A drain clog can be a real nuisance. While DIY solutions like chemical drain cleaners are tempting, they can actually cause more damage to your plumbing and home.

Most clogs are caused by hair, soap scum and food particles that build up inside your pipes. Regularly cleaning your drains can prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!

Clogged drains can be inconvenient and frustrating, but if you catch them early on and address the problem quickly, they can be prevented. If you’re experiencing slow drainage, gurgling sounds, foul smells or water backup in your home, there may be a clog in your plumbing system.

Clogs develop over time as hair, soap scum, grease and other debris stick to pipe walls. These blockages can affect water flow throughout the house and cause wastewater to back up into your home. If a clog is not addressed, it can worsen over time and lead to expensive repairs for your pipes and sewer line.

While DIY drain cleaners like baking soda and vinegar can help in a pinch, they won’t eliminate serious clogs. Instead, use a plunger and/or snake to break up the clog and remove it from your pipe.

In the event that your plunger is unable to dislodge the clog, try a flexible drain snake available at most hardware stores. This thin, flat plastic snake has small spines that are perfect for grabbing hold of clumped-up gunk like hair and other clog materials. A standard snake can be used in a bathtub or sink, while a closet auger is great for toilets because it can reach farther down your pipe.

Another option is to flush the drain with hot water. Pour the boiling water down your drain in two or three stages, allowing it to work for several seconds between each pour. This method will wash away any remaining clog material and wash away any food particles stuck in your pipes.

Regularly cleaning your drains with these methods and avoiding putting fat, oils, and grease down your kitchen or bathroom drains can help prevent frequent clogs. However, if your drain still appears to be clogged after trying these hacks, it’s time to call in a plumber for more professional assistance. Recurring clogs are typically signs of more serious issues, such as a blocked sewer line or septic tank or a damaged pipe. A professional plumber can determine the source of your clog and recommend the right solution.

Bad Odors

Odors from drains can be caused by food waste, rotting hair, or other materials trapped in a clog. A professional drain cleaner can remove these odor-causing materials, keeping your home clean and fresh.

There are several methods of home drain cleaning, including mechanical snakes, hydro-jetting, chemical drain cleaners, and even biological drain cleaners. Depending on the nature of the clog, one of these options may be more effective than another. However, it is important to understand that these DIY drain cleaners can damage your pipes and cause blockages if not used correctly.

Many homeowners try to tackle their own clogs using household items like plungers, wire hangers, and snakes. While these can work well for small clogs, they often result in more serious problems down the road. Getting your home’s drains professionally cleaned can help prevent these issues, saving you money in the long run.

In addition, some home drain cleaning remedies can be dangerous for your health and the environment. For example, bleach should never be poured down a drain because it can contaminate the water supply and cause toxic chlorine fumes. Additionally, dumping boiling water down a drain can be hard on PVC pipes, which are rated to only handle 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

To keep your drains smelling fresh, try using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. These ingredients are safe for your plumbing line and can be more effective than hot water alone. To use this method, simply pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Then, cover the drain opening and let it sit for an hour or overnight. For best results, use this treatment once a month. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling these chemicals. Lastly, avoid pouring grease or fat down your drains because they can solidify and create a blockage.

Bacteria and Mold

Bacteria and mold thrive on moist environments. They can form colonies that are both unsightly and dangerous to humans. They can also trigger allergic reactions and contribute to respiratory issues. The good news is that both bacteria and mold can be cleaned with the right cleaning products, tools and techniques.

Fungus like mold can grow on almost any damp surface. They are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, where dirty dishes, used chopping boards, sink drains and refrigerator shelves all provide the ideal environment for them to spread. They can also grow in carpets, curtains and porous materials such as drywall and ceiling tiles.

To prevent and treat mold, clean as often as possible. Wash fabrics such as towels and sheets regularly to remove bacteria and to keep dust mites, which consume dead skin cells, at bay. Make sure to fully dry cloths and blankets before storing or using them again. Ventilate moisture-generating appliances to the outdoors and use dehumidifiers in problem areas.

If you have a visible mold problem, repair any plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Discard food that is contaminated with mold and wash hard surfaces with detergent, water and a scrub brush. If a surface can’t be completely restored, replace it with nonporous material.

Pouring boiling water down drains can sometimes loosen a clog and eliminate bad odors. However, this method can be hard on PVC pipes and may not be enough to dislodge a serious clog. To safely and effectively clean a clogged pipe, use chemical drain cleaners such as Drano, Pure Lye, Invade, CLR or GreenPig. These products are highly rated and designed to quickly dissolve fat, oil and grease clogs and other household debris. They are available at most hardware stores. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to test the ph level of your water before using any chemical drain cleaners. Always follow all safety precautions and wear rubber gloves. These chemicals are corrosive and can damage your pipes and plumbing system. Regular professional drain cleaning gets rid of the waste that accumulated within your pipes and eliminates clogs, bad smells, bacterial and mold growth and other hazards to your health and well-being.

Slow Water Flow

We’ve all experienced a slow draining sink or tub. While a slow drain doesn’t cause any immediate damage, it will become worse over time, and can ultimately lead to clogged pipes and costly repairs.

There are a number of things you can do to help your drains flow properly and keep them clean. One simple trick is to pour hot water down the drain, which dissolves soap scum and other buildup. Another is to clean the drain strainer, which catches hair and other debris that can clog your sink or tub. And of course, you can always use a good old-fashioned plunger to clear smaller clogs.

If you’ve tried these home solutions and are still having trouble with a slow drain, it may be time to call a professional plumber. These professionals can offer more thorough at-home cleanings and can identify the cause of the problem with a camera inspection.

Many drain cleaner products contain harsh chemicals, which can be damaging to your pipes. Instead of using store-bought cleaners, try mixing a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar. This will create a chemical reaction that bubbles through the clog and helps to break up any grease or food waste that is trapped in the drain.

You can also use a snake to unclog your drain, but be careful not to push the clog deeper into the pipe. If you do not feel comfortable trying to use a snake, or if the clog is particularly stubborn, it’s best to contact a professional plumber.

Keeping your drains clean can prevent them from getting clogged in the first place. Be sure to regularly clean your bathroom and kitchen drains, especially if you have kids, as they are likely to flush down toilet paper or toys that can create major clogs. You can also prevent clogs by avoiding pouring oil and grease down your drain, and by regularly cleaning your garbage disposal filter. Finally, make sure to regularly clean your sink stoppers, as these can catch hair and other debris that can clog the drain.