A clogged drain can be a maddening experience. If your tub or sink is draining out slowly, or not at all, then it’s time to take a look at some ways to go about repairing the situation. It can be an unsightly and unsanitary problem, so it’s something you’ll want to handle quickly. However, many of the drain cleaning options people might first think of can actually be quite harmful. They can be filled with harsh chemicals that can damage the plumbing in your home while also wreaking serious havoc on the environment around you once they leave your home.
With this in mind, we’re here to recommend some eco-friendly suggestions we offer when customers ask us how to safely clear a drain in Bethel, OH.
Get in there with some tools
There are some simple ways to clear out a drain using basic tools that you likely already have lying around the house. A good old plunger is always a great first tool to try—they’ve been in use for so long for a reason! A lot of people might not want to use a toilet plunger in their sink (and understandably so), which is why we recommend having a second plunger on hand just for sink clogs.
You can also try twisting a wire clothing hanger into a makeshift “snake” that you can run down the pipe and try to free up any clogs that way. If you’re wondering how to unclog a drain the safe way in Bethel, OH, using a snake or a plunger is a great first step, and can be quite effective on most clogs.
Boil some water
One of the most famous and well-known old-fashioned ways to safely clear a drain in Bethel, OH involves a large pot of boiling water. Take a large pot, fill it partially with water and set it on the stovetop. Once you’ve clicked on the stove and got your water heating up, it’s time to squirt some dishwashing liquid down the drain in question. Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the stovetop and very carefully pour it down the drain. The effects of the boiling hot water and the soap will often have the effect of breaking up any clog that can occur in a pipe without needing to use harsh chemicals that can have bad effects on your home and the environment.
Use some household chemistry
When customers ask us how to safely clear a drain in Bethel, OH, we’re pleased to tell them that this is an opportunity to have a little fun with middle school science. Mixing together baking soda and vinegar, just like you did when you made a volcano as a kid, is a great way to loosen up clogs.
To do this, pour ¾ of a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar, then plug the drain and wait. After 30 minutes, slowly pour boiling water down the drain and your clog will likely be loosened up. You can also try pouring a cup of hydrogen peroxide mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda, which our plumbing techs have found can do the trick in some cases.
Ultimately, while these DIY solutions are a great start, if you still have stubborn clogs in your drains, it’s time to call the pros at Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.