Keeping your drainage pipes in good condition is essential to ensure a clean and healthy home. Clogged pipes can cause odours, flooding and structural damage. In this guide, we will show you step-by-step how to clean drain pipes effectively, using homemade methods and specialised products. In addition, we will provide you with some preventive maintenance tips to avoid future blockages.
Why is it important to clean the drainage pipes?
Drainage pipes play a crucial role in the disposal of wastewater and in maintaining household hygiene. However, it is common for debris, grease, hair and other debris to accumulate and clog the water flow. A clogged pipe is not only annoying, but can also be costly to repair if ignored for too long.
In addition, blockages can cause unpleasant odours to spread throughout the house and can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Keeping pipes clean helps to avoid these problems and ensures a healthier environment.
Home methods for cleaning drainage pipes
Use of baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are natural and effective products for cleaning drainpipes. This chemical combination produces an effervescent reaction that can dissolve accumulated grease and residues.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Hot water
- Instructions:
- Pour the baking soda down the drain.
- Add the white vinegar and cover the drain to contain the effervescent reaction.
- Leave on for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse with plenty of warm water to remove residues.
Use of boiling water
Boiling water is a simple but effective solution to break down grease and oils that may be clogging pipes.
- Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain in two or three stages, allowing the water to act for a few seconds between each pour.
Use of salt and baking soda
Salt combined with baking soda is another effective home method for cleaning pipes.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda
- Boiling water
- Instructions:
- Mix the salt and baking soda.
- Pour the mixture down the drain.
- Leave to stand for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse with boiling water.
Commercial products for cleaning sewer pipes
If home methods are not enough, there are numerous commercial products designed to clean and unblock pipes. These products usually contain chemical agents that quickly dissolve accumulated residues.
Liquid plungers
Liquid plungers are easy to use and are available in most shops. They contain chemicals that break down grease, hair and other waste.
- Instructions:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
- Pour the product down the drain.
- Leave to act for the recommended time.
- Rinse with warm water.
Gel plungers
Gel plungers are denser than liquid plungers and can be more effective for severe blockages.
- Instructions:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
- Pour the gel down the drain.
- Leave to act for the recommended time.
- Rinse with warm water.
Enzyme products
Enzymatic cleaners use naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes to break down organic waste in pipes.
-
- Instructions:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
- Pour the product down the drain.
- Leave to act overnight.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Instructions:
Tools for cleaning drainage pipes
Use of the plunger
A plunger is a simple and effective tool for unblocking pipes.
- Instructions:
- Place the plunger over the drain.
- Press and pull firmly to create suction.
- Repeat several times until the blockage is cleared.
Use of the unblocking cable
A cable plunger, also known as a plumber’s snake, is a flexible tool that can reach deep blockages.
- Instructions:
- Insert the cable into the drain.
- Turn the handle to advance the cable and break the obstruction.
- Remove the cable and rinse with hot water.
Use of a wet hoover
A wet hoover can be useful for difficult blockages.
- Instructions:
- Set the hoover to liquid mode.
- Seal the drain opening with the nozzle.
- Turn on the hoover to suck up the blockage.
Preventive maintenance tips
Regular use of hot water
Pouring hot water down drains regularly can help prevent the build-up of grease and debris.
Avoid pouring grease and oils
Oils and greases can solidify in pipes and cause blockages. It is better to throw them away in the trash.
Use of drainage gratings
Drainage grates can trap hair and other debris, preventing it from reaching the pipes.
Professional maintenance
Hiring professional pipe cleaning services on a regular basis can prevent major problems. You can hire our services to guarantee a thorough and professional cleaning.
When to call in a professional?
If you have tried all of the above methods and the pipes are still clogged, it may be time to call in a professional. Serious plumbing problems may require specialised tools and techniques. The professionals at Limpiezas Domingo are trained to handle any clogging problem and can offer you effective and long-lasting solutions.
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