Drain clogs are a common issue for plumbing repair that can cause significant problems in your home. Naturally, it’s crucial to take care of them as soon as possible. However, using chemical drain cleaners can be expensive and harmful to the environment. That’s where natural drain clog removers come in. Natural drain clog removers are an eco-friendly and affordable option to eliminate clogs in your drains. Yet, it begs the question of whether it’s actually an effective drain clog remover. Learn everything you need to know about these natural alternatives to discern the best way to approach unclogging your drains.
How Do Natural Drain Clog Removers Work?
Natural drain clog removers use natural ingredients to dissolve or break down clogs in your drains. The most common natural ingredients are:
- Baking soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it is an alkaline substance that can break down organic matter. With drains clogged with hair and grease, it’s the perfect ingredient against them.
- Vinegar: Compared to baking soda, vinegar is more acidic and can dissolve mineral buildup and other clogs.
- Enzymes: As for enzymes, they’re biological molecules that can break down organic matter and digest it.
When you combine baking soda and vinegar, a chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which can help push the clog down the drain. Meanwhile, enzymes break down the clog into smaller pieces that can flow down the drain.
Types of Natural Drain Clog Removers
There are different types of natural drain clog removers available in the market, including:
- Baking soda & vinegar: The most common and straightforward natural drain clog remover. You pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar, and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing it with hot water.
- Enzyme-based cleaners: These cleaners contain natural enzymes that can break down organic matter and digest it. You pour the cleaner down the drain and let it sit overnight before flushing it with hot water.
- Hydrogen peroxide & baking soda: This combination can help break down clogs and disinfect your drains. You pour baking soda down the drain, followed by hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing it with hot water.
Benefits of Using Natural Drain Clog Removers
Using natural drain clog removers has several benefits, including:
- Eco-friendly: Natural drain clog removers are eco-friendly and do not harm the environment.
- Affordable: Natural drain clog removers are inexpensive and can save you money compared to chemical drain cleaners.
- Non-toxic: Natural drain clog removers are non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.
- Multi-purpose: Natural drain clog removers can also be used to clean other parts of your home, such as your bathroom and kitchen.
Downsides of Using Natural Drain Clog Removers
While natural drain clog removers have several benefits, they also have some downsides, including:
- Time-consuming: Natural drain clog removers can take longer to work than chemical drain cleaners. You may need to let them sit for several hours or even overnight.
- Not effective for severe clogs: Natural drain clog removers may not be effective for tough clogs that require professional plumbing repair.
- May cause damage: Some natural drains clog removers, such as baking soda and vinegar, can corrode your pipes over time if used too frequently.
When to Call a Professional Plumber for Drain Clogs
While natural drain clog removers can be effective for minor clogs, severe clogs require professional plumbing repair. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional plumber:
- The clog persists after using natural drain clog removers.
- The water in your sink or bathtub drains slowly or not at all.
- You hear gurgling sounds from your drain.
- You notice foul smells coming from your drain.
Tips for Preventing Drain Clogs
Preventing drain clogs is essential to avoid plumbing repair costs. Here are some tips to prevent drain clogs:
- Use a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris.
- Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain.
- Run hot water down the drain after using it to flush out any debris.
- Use natural drain clog removers regularly to prevent clogs.
- Schedule regular plumbing maintenance to detect and fix any issues before they become severe.
Natural drain clog removers are an eco-friendly and affordable option for getting rid of drain clogs. While they may take longer to work than chemical drain cleaners, they are non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets. However, severe clogs require professional plumbing repair, and prevention is always better than cure. Use these tips to prevent drain clogs and keep your plumbing in good condition.