The way to Tackle Clogged Drains—Naturally!

| Wednesday, January 25, 2012
By Tracy McDaniel


Clogged drains are not something that just plagues plumbers and owners; they are a difficulty in community spaces like public restrooms, gym facilities, and sleeping areas.

Folks have been made to believe that the only way to rid their pipes of clogs is by using vicious chemicals like lye and other acids to melt thru hair and other organic matter. The chemicals employed in commercial, industrial strength drain cleaners can be dangerous if not utilized in the right way. Not only that, but they wash out into our waterways and pollute the environment with cancer-causing chemicals and other materials that don't biodegrade naturally.

One of the tried and tested old-fashioned methods of unclogging drains includes using one cup of baking soda followed by 3 cups of boiling water. This strategy works best if water has not started backing up in the drain. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain followed by three cups of boiling water. The hot water will make the cooking soda more alkaline which will really help to flush solid clogs away. Baking soda is non-harmful and will not harm the environment.

If water is backing up into the sink or shower, washing soda should be used as an alternative. Because washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda (washing soda has a pH of 11), it should not be used on PVC pipes or to unclog a pipe which has just been unclogged with a commercial acid drain cleaner. Washing soda will degrade PVC piping and will react with the acid drain cleaner.

Pour a cup of washing soda over the drain area and let it set for 15 minutes while it works thru the clog. Once the block is loosened, follow thru with using the baking soda strategy.

Another preferred natural treatment used to clear drains is an old science experiment: creating a volcano with vinegar and baking soda. Often the fizzing caused by the reaction between the two materials can unclog a drain. Using the bread soda formula above use one cup of baking soda and of a cup of vinegar. Tip the bicarbonate of soda down the drain followed immediately by the baking soda. Be certain to have a rag or a drain stop available and plug up the drain. Let it sit for a half hour, then flush it with boiling water.

To get shot of tough to melt organic material, you might need to use an enzyme-based drain cleaner. Enzyme cleaners should be used for upkeep once a month to prevent clogs. In sinks and garbage disposals, these cleaners will also cut back the odour as they break down the organic material in the drain. The only downside is that enzyme cleaners don't work well on hair clogs, so you might want to maintain shower and bath drains monthly by pouring down a cup of washing soda and then flushing the drain out with warm water.

For all of your cleaning Problems, nature typically has a good, non-toxic answer! If you are looking out for a Dallas janitorial service that uses only safe, non toxic cleaners and sanitizers, look no further than Delta Janitorial Systems,. Incorporated. We have been in the business for over 30 years and have a systematic approach to cleaning.




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