If you live in California, you know that the prices of everything are just sky-high! When you have a clog or slow drain, it can be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to fix it so that you don’t have to call a plumber. However, you could be hurting your drains by consistently relying on harsh chemicals that erode your pipe quality over time.
At After Hour Plumbing & Drain in Monterey, we understand that not every clog needs a plumber. But before you reach for over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners, there are plenty of natural methods you can use to fix your clogs without damaging your pipes. A few that you may have in your house include vinegar, baking soda, water and salt.
What Is A Natural Drain Cleaner?
While it may sound too good to be true, chemical drain cleaners aren’t the only way that you can fix stubborn clogs. In fact, these chemicals may be doing a lot of damage to your pipes once you use them! Natural cleaners are methods that don’t rely on harsh chemicals, instead using physical suction or temperature to dislodge blockages.
There are a lot of different ways that you can use natural drain cleaners to get rid of grime and grease, some not even taking 10 minutes! So before you call a plumber, try some of these home remedies to ensure that you save time and money in the future.
How To Unclog A Drain Naturally
When you have a tough clog to get out, there are plenty of natural solutions to try. Most of these will involve things that you already have around your house or can be found in any grocery store.
1st Method: Baking Soda And Vinegar
One of the most well-known, tried and true natural cleaners is baking soda and vinegar. While it sounds like a middle school science project, the chemical reaction is amazing for removing tough grease clogs in no time. To do this natural method, all you need to do is:
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain
- Plug the drain and let it sit for at least 1 hour
- Pour a pot of hot tap water down drain as many times as needed
2nd Method: Physical Methods
Using tools that you can find at any convenience store, you can physically remove the clog using a little force. Two of the most popular and effective tools are hand augers and plungers, which are used for different types of drains. Hand augers are best for smaller drains, such as sinks and shower drains. Plungers are best for toilet clogs, as they can generate enough suction to loosen deep clogs.
What Causes A Clogged Drain?
There are a lot of different things that can cause clogged drains, the most prominent being grease and grime. There is also the potential that objects may fall into drains, creating a blockage. While items that are lost down the drain can usually be retrieved, clogs caused by dirt and grime can be much harder to remove.
In order to prevent clogs, avoid putting any form of food grease down your drains and make sure to clean your drain regularly. This way, grime doesn’t have the chance to accumulate and eventually cause a blockage.
Call Today For Monterey Drain Services
When you’ve got a clog, you want to solve it by any means possible, without the sky-high cost. Luckily, After Hour Plumbing is dedicated to providing quality services at an affordable price. We offer tailored services for your budget and focus on long-term solutions to your plumbing issues. Call today for quality services that are done right the first time!