The drainage system is an essential yet often ignored part of your home or workplace. If left untended for too long, though, you might experience a wide range of problems: bad smells and harmful bacteria, for example. But not to worry! Follow these simple tips to keep your drains clean and operational for years to come.
Hot Water
Run hot water until your sink is full and let it sit for half an hour before draining. The heat helps to clear the pipe’s walls of the buildup and can even help to dislodge an existing clog. This method works particularly well with kitchen sinks.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Don’t want to pour toxic chemicals down a clogged drain? Try a 50/50 combination of vinegar and baking soda. Low-cost and safe, vinegar and baking soda can keep your drains clear of clogs, and takes care of odors common to sinks. A half cup of baking soda poured into the drain followed by a half cup of vinegar should do the trick. For extra cleaning power, pour boiling water down the drain afterwards. The two ingredients react with one another to bubble up and clear debris and blockages without damaging your pipes or your health.
Use a Plunger
One solution for your clogged drains is the bathroom plunger you already own. It’s an easy process:
- First, cover the drain opening with the plunger
- Then press back and forth in a circular motion for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Check to see if the clog is fixed
- If it isn’t, try this process several more times.
This steady buildup of pressure can easily remove both small and significant clogs.
Need drain cleaning tips? Call the experts at MaintenX today!
