We’re pretty sure that you have heard the old adage, “Prevention is better than cure.” And we could not agree more. The saying applies to plumbing as well. If you want to keep your drains clog-free, you must make it a habit to clean them regularly. Here are some homemade drain cleaners that you may use!
1. BOILING HOT WATER
Just when you think that cleaning your drains involve the use of expensive drain cleaners, you’ll realize that a pot of boiling water can actually do the trick! If you’re aiming to wash away the grease inside the pipe (after you unwillingly poured it there), just boil a pot of water. Pour it into the drain pipe carefully to avoid scalding. Let it soften and wash away the greasy substances.
2. BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR
The combination of these two staple cooking and baking ingredients is really powerful. When combined, they create a chemical reaction that produces a fizzing effect. This reaction can destroy or loosen up the sticky substances that have already lingered inside the drain pipe. To use these two, just pour a cup of your baking soda into the drain pipe. Afterward, pour a cup of white vinegar. Plug the drain right away with an old cloth or a rag. Let the two work their magic for a few minutes and wash them away with hot water when you no longer hear any fizzing sound from the pipe.
3. LEMON JUICE AND BAKING SODA
Now, this is a different version of the baking soda cleaner we mentioned above. To freshen up your drain after gutting a fish or cleaning your greasy pots and pans, combine baking soda with lemon juice. There’s no need for you to grind lemon peelings because you can actually just use ready-to-drink lemon juice. Once again, pour a cup of your favorite baking soda into the drain. Instead of using vinegar, pour a cup of lemon juice. Their combination produces the same effect, only more pleasant to the nose.
4. VINEGAR, BORAX AND SALT
If you do not have baking soda at the moment, you may use salt, Borax, and vinegar. The combination isn’t as effective as baking soda and vinegar but it is also great for cleaning your drains. Get ¼ cup of salt and ¼ cup of borax. Mix the ingredients together. Afterward, add a cup of white vinegar into the mixture. Once again, mix them all up and pour the solution into the drain pipe. After about 30 minutes, pour a kettle of boiling hot water to wash away the ingredients.
5. VINEGAR AND ALKA SELTZER
It’s great to know that Alka Seltzer isn’t only great for an upset stomach, isn’t it?! Drop about three to four tabs into the drain pipe and then follow up with a cup of white vinegar. Plug the drain as usual and let them start cleaning!
We hope that you learned how to make homemade drain cleaner through our blog today. If the problem persists, just call the most reputable Southwest Ranches plumbers. Douglas Orr Plumbing provides emergency plumbing services in Southwest Ranches FL including drain pipe cleaning, backflow prevention, leak detection, sewer line inspection, gas leak repair and many more! Call us at (305) 240-6731to schedule a service!
Are you having issues with a stinky drain, too? Watch this video and learn how to clean it!