Drain Cleaning: Tips And Tricks To Help This Tedious Task Easier

Prevention
When it comes to plumbing, prevention is the best cure. In an attempt to avoid clog buildup down the road, there are a few methods many people implement:

• Use a strainer to help trap to collect food particles and hair.
• Collect your grease in containers and dispose of them in ways other than pouring them down the drain.
• Pour a sum of boiling water down the blocked pipe on a weekly basis to aid in breaking down fat buildup.
• Flush it with a vinegar and baking soda solution weekly.

Plunger
This inexpensive tool helps in the fight against clogs. Simply place the plunger over the drain and pump away! It may take a few attempts to break the buildup. Be sure never to use this method after any commercial solution has been used, as it can cause spray-back.

Mechanical Snake
Plumbing snakes can be either purchased or rented. This device is threaded down the clogged pipe and works by manually pushing the clog away. If used in conjunction with a running garden hose, it can even clear a blockage completely out of the system.

Salt & Baking Soda
Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the blocked pipe. Next, add ½ cup white vinegar and make sure to cover it. Wait 5 minutes and pour a pot of boiling water down the pipe in order to flush it through. This potent combination is wonderful at breaking down fatty acids, allowing clear passage. Once again, it is important not to use this method after any commercial drain solution.

Grease Buildup Solution
To begin, dissolve 1 pound of washing detergent in 3 gallons of boiling water. Pour this mixture down the drain. This method effectively breakups up most grease particles.

There may be some cases in which, none of these methods provide adequate results. If you find yourself in this situation, it may be time to consult a plumbing professional. In this way, you may even end up saving yourself a bit of money and hassle down the road.