If your drain pipe is clogged, act quickly to resolve the situation. Not only are obstructed pipes an inconvenience but they may also contribute to foul odors and bacteria in your home.
Thankfully, there are natural methods to clean your drain pipes that won’t damage either them or your home. Read on to discover how.
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Fruit flies
Fruit flies, also known as drain gnats, can be difficult to eliminate once they’ve made their home. These insects usually live longer than expected and reproduce in large numbers, making it difficult to eradicate them for good.
If you’re having trouble eliminating fruit flies, it may be time to inspect your drain pipes. This is where they often lay their eggs and an ideal place to begin your search for flies.
Fruit flies can cause serious damage to drains for several reasons, including an accumulation of organic matter that attracts them and allows them to lay their eggs inside the pipes.
Commonly, this buildup occurs around the top of a drain where water collects. If you suspect this may be the source of your issue, run a pipe cleaner through it to clear out any sludge or organic matter that has formed.
Another option is to use a natural cleaning/fly killer. To make this mixture, combine 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar and pour down your drain. Leave it sit overnight, then flush with hot water in the morning to eliminate any remaining flies.
If you don’t have another method for killing them, a trap may work best. A bottle of wine or beer with a narrow end makes an effective trap as it allows flies to enter but doesn’t let them out.
If you don’t have access to a bottle of wine or beer, creating a fruit fly trap with an old piece of fruit is still possible. Alternatively, grocery stores carry fly punches designed as funnels which will lure fruit flies in by trapping them inside.
These DIY options are simple and safe for homeowners to do at home, but if you’re dealing with major clogs in your pipes or an extensive drain pipe infestation, calling a professional plumber for assistance is recommended. Professionals use various chemicals and tools to free out your plumbing and remove any buildup which could be causing the flies’ nesting areas.
Water bill spikes
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you have an idea of your water bill each month. While there may be occasional spikes during certain seasons, most households experience consistent monthly payments for their water usage.
If your bill suddenly increases, it might be a good idea to contact a plumber to inspect your home for leaks and other problems. They also offer helpful tips on keeping expenses under control.
Leaking faucets are another common source of high water bills. Each day, these leaks waste approximately 20 litres of water – adding up to an expensive waste in the long run.
Even if you don’t notice the drips, they still waste water. Check your bill to see how much is being wasted by faucets each day and call a plumber if the amount appears high enough to cause an increase.
Your water bill may experience an unexpected spike. This could be the result of changes to your habits or family situation, or it could indicate the presence of an underlying issue such as a leak in the plumbing or sewer system that’s causing the bill to soar.
Another potential explanation for an unexpected spike in your water bill could be seasonal – like summer months when people start watering lawns or filling pools. Furthermore, welcoming more guests or family members into your home can significantly impact water consumption.
You can often spot these problems by keeping an eye out for wet spots around your property. A puddle or dark spot on a dry day could indicate that there’s a leak in either your yard or outdoor pipes.
One of the telltale signs that your water bill has been affected by a leak is an abrupt spike. A burst toilet is commonly responsible, but there may be other potential sources for high bills as well.
A malfunctioning sprinkler system can result in an unexpected spike in your water bill. A malfunctioning system uses a lot of water, so it’s essential to address the problem as soon as you notice any leaks.
Insects or small rodents
If you’ve spotted a large number of insects or small rodents living in your drain pipe, it may be time to take action. Although these pests tend not to cause as much harm as larger pests such as cockroaches, they can still pose an issue if left unchecked.
Cockroaches are an infestation-causing pest that will likely end up in your drain pipes if they’re already living inside your home. This is because they prefer dark, humid places where they can breed and flourish.
These pests often develop due to cracks or leaks in a drain pipe or food particles accumulation. Furthermore, they tend to be highly attracted to moisture and shady areas, so you might find them in your gutter system too.
Once cockroaches enter your drain, they can quickly make their way to your toilet and bath – creating a real nuisance. If you notice an increase in roaches, contact a pest control professional for inspection at your home.
Mice and rats are two types of rodent that can create a major issue in your drains. These small creatures are highly adaptable, often fitting through holes as small as a pencil’s thickness.
They enjoy a steady source of water, so they may quickly make their way to your sink or bath faucet and settle in. This can be especially frustrating if your tub or shower is frequently backed up.
Maintaining your kitchen and bathroom areas to prevent mice and rats from nesting in your plumbing system requires taking measures to clean them thoroughly. This includes taking out trash that could potentially go down the toilet and discarding it properly.
Cleaning your drain pipes once a week is an effective preventive measure for these insects and rodents, as it helps keep them away. If you don’t use the sink or tub drain in your bathroom, plug it with a plug to prevent pests from making it their home.
Clogged pipes
Clogged drains can lead to water damage in your home. Drain pipes are essential components of plumbing systems, and when they become blocked it won’t function properly – leading to water leaks, overflowing pipes, and potential structural issues with your property.
When you discover a clogged drain, the first step should be running hot water to loosen any debris in the pipes. Do this by pouring several gallons of hot water down the plughole; this will break up clumps of hair or grease that have built up inside them.
Alternative solutions include using a plumbing snake or auger. These tools are great for clearing even the toughest clogs and can easily be rented from local hardware stores or online. Plus, these items work on most pipes in your house!
Once you have your plumbing snake, thread its tip into the drain stub-out and tighten its setscrew to feed the cable down into the line. You may need to turn the crank several times before you feel any obstruction or clog in its path.
Next, use the snake to corkscrew the clog or other obstruction down the pipe until you can see it begin to bite through. If you don’t have access to a snake, you could also bend a wire clothes hanger into the drain and attempt to free whatever is stuck inside of it.
Finally, drain cleaners that break up clogs and clear them out are available. These may contain ingredients such as potassium hydroxide, lye or thioglycolic acid; however, these chemicals are harsh and toxic so always consult a professional before trying to use them on your own.
Never use a plunger to clean out a clogged pipe, as this will only exacerbate the problem. Instead, contact a plumber to have them professionally clear out the drain pipe and eliminate the blockage at its source. Not only will this help clear away the obstruction, but also prevent future occurrences from occurring.