Whether it’s hair, grease, or other debris, clogged drains are a nuisance. However, you can use a few simple steps to clean them.
When a plunger or store-bought drain snake can’t do the job, it’s time to call a professional. A plumber can remove a serious clog or make repairs that will restore drainage in all drains. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Chemical drain cleaners are pure or mixtures of chemicals that dissolve at least some of the material that is blocking a drain. They are available in liquid, gel or powder form and are sold at hardware stores, grocery stores and big box retailers. These cleaners often have strong smells and are highly effective at clearing away hair, food scraps, grease and other organic materials that build up in a drain over time. However, they can be dangerous to health and the environment and should only be used as a last resort.
Many of the most popular drain cleaners are caustic in nature, which means they can eat away at pipes over time. This can lead to leaks and broken pipes. Some of these cleaners are also hazardous to health, causing burns to eyes and skin and releasing toxic fumes if inhaled. They can also corrode metal pipes, especially if used multiple times or in high concentrations.
Acidic drain cleaners, such as sulfuric acid, can also be dangerous. This type of acid can burn the skin and eyes, and if inhaled can irritate the nose and throat. It can also break down metals such as iron and steel, causing them to rust. It can also damage septic systems and kill the bacteria that break down waste in septic tanks.
Oxidizing drain cleaners, which contain compounds such as bleach, peroxide or nitrates, are less harsh than acidic cleaners but can still cause serious burns if they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes. They can take longer than acidic cleaners to break down clogs and may not be as effective at clearing severe blockages.
Caustic cleaners, which are made of substances such as lye or potash, can be very effective for breaking down hardened clogs such as those caused by grease. These cleaners are slow to work and may require several applications over a long period of time. They can also be very dangerous to health and should only be used under the supervision of a professional plumber. Other safer options include hot water and a plunger or drain snake.
Bio-Active Enzymatic Foam Cleaner
A bio-enzymatic foam drain cleaner is a safer alternative to traditional chemical cleaners. These cleaners contain live microorganisms that digest fats, oils and grease (FOG), the primary cause of clogged drains. Bio-enzymatic cleaners are non-toxic, biodegradable, and odorless. They also don’t require any special plumbing installation or maintenance to work. In addition, bio-enzymatic drain cleaners can be used on septic systems and main sewer connections.
Bio-active septic system cleaners work by releasing enzymes into the clogged drains that break down the FOG molecules and liquefy them. The resulting liquid then washes away, leaving the pipes and drains clean. Bio-enzymatic cleaners can also be used to deodorize the drain and septic system.
The biological component of the drain cleaner composition may comprise an organic diluent, a nutrient and a strain of bacteria that expresses anti-clog enzymes. Preferably, the bacteria are resistant to oxidizing acids and caustic materials. The drain cleaner composition can further comprise an inorganic diluent, such as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.
A surfactant system and a fatty acid ester can also be added to the drain cleaner composition. The fatty acid ester can be selected from any commercial class of mono-, di- or tri-alcohols. The septic system cleaner composition can also be delivered as a solid, which is advantageous in comparison to traditional hair clog removers that require heavy concentrations of caustic and hypochlorites.
Enzymatic drain cleaners can be applied directly to a clogged drain or used in the toilet tank to treat clogs caused by hair, sludge, paper products and sanitary items. Some products even have a septic-safe formula that can be used in septic tanks and public sewer connections.
When choosing an enzymatic drain cleaner, it’s important to read reviews and look at the product’s in-use instructions. Some solutions require specific temperatures for storage and others have a limited temperature range in which they can be used. It’s also important to consider the environment. You want a safe, effective drain cleaner that won’t damage your facility’s pipes or harm wildlife. Lastly, you’ll want to choose a drain cleaner that won’t harm pricey instruments or scopes.
Plunger
While many people consider a plunger the “go-to” tool for toilet clogs, they can actually be used to tackle a wide range of drains in your home. The key is knowing how to use it correctly. When properly used, the simple power of suction and pressure can quickly dislodge most clogs and have your drain flowing again in no time.
A typical plunger consists of a rubber bell with a hole in the center and a handle on top. The best plungers have a flexible flap inside the cup that can fold down to create a seal over any drain opening. They also have a cup that is designed to fit snugly over the sink or tub drain, providing a strong and effective suction. There are several different types of plungers, each with its own unique design and use.
Most homeowners are familiar with the traditional cup-style plunger, which is the best option for most household drains. To use it, position the plunger over the drain, making sure that it is a good seal. Then, rhythmically pump the plunger up and down about 15 to 20 times. As you do so, the alternating force of suction and air pressure will work to break up and push the clog away from the drain opening.
When using a plunger, be sure to wear rubber gloves. This will help prevent splashing and other potential damage to your plumbing fixtures and pipes. It is also a good idea to have some rags around the area to sop up any potential liquids or other mess that may occur while plunging. Also, be sure to replace your plunger regularly. Even if it seems to be in good shape, it will eventually wear out and not function as well.
Other options for drain cleaning include chemical cleaners that you can pour down the drain. These products generally require at least half an hour to start working, and often take longer to dissolve the clog. Some chemical cleaners can be toxic to the environment and are generally used only by professionals.
Wire Hanger
One of the more common drain cleaning hacks involves using a wire hanger to fish out a hair clog or foreign item. This method is cheap, efficient and works well on simple blockages such as condensed food particles, soap scum, or the occasional lost earring. However, it is important to understand that this technique can damage your pipes and may not be effective against severe clogs.
The first step is to straighten out a wire hanger while keeping the hook end bent in a small angle. You then stick the bent end into the shower drain hole and jiggle it around until you feel it catch something. Once you feel the wire snag on something, gently pull up on it to lift the clog and remove it. You can repeat this process until you feel the clog is fully removed.
While this is a quick and easy solution for minor clogs, it is important to know that the sharp end of the hanger can scratch or otherwise damage your pipes. This can cause leaks and lead to costly repairs. Furthermore, the bend in the wire hanger can also snag on other items in your plumbing system, pushing them further down the pipe and creating a more serious blockage.
To avoid this, it is recommended that you use a different method for drain cleaning such as caustic soda. Caustic soda (also known as Sodium Hydroxide) is an inexpensive chemical that can quickly and effectively unblock your drain. The most important thing to remember when working with this chemical is to always wear rubber gloves and eye protection. If you are unsure of how to handle caustic soda, it is best to call in a professional.