They’re just so annoying, aren’t they? Clogged drains usually force us to bear witness to goop and grime that should have disappeared. However, these common occurrences are bound to happen. In some cases, a simple plunging will release whatever is stopping up your drain. But there are many other methods that people have adopted that really don’t help at all. Let’s dispel some of the most common myths about how to unclog household drains.
Drano will do the job.
The name “Drano” was well thought up. It immediately conjures up images of a drain that needs to be unclogged. However, the product is most definitely not the be-all end-all of plumbing fixes. In fact, the chemical drain cleaner can often do more harm than good. The objective of Drano and other drain cleaning products is to dissolve hair, soap scum and other gunk in order to clear a pathway through your drains.
As you may have guessed, the chemicals contained in these products are very dangerous. Firstly, the chemicals can end up being corrosive to your pipes. Some homeowners who use chemical drain cleaners have reported that they have caused their toilets to crack. More importantly, the harmful ingredients of Drano and the like are dangerous to your skin, eyes and lungs. They can cause rashes and even burns.
Boiling water alone will do the trick.
This may seem like the simplest and most inexpensive solution to a clogged drain. However, it’s not exactly effective. Boiling water might be able to help break down grease buildup. But there are many other factors that may be contributing to your clogged drain. As well, it’s important to know that PVC piping is susceptible to damage from boiling water. The extreme heat has been known to weaken and even melt such pipes over time.
Instead of using water alone, it’s wise to create a baking soda and vinegar solution. It’s known to help clear minor clogs. Use 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Mix the solution and pour it down the drain. Wait 10-15 minutes and then run some warm water down the drain to see if the clog is gone. The bubbling reaction from the baking soda and vinegar helps to loosen the drain clog.
A wire hanger will help fish out the clog.
We can understand the urge to stick an object into your drain if you see hair or any other object that looks like it can be fished out. Word of warning though: you can scratch your pipes! By damaging the surface of your pipes, you can make them more prone to rust and cracking. This is especially true if you attempt to use a wire hanger to dig something out that has fallen way down into your pipe.
Be mindful that a hanger is too rigid to be flexible enough to navigate the curves of a pipe. The hanger can also potentially get stuck in the drain, only exacerbating your clog. Your best bet is using a drain snake. Also known as a plumber’s snake, this long tool has metal bristles that are designed to grab gunk and break through clogs. Drain snakes aren’t necessarily recommended for major clogs. If you have one, it may be time to call in the pros!
For any and all of your plumbing needs, please don’t hesitate to call 2 Bro’s Plumbing at 905-556-0790. You may also email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
