DIY Drain Cleaning

If you’re looking for tips on DIY drain cleaning, you’ve come to the right place. There are numerous reasons drains get clogged. Some are related to whatever people put in the drains inside the house. If your troubles go deeper, they could be more extensive problems clogging the sewer system. These problems require more work to get the pipes clear and flowing freely.

So you’ve discovered your master shower isn’t draining correctly. Check your other drains in the entire house. Are there more drains in your home that aren’t draining? If your nose is working and you smell a rank sewage smell, you will need a professional plumber.

That’s when you call Autry Plumbing. We’ll come to your home, diagnose the issue, and you’ll be on your way to clean, fresh-smelling drains in no time.

DIY Drain Cleaning

Not every clogged drain needs a plumber to fix the problem. If you are one of those amazing people who likes to get in there and do it yourself, we’ll give you some tips. Several options utilize products you probably already have sitting on your shelves.

You can try one or all of the remedies below, or you can call Autry Plumbing and wash your hands of this less than an enjoyable job.

For any of the suggestions below, begin by pouring boiling water down the drain to warm up the pipes and the gunk stuck in the pipes.

Start by taking off the catch-all designed to capture soap scum and hair. Mix one half cup baking soda and one half cup salt from the kitchen—no need to use fancy salt for this process. Pour this concoction down the drain and wait a minimum of 30 minutes. If you feel that the clog is going to be a tough one because you’ve been ignoring it for too long, wait overnight. Pour a big pot of boiling water slowly down the drain, being careful not to get burned.

Another home remedy for drain cleaning is to pour one half of a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed immediately by a few quarts of boiling water. After pouring boiling water into the drain, give it a minute to do its job, grab the plunger and go to work. This method can work quite well for minor drain clogs. Baking soda also deodorizes your drain.

Although bleach has been a go-to for drain cleaning, it is only suitable for deodorizing and cleaning. It won’t eat through soap scum and hair. If you are only looking for a fresher smelling drain, pour about half of a cup of bleach down the drain. After 15-20 minutes, flush with an abundance of hot water. Don’t leave the bleach for an extended period of time because bleach can be detrimental to your pipes if you don’t flush the bleach out in a reasonable amount of time.

When to Call a Professional for Drain Cleaning

If you’ve tried, to no avail, to unclog your drains, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Or maybe you’re just not interested in this particular DIY project. And who could blame you for wanting to pass on this gross job?

A plumbing technician has lots of options in their toolbox, so to speak. They may only need a smaller snake to dislodge the debris. If the problem is much more significant, the technician may recommend a specific snake with a camera to identify precisely where the problem lies. Tree roots can wreak havoc on drains. A professional plumber can help.

When faced with plumbing issues beyond your expertise, it’s best to call a professional. We’re here to help you get your plumbing back on track. Call Autry Plumbing now for all your drain cleaning needs.