Top Drain Cleaning Tricks
Drain cleaning and drain clearing are two separate projects. A licensed plumber usually performs drain clearing. Drain cleaning is a practice used on a routine basis after multiple clogs have occurred.
Drain cleaning is a way to flush out the sink pipes fully. Common reasons for kitchen clogs include grease buildup, hair, and bits of food. Home draining methods can incorporate over-the-counter chemical solutions, boiling water, or a mix of the two.
Using boiled water is one of the most common ways to clean a drain. It is a simple process that can be done in under twenty minutes. After boiling a pot of water, gently and slowly pour the water directly into the drain.
Pouring boiling water into the kitchen sink drain can be done once a week to help prevent future clogs. Although this will not usually work for dislodging blockages in the drain, it can make clogs smaller or erode parts of food stuck in the pipe.
Professional plumbers rarely recommend this method of drain cleaning because while it may be effective, it can cause damage to PVC pipes, causing them to crack over time. Only use this method if the pipes are not PVC.
What About Baking Soda and Vinegar?
For tough clogs that have built up over time, a licensed technician can easily clear the drain most of the time, but some DIY methods can work under the right circumstances. The baking soda and vinegar method is popular for efficiency and household availability.
Minor kitchen sink clogs can be unclogged by the powerful fizz that baking soda and vinegar create. The pressure of bubbles mixed with boiling water can disintegrate food particles to loosen up the clog.
Before boiling water, the tenant must pour half a box of baking soda directly down the drain and one cup of white vinegar after a few minutes. The water should be boiled after the two ingredients have mixed. The water is then poured into the drain approximately ten minutes later.
The tenant must wait at least five minutes for the ingredients to activate and disintegrate the clog. After this has occurred, another pot of boiling water can be poured down the drain to clean away any residue.
Although this is a popular method for DIY drain cleaning, it does not always work for drain clearing. Since the reaction between baking soda and vinegar cannot provide enough pressure for dense clogs, other instruments are usually necessary. For stubborn drain clogs, drain snakes are commonly used for kitchen plumbing emergencies.
Licensed Technicians Can Always Help
A licensed plumber can use numerous tools to provide professional drain cleaning and clearing services. Hand augers, drain openers, and drain cleaners are just a few products plumbers have to help with. New technology such as pipe cameras are now used for an accurate internal view. By using a camera to dictate where blockages are located, a cable can run through the drain system, effectively destroying clogs.
Using the right instrument can unclog a drain without causing further damage. Kitchen drain clogs, in particular, should not be neglected for over a day or two. Trying to fix them without a professional can lead to future clogs.
About Knight Plumbing, Inc.
Knight Plumbing, Inc. is a family business that has served the community since 2002. Their highly qualified and background-checked technicians are always on time, respectful, and clean. Call Knight Plumbing, Inc. today for experienced plumbers in Milwaukee, WI.