We’ve all been there. Slow draining or clogged drains are not only annoying, but they can also cause expensive damage if left untreated. You might be able to fix clogged drains yourself before calling a local Pasadena Plumber. These are our top 5 drain cleaning tips homeowners should use to bring their drain pipes back to peak performance.

Hot Water

Pouring hot water down the drain of a blocked or dirty drain is simple but powerful. Pour boiling hot water down the drain and let it sit for around 15 minutes. Pause between each pour. You may find that the heat is enough to cause gunk or clogs to move again.

Baking soda and white vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar can create a chemical reaction which will cause pipes to burst and release any loose material. The best thing about this powerful combination is that it has no effect on surrounding pipes walls.

Pour 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down your drain pipes. After about five minutes, add boiling water. If everything goes well, this will clean out your drains without using any chemical drain cleaners.

Drain Snake/Bent Wire Hanger

Drain snakes are what professional Pasadena Plumbers use to remove clogs. This tool is available at most grocery and home improvement stores. Use a drain snake

  1. You will need to feed the snake down the drain pipe by turning the handle clockwise, until you come across debris.
  2. Rotate your snake so it latches onto the blockage.
  3. Slowly remove the snake from the drain, and then clean out the blockage material.

A wire hanger can be used to make your own snake. The first step is to take the hanger apart and straighten it. Take one end of the hanger and bend it into an hook. Next, take your hook and run it down the drain. Once there is no more to pull out, flush the drain using hot water. A wire hanger can scratch your sink, toilet, or other fixture if you choose to go this route.

Plunger

You may already have a bathroom plunger that is the ideal solution for your clogged drains. If the fixture has overflow vents make sure you cover them. Next, cover the drain opening using the plunger. Continue to press the plunger in a slow, continuous motion of about one to 2 minutes. Pipe clogging can be removed by a steady buildup of pressure.

Toilet Bomb

To combat stubborn clogs, all you need is a few basic ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 1/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 9 tablespoons liquid dish detergent

Mix the ingredients and place the mixture in muffin liners. Let the bombs dry overnight. Once you have a clog in your system, take the bomb out of its liner and put it in your bathroom with five cups hot water. After four hours, flush it away.

Tips to Keep Your Drains Running Well

You can either conduct regular inspections or hire a certified professional. Simply knowing the limitations of your drains is one way to reduce clogging. Here are some tips to help you avoid calling a local Pasadena Plumber.

  • Grease shouldn’t be poured down the sink. Do not pour cooking oil into a coffee can.
  • Dispose of any uncooked vegetable peels, such as carrots or potatoes, broccoli stems, corn cobs/husks, asparagus, and other fibrous fruits or vegetables in a compost heap or in the trash.
  • Do not pour coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells down the toilet.
  • Pasta and rice will not go through the garbage disposal. You can dispose of similar food in a compost or trash bin.
  • Avoid putting materials that won’t decompose in any drain.
  • You can throw out any hair left over from a shampoo or hair-brushing session. Hair can collect soap scum and buildup in your drains.
  • You should periodically fill your sink with water. Then, let it drain to flush your piping.