According to a plumber at Allen Plumbing, there’s a more simple, safe and far more natural way to shift minor drain blockages than using a chemical cleaner. In fact, one everyday household item may be all you need to solve the problem.
The best part? It’s incredibly cheap, effective, and involves no harsh smells or toxic fumes. The secret, says the plumber at Allen Plumbing, is boiling water.
“All you need is a kettle or stove, and water straight from your tap,” the plumber notes. “Once boiled, simply pour the water down the drain.”
This method is great for dislodging minor clogs, such as fat build-up, grease, soap and even small debris; although, the process might need to be repeated.
Not only is boiling water a good solution for minor drain problems, but it’s also an excellent preventative step.
“Regularly pouring boiling water down your sink is a great preventative measure that can help avoid anything accumulating in your pipes,” the plumber adds.
If, however, the blockage is more stubborn, there are other natural methods that can give your drains a thorough clean.
One tried-and-true method involves baking soda and white vinegar – just mix equal parts (about half a cup of each), pour it down the drain, and cover the opening to keep the fizzy reaction contained.
After 15 minutes, flush with hot water. This solution is ideal for breaking down grime and deodorising your sink.
For more serious clogs, a plunger might be necessary to create enough suction and pressure to dislodge whatever’s trapped in the pipe.
Another handy DIY tool is a drain snake or even a straightened wire hanger. These can be fed down the drain to reach deeper clogs, especially those caused by hair in bathroom sinks or showers.
The process involves gently twisting or pulling the drain snake to extract the blockage, but caution is advised – improper use could damage your pipes.
Only once all other methods have failed should you consider chemical cleaners. “Chemical cleaners should be your last resort,” the plumber warns.
If in doubt about drain blockages, consult a professional – and, in the meantime, your kettle might be the best drain cleaner you own.