10 Ways to Do Drain Cleaning Safely

Clogged drains can be an unpleasant problem, but you don't need to panic - there are a number of ways to clean drains safely without damaging your pipes.

1. Avoid using chemical cleaners

Many chemical drain cleaners are harsh, toxic, and can damage your pipes and contaminate the waste water in your home. They also cause respiratory problems and can poison your skin, eyes, and throat.

2. Use a plunger

A good plunger can be used to unclog almost any type of drain in your home, including sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Bellow-style plungers work best for this job, and they can be found at most home stores.

3. Use a natural drain cleaner

Baking soda and vinegar are great for cleaning most types of drains, especially those that have been clogged for a long time. The baking soda helps loosen up the clog, while the vinegar dissolves it.

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4. Pour hot water into the drain

A common and simple way to clear a clogged drain is to pour a pot of boiling water down it. While this can help break up some clogs, it may not be enough to fully unclog a pipe.

5. Make a mixture of baking soda and salt

Another easy and inexpensive DIY drain cleaner is to combine equal parts baking soda and table salt with a bit of cream of tartar. This mixture can be left in the drain overnight, and it will eventually dissolve the clog.

6. Use a plunger

If you have a sink or bathtub that's backed up with water, try plunging it to remove the clog as best as possible. Plungers are available at most supermarkets and home stores, and they work well for this job as long as you use a clean plunger for the task.

7. Use a sink or tub snare

A bathroom snare or sink snare is a great tool to use for removing hair and other materials from a bathroom or kitchen sink. These tools have back-angled barbs that grab hair and other clog-causing items.

8. Keeping your drains clear

If you regularly run hot water in your sink, you can help prevent clogs from forming. The hot water will help any food or soap that ends up in your drains to melt, allowing it to easily get out of your plumbing lines.

9. Keep your toilet clean

If the toilet paper, toothpaste, and other things that you put down your toilet are not biodegradable, they won't be able to break down in your sewer line, which can lead to serious issues for your plumbing system, especially if you live in a septic tank-only community.

10. Do not pour grease and other waste down your drains

If you consistently put food, grease, hair, toothpaste, and other waste down your sink or shower drains, they will build up over time. These clogs can block the entire drainage system in your home and create an unpleasant smell.