Blocked drains are an annoying problem that every homeowner dreads. They disrupt our daily routines and have the potential to cause serious water damage.
The go-to solutions tend to involve harsh chemicals, but there are greener and safer ways you can consider first. Clearing drains without chemicals can protect our environment from harmful substances and extend the life of your pipes, preventing corrosion and leaks.
Let’s explore how you can tackle blocked drains without reaching for the chemicals.
Signs of a Blocked Drain
Noticing the early signs of a blocked drain can save you from bigger plumbing problems down the line.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Slow Drainage: Water pooling around your feet in the shower or a sink that takes forever to empty? That’s a blockage problem.
- Backups and Overflow: When water backs up instead of flowing down the kitchen or bathroom sink or the toilet, it’s a red flag.
- Unpleasant Odours: Foul smells from your drains are usually caused by food, grease, or hair decomposing in your pipes.
- Overflow: Water spilling over the edge of your sink or toilet bowl indicates a serious clog that demands immediate attention.
Non-Chemical Methods to Unclog Drains
Clearing a drain doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Simple household supplies like hot water, baking soda, and vinegar can do the trick!
Hot Water
Start by boiling a kettle of water. This method works well for grease build-up because it melts the grease clog into a liquid so that it can be washed away.
Baking Soda
Next, pour a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Baking soda is a great cleaning agent that helps dislodge the gunk stuck in your pipes.
Vinegar
Follow the baking soda with a cup of white vinegar. The combination creates a fizzing reaction that can break down the residue inside your pipes.
After pouring the vinegar, cover the drain with a plug to keep the reaction below the surface and maximise its cleaning power.
Wait for about 15–30 minutes, then flush the drain with another kettle’s worth of boiling water to clear out the mixture along with the loosened gunk and debris.
This simple, eco-friendly method can effectively handle and prevent clogs without damaging your pipes or the environment.
Preventative Maintenance
Keeping your drains clear and odour-free doesn’t have to be a chore. Regular maintenance can prevent the build-up of gunk and wastewater.
Here are some methods to keep your pipes flowing smoothly:
- Regular Flushing: Once a week, pour boiling water down your drains. This can help melt away any grease or soap build-up before it becomes a blockage.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Use the baking soda and vinegar method every 1–2 months. This will keep your pipes and drains clear and neutralise any bad smells.
- Catch It Early: Use sink strainers to catch hair, food particles, and other debris. This simple step can greatly reduce the risk of clogs.
By using these easy maintenance tips in your cleaning routine, you can avoid blocked drains and maintain a healthy plumbing system without harsh chemicals.
Helpful DIY Plumbing Tools
Tackling simple blockages at home doesn’t always require a plumber’s toolbox. With a few basic tools that you can easily find at your local hardware store, you can manage most minor clogs with ease.
Plunger
- What Is It? There are two main types of plungers:
The common sink plunger with a flat cup that is designed for flat surfaces.
The toilet plunger (which has a flanged bottom to fit into the toilet bowl). - Use: For effective use, make sure the plunger has a tight seal over the drain. Apply forceful thrusts to dislodge the blockage. The sink plunger is perfect for kitchen sinks and bathtubs, while the toilet plumber is — you guessed it — designed specifically for the toilet.
Drain Snake
- What Is It? A manual drain snake that reaches deep into pipes to remove clogs beyond the reach of plungers.
- Use: Feed the snake into the drain until you encounter resistance, then twist to catch and pull out the source of the blockage.
Hose-End Bladder
- What Is It? This tool attaches to a garden hose and uses water pressure to clear blockages.
- Use: Insert the bladder into the clogged drain and turn on the water. The bladder expands and forces water pressure through the blockage.
Augers
- What Is It? Toilet augers are a type of drain snake designed for toilets. They have a protective sleeve to prevent porcelain scratches.
- Use: They’re more effective for clogged toilets, reaching deeper with a curved design to navigate the bends of the toilet.
Understanding Pipe Relining
Pipe relining is a revolutionary, no-dig solution for repairing damaged sewer lines and effectively preventing future blockages, all with minimal disruption to your property.
No-Dig Convenience
This method involves inserting a durable liner inside your home’s existing pipes. The liner hardens to form a new, seamless pipe within a pipe.
This process eliminates the need for excavation, preserving your backyard, garden, and driveway while fixing the problem at hand.
The Relining Company’s Expertise
The Relining Company specialises in this advanced technique, providing a long-term solution to recurring drain issues, including blockages.
Our services make sure that your once prone-to-clogging pipes become more resistant to plumbing problems like breakages, invasions from tree roots, and internal build-up.
Simply put, we extend the life of your plumbing system without the environmental impact or cost of complete pipe replacement.
Why Choose Professional Drain Services
When you choose professional drain services, you’re taking care of more than the immediate blockages. You’re having plumbing professionals diagnose and repair the underlying issues that could lead to future problems.
Expert Diagnosis
A professional inspection can reveal deeper issues, such as pipe damage or sewer line problems, that DIY methods simply can’t address.
Experts use specialised equipment to accurately identify the root cause of your drainage issues, making sure that the solution is both effective and long-lasting.
The Relining Company
With years of experience in professional unclogging and state-of-the-art pipe relining, The Relining Company offers more than just a quick fix.
We provide comprehensive solutions that not only clear your current blockages but also enhance the overall health of your plumbing system, preventing future issues.
Clearing Your Blocked Drain Without Chemical Drain Cleaners
Addressing blocked drains without harsh chemicals is kinder to our environment and safer for our homes. Skipping the drain cleaners prevents damage to your pipes, saving you money and stress in the long run.
For serious backups and stubborn drain clogs, especially in vital areas like the toilet and the kitchen sink, professional intervention is the way to go.
The Relining Company offers a sustainable and effective solution, using expertise and advanced methods to make sure your house’s plumbing stays in pristine condition.
Get In Touch with The Relining Experts
Don’t let a blocked drain or drainage problems ruin your day. If you’re in the Greater Sydney area, get in touch with The Relining Company today for an expert assessment and quote for our blocked drain services.
Choose a sustainable, long-term solution for your home’s plumbing needs and wave goodbye to blockages!
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