Here at Rooter Man Plumbing, we specialize in clogged drain line repair, so we are conversant with various drain cleaning solutions. In this article, Rooter Man Plumbing explores 5 drain cleaning solutions used in both residential and commercial properties.

Drain Cleaning Solutions

Baking Soda & Vinegar

This natural method is a popular and often effective solution for mild clogs caused by grease, soap scum, or hair. Here's how it works:

• Step 1: Pour the baking soda down the drain.
• Step 2: Slowly add the vinegar.
• Step 3: Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Step 4: Flush the drain with hot water. This helps flush away the loosened debris and the baking soda-vinegar mixture.

Plunging

A plunger can be used to clear clogs caused by soft materials like toilet paper, hair, and food scraps. It works by forcing air pressure through the clog to dislodge it. Here’s how to use a plunger:

• Step 1: Ensure the sink or toilet bowl has enough water to cover the cup of the plunger. This creates a good seal for effective plunging.
• Step 2: Place the plunger cup over the drain opening, ensuring a complete seal.
• Step 3: Push down forcefully and steadily on the plunger handle several times.
• Step 4: Pull the plunger up sharply. This helps break the vacuum created and remove the clog.
• Step 5: Repeat the process if necessary.

Drain Snaking

Drain snaking is a more aggressive method than plunging and is effective for deeper clogs or those caused by hair and other fibrous materials.  A drain snake is a long, flexible metal cable with an auger at the end. It is inserted into the drain and manually rotated to break up and remove clogs located deeper within the pipes. Here’s how to use a drain snake:

• Step 1: Feed the auger end of the snake into the drain opening. Slowly push the cable in, turning the handle to feed it further.
• Step 2: As you feel resistance, turn the handle clockwise to rotate the auger. This helps break up the clog.
• Step 3: Continue feeding the cable and turning the handle until you feel you've reached the clog.
• Step 4: Once you've reached the clog, pull the snake back slowly, maintaining tension to remove the clog and debris.
• Step 5: Run hot water through the drain to flush away any remaining debris.

Drain snaking requires some physical effort, and using the wrong size or technique can damage your pipes. If you're unsure about using a drain snake yourself, consider calling a professional plumbing service.

Hydro-Jetting

This method utilizes a high-pressure stream of water to blast away stubborn clogs and debris. It is particularly effective for removing deeply embedded blockages, grease buildup, and even tree roots. Hydro-jetting should be entrusted to a professional plumbing repair service because of the potential risks and complexities involved.

Need Professional Drain Cleaning? Contact Rooter Man Plumbing Today

Deeply embedded clogs, as well as those caused by tree roots and damaged pipes, are never easy to deal with. That’s why you need to rely on a reputable plumbing repair service like Rooter Man Plumbing to take care of stubborn clogs. Our plumbers are experts in drain cleaning and have modern tools to get rid of the most stubborn clogs and restore proper wastewater flow. If you need professional clogged drain line repair, contact Rooter Man Plumbing today.