How To Keep Your Drain Pipes Clean And Clear?

Keeping your drain pipes clean is essential for a smooth-running home.

Clogged or dirty pipes can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even water damage.

Here, explore simple ways to keep your drain pipes clean and clear.

Key Takeaways

Drain guards sit over your drains to catch hair and food scraps.
Clean your drain pipes once a month to keep them in good shape.
Don’t dump grease or oil in the drain; it can clog the pipes.
As a natural cleaner, baking soda helps to break down buildup.
DIY tips help keep your drains clean and save money.
If water backs up into sinks or tubs, it might show a major clog in the pipes.
Before choosing one, check a few plumbing companies to compare their prices.

Tips To Prevent And Clean Your Drains

Keeping your drains clean helps water flow easily and stops clogs and bad smells.

To keep your drains clean and clear, you can use a few easy preventive measures:

1. Installing Drain Guards

Drain guards, or filters, fit over your drains to catch debris like hair and food scraps.

They prevent these items from going down the drain and causing clogs.

How To Keep Your Drain Pipes Clean And Clear

Place the guard over the drain and clean it regularly.

It helps to remove collected debris.

2. Avoiding Grease And Large Food Particles In Drains

Throw large food scraps into the trash before washing dishes.

Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, as it can solidify and block pipes.

This prevents bits of food from building up and causing clogs.

3. Using Strainers In Sinks And Showers

Filters are small net devices that catch debris before it drains.

They’re especially useful in kitchen sinks and showers.

Place a filter in the drain.

Also, clean it daily to remove trapped hair, food, and other particles.

4. Routine Cleaning

To keep your drain pipes in good shape, clean them about once a month.

This helps prevent buildup and keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Two helpful recommended cleaning products are:

A. Enzymatic Cleaners

These special cleaners use natural chemicals to break down organic material in your pipes.

They’re effective and safe for your pipes.

B. Baking Soda And Vinegar

This natural method is great for regular maintenance.

Use 1/2 cup of baking soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water.

Call For Professional Assistance

Drain Pipe DIY Cleaning Tips

DIY tips are a great option to keep your drains clean and save money.

You can use simple methods and items from around your home to fix clogs and keep your pipes flowing well.

1. Plunging

For sinks and tubs, use a plunger with a flange (a little rubber flap on the end).

Use a cup plunger (a simpler design with just a rubber cup) for toilets.

Place the plunger over the drain so the rubber part completely covers the hole.

This creates a good seal.

Push the plunger down firmly, then pull it up quickly.

This action creates suction and helps to dislodge any clogs.

Repeat this up-and-down motion several times.

2. Use Baking Soda And Vinegar

Baking soda is a natural cleaner and helps to break down buildup.

Start by removing any visible debris or hair from the drain.

Measure 1/2 cup of baking soda and vinegar and pour them directly into the drain.

You’ll see and hear it fizz as the baking soda and vinegar react.

Allow the mixture to work for 15-30 minutes.

Finally, pour boiling water down the drain to remove the loosened debris.

3. Homemade Drain Cleaners

Here are two homemade drain cleaners:

A. Simple Salt And Baking Soda Cleaner

Salt and baking soda work together to break down build-up.

Mix 1/2 cup of salt with 1/2 cup of baking soda in a bowl.

Pour this mixture into the drain.

Follow up by pouring boiling water into the drain.

Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water to clear everything out.

B. Lemon And Baking Soda Cleaner

Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with the juice of one lemon in a bowl.

Put the mixture into the drain.

The lemon adds a fresh scent and helps to cut through grease.

Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with hot water to wash away the dirt.

C. Safety Tips

While using homemade drain cleaners, keep these safety tips in mind:

Don’t mix homemade cleaners with store-bought cleaners; they can react dangerously.
Protect your hands by wearing gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Ensure the room is airy to avoid any unpleasant smells from the cleaners.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

If DIY methods don’t fix drain cleaning issues, consider professional help.

When To Call A Professional

Here are a few signs that you need a pro’s help:

Frequent Clogs: If you have recurring clogs that don’t go away with DIY methods, it’s time to call a professional.
Slow Draining: Even after cleaning, a slow-draining sink could indicate a serious blockage.
Unpleasant Odors: Bad smells from your drains could show a deeper problem needing professional help.
Water Backup: If water starts backing up into sinks or tubs, it could mean a major blockage in the pipes.

What To Expect From A Drain Cleaning Service

When you call a drain cleaning service, they will use special tools to clear out tough clogs:

1. Snaking

This method uses a long, flexible snake tool to break up and remove clogs from the pipes.

It’s good for clearing blockages in the drain line.

2. Hydro-Jetting

This technique blasts high-pressure water through the pipes to clear tough clogs and buildup.

It’s effective for thoroughly cleaning pipes.

Choosing The Right Professional

Here are four tips for selecting a reliable plumbing service:

1. Check Reviews

Look for customer reviews online to see if others have had good experiences with the service.

2. Verify Expertise

Make sure the plumber is licensed and experienced to ensure they’re qualified to do the job.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Contact a few different companies to compare prices and services before deciding.

4. Ask For Recommendations

Get recommendations from friends or family who have used plumbing services before.

Conclusion

Taking care of your drains now will save you from bigger issues later.

Try simple DIY methods like baking soda and vinegar to clean and clear your drains.

Regularly using these tips to prevent big clogs can stop slow drainage.

If you still need help, call a professional to help.