DIY Drain Cleaning, Good or Bad?
Are your drains backing up? Think you can fix it yourself? Please educate yourself on the “dos and don’ts” when it comes to drain cleaning!
Avoid over the counter drain cleaners. Why? Because they are filled with chemicals that are harmful to your pipes, although the bottle may say “safe on pipes”, have you ever noticed the warning label on the bottle that requires you to call poison control if the liquid touches your skin? That raises a red flag!
If you do insist on trying to clear minor clogs by using a liquid-based solution, choose an “all-natural product”, although it will not break down particularly tough clogs, it is better to be used more for a monthly drain clean maintenance.
Cleaning out your drains each month can ensure gunk does not start to build up along the pipe walls. Two inexpensive DIY solutions that may work are:
– Hot water: Not boiling! Pour the hot water down the drain, follow up by pouring cool water to flush out the clogs.
– Baking Soda & Vinegar: Pour half cup of baking soda and half cup of vinegar down your drains. Plug the sink and let it sit overnight. Flush the drains the next day with hot water.
Please CALL an expert plumber when DIY drain cleaning does not work. We also do encourage you call a plumber regardless to ensure the proper steps are taken and nothing gets damaged, this could lead to an awfully expensive fix!!
Here at True North Mechanical, we have over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry. Trust us to take care of all your plumbing needs, we offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services for things such as backed up drains, drain cleaning, leak repairs, etc. Call us today 780-713-4004!