best tools plumbers have at their disposal is hydro jetting, which helps clean out your pipes and clear up any debris lodged in the pipes. Plus, hydro jetting rids the pipes of grease and other residue.

If you have a plumbing predicament, a plumber can help. Call Power Plumbing Inc. to see why your pipes are dirty. We understand what you are up against and how much you need your plumbing to be in good working order. We look forward to solving your plumbing dilemmas.