2 Ways to Clear Blocked Drains Without Harsh Chemicals
Posted on: 18 July 2016
A slow draining or blocked sink can be a real pain. While a lot of people will immediately reach for a powerful chemical drain cleaners, there is another option. While chemical cleaners can be very effective, the majority of them contain sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide can cause irritation to your respiratory system and can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin. However, you do have other less harsh options for clearing your drains.
Bicarbonate of Soda
Combining bicarbonate of soda and vinegar creates a chemical reaction which results in the creation of sodium acetate and carbon dioxide. The foaming mixture is mildly abrasive and can help to dissolve and loosen any debris as it expands and fizzes within the drain.
Simply remove any excess water which has pooled around the drain and pour a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the drain. You should then pour a cup of boiling water into the drain and wait five minutes. Next, add another cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of distilled white vinegar and cover the drain. It is important to cover the drain so that the expanding foam and gas created by the chemical reaction forces the blockage out of the drain rather than escaping via the plug hole. Once the fizzing has ceased, you should rinse the drain with hot water to wash away any remaining debris. You should not use bicarbonate of soda in conjunction with chemical cleaners, as it may cause a chemical reaction which produces toxic fumes.
Flexible Drain Rod Plunger
If this does not clear your drain, you can attempt to clear the drain using a drain rod plunger. You simply need to attach the drain rod plunger to the end of the rod and insert it into the blocked drain. When you reach the debris which is blocking the drain, the water pressure behind the plunger should force the debris to shift and clear the drain. Once the debris has been cleared, you should rinse the drain with hot water to ensure it is clear. Flexible drain rods are inexpensive and are available in different sizes, so you should measure the width of the pipe before you purchase one.
If you are having problems clearing a blocked drain, you should consider calling in a professional drain cleaner, such as Plumbers WA & Co, who will be able to assess and clear the blockage from the pipe.
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