3 Secret Drain Cleaning Methods Plumbers Don't Want You To Know

If you've ever dealt with a clogged drain, you know how inconvenient and messy it can be. You may be tempted to call a plumber right away to snake the drain and get things flowing again. But before shelling out money for a service call, try these secret DIY methods that plumbers hope homeowners never discover.

We'll share 3 surprisingly simple drain cleaning techniques using common household ingredients. With some strategic mixing and flushing, you can dissolve gunk, break up debris, and dislodge blockages without dangerous chemicals. Read on to unlock the secrets to clearing drains on your own!

Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic combo of base and acid is a potent formula for drain cleaning success. When baking soda and vinegar combine, the acid in the vinegar reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda. This chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which expands into foam and bubbles that permeate your pipes.

All those bubbles and foaming action help dislodge and break up the greasy residues or soap scum causing the clog. Here's how to put this dynamic duo to work:

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the blocked drain.
2. Follow with 1 cup heated white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and foam right away.
3. Let the reaction run its course for 5-10 minutes.
4. Flush the drain with very hot water to rinse away debris.

If your drain remains clogged after one treatment, simply repeat the process. You can also use a plunger while the fizzy reaction is underway to help dislodge the blockage.

Why It Works

Using baking soda and vinegar provides a safe, non-toxic way to clear drains. It leverages chemical reactions rather than caustic compounds found in many commercial drain cleaners. This makes it gentle on pipes but tough on clogs!

Method 2: Enzyme Drain Cleaners

Enzymatic drain cleaners provide a bacteria-based approach to keeping drains clear. Rather than harsh chemicals, they contain non-toxic enzymes and bacteria strains that feed on and digest common clogging culprits like hair, grease, food scraps, and soap residue.

By breaking down this organic buildup, enzyme treatments help prevent clogged drain issues. They come packaged as powders or liquids. For best results:

• Shake bottle or mix powder per product instructions.
• Pour entire drain cleaner amount down the blocked drain.
• Let treatment sit for 8-12 hours as bacteria go to work.
• Flush drain thoroughly with very hot water.

When selecting an enzymatic drain cleaner, look for "active enzymes" on the ingredients list. Avoid products with added bleaches, acids, or harsh solvents that could damage pipes.

The Power of Enzymes

Enzyme cleaners leverage the unique abilities of specialized bacteria to devour common drain-clogging compounds. They provide an ongoing cleaning solution versus one-time relief other methods offer. Just think of them as tiny organic janitors keeping your pipes pristine!

Method 3: Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Extraction

While not the first tool you might think of for clearing drains, wet/dry shop vacuums can provide surprisingly effective relief. Most feature attachments perfect for sealing over sink and tub drains to provide powerful suction.

To put your shop vac to work on a clogged drain:

1. Secure appropriate attachment over drain opening.
2. Ensure vacuum is switched to wet/dry function.
3. Turn on shop vac to high power setting.
4. Allow suction to draw out standing water and debris until drain clears.

For best results, plug any nearby drains first. Adjust suction power as needed if you have an overly forceful model. Be prepared to empty the vac's tank water and gunk extracted from your pipes!

Shop Vac Caution

While most wet/dry vacuums can handle drain duty, their intense suction capacities do vary. Using too powerful a model could damage pipes. Monitor the process closely and ease up if you notice any pipe distress.

Combine Methods for Best Success

Each DIY drain cleaning technique has its strengths. For quickest clearing, start with the classic baking soda and vinegar treatment. The chemical reaction can provide rapid relief for sudden clogs.

Follow up by treating your drain to some enzyme cleaner. The bacterial enzymes will continue dissolving any residual gunk while preventing future buildup issues.

For severe or stubborn clogs, break out the wet/dry shop vac. Its brute suction force can pull out lodged debris other methods may miss. Just be cautious not to overdo the vacuum pressure.

With this arsenal of secret drain clearing solutions, you can kiss plumber service calls goodbye! Only if all DIY attempts fail should you resort to calling in professional drain snaking assistance.

We hope these covert drain cleaning tricks help you take matters into your own hands when clogs strike. With some simple kitchen staples, bacteria power, or shop vac suction, you can get sink and tub drains flowing freely again.

Use these methods to save the hassle and expense of hiring plumbers. And be sure to incorporate enzyme treatments and drain strainers into your cleaning routine to prevent future problems. Your pipes will stay pristine, and you can avoid giving plumbers any more business!