5 Drain Cleaning Tricks You Can Try at Home

Blocked drains are a household nuisance that can cause a big stench. Whether it's the kitchen sink, bathroom drain or shower, a clog can ruin your day.

While professional help is always an option, there are several DIY methods you can try before reaching for the phone.

Here are five drain-cleaning tricks you can attempt at home:

Boiling Water:

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. For small blockages that have been caused by grease or soap scum buildup, boiling water is your best bet. Carefully pour a kettle full of freshly boiled water down your drains. This can help melt away grease and grime, unblocking your drains in no time.

(If you have PVC pipes avoid this method, as the water can soften them).

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

If boiling water isn’t cutting it, baking soda and vinegar are your next best bet. This combination is not just for science experiments! It’s also a great method for cleaning drains.

Start by pouring water down the drain to loosen any debris, then pour about a cup of baking soda followed by a cub of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, which is a sign it is starting to break down the gunk and grime in your drains.

Leave the solution for about 15 mins then flush it away with hot water.

Wire Hanger:

Some clogs just won’t budge with liquid alone. So, it’s time for the wire hanger approach.

Straighten out a wire hanger and create a small hook at the end. Then, carefully insert the hook into your drains and wiggle it about to fish out any hair, debris or general build-up that might be causing blockages.

This method requires a bit of patience but it can work wonders.

Plunger:

Plungers aren’t just for unblocking toilets, they’re also great on drains. Place the plunger over your drain and give it a few pumps to create suction. This can help dislodge clogs, getting the water flowing again.

Shop-bought Drain Cleaner:

For super stubborn clogs you can turn to chemical-grade drain cleaners. We rate brands like Mr Muscle and HG. These brands create heavy-duty drain cleaning products that can break down even the most stubborn of drain clogs.

Cleaning Not Cutting It?

If your at-home efforts aren’t quite cutting it, get in touch with Environ Drainage. We offer a range of drain unblocking and cleaning services, getting your pipes back in perfect condition.

Contact Environ Drainage Services today for a quick response and a free quote – we are happy to help with any enquiry.

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.