All drains get clogged through regular use. Hair, soap, grease, organic waste, and foreign objects can all cause a sink, shower, or toilet to get backed up. Though a common problem, it’s a very frustrating one and many people try to solve it on their own. There are a few things you can do to try to unclog a drain yourself before getting professional drain cleaning in Saginaw TX.
Many people turn to a commercial drain cleaning product containing a strong alkaline or acid chemical. The most common alkaline cleaners contain bleach or lye along with other corrosive chemicals, and they dissolve hair and grease. Acidic drain cleaners contain sulfuric acid, which also dissolve fat along with protein and tissue paper. Both types of drain cleaners are hazardous to touch or consume and must be used with great care. A bleach product can’t be used in combination with ammonia, for example, because a toxic gas will be released.
Some consumers are hesitant to use harsh chemicals, so they try home remedies to open their drains. These can include the following:
* pouring boiling water down the drain to break up a clog
* pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by boiling water
* pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain together, followed by boiling water
* pouring washing soda down the drain, followed by boiling water
Unfortunately, home remedies tend to be less effective than the stronger chemical products, and they are not likely to work on the toughest clogs.
If you don’t have success on your own, you’ll need to call a professional plumber. A plumber has far more tools and solutions available. One tool a plumber typically uses is an augur or snake. This is a rigid cable that is inserted into the pipe through the drain to break up the clog. A hand-held augur works well for a clog that is within 25 feet of the drain opening. An electric augur can reach much further, some as far as 80 meters, and it can remove solid objects, like tree roots. Other methods of professional drain cleaning include sewer jetters, which use high pressure water jets to break up roots, and trenchless pipe repair. For more information about drain cleaning in Saginaw TX, visit Business Name.
