If you’ve ever encountered a blocked washing machine drain pipe, then you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there are numerous DIY solutions to get your washer up and running again.
One of the simplest methods to clear out a clogged drain is using boiling water. This works on most obstructions since warm water melts away grease and oil particles from your pipework.
Boiling Hot Water
When your washing machine’s drain pipe becomes clogged, it can be a real pain. Fortunately, there are some easy solutions to take to clear out this obstruction and restore your pipes.
One of the simplest methods to clear out a clogged washing machine drain is with boiling hot water. This method works great if the blockage is due to grease or other oily substances.
Begin by making sure your drain hoses are free of lint and debris. You can use either a stocking or dedicated filter to catch these particles before they enter the pipe.
Another option for clearing a washing machine drain is using a power auger, which can be plugged in and used to push down into the pipe to dislodge any blockages that have built up there. Most augers come equipped with foot pedal controls for forward thrust which you can use to guide the cable down until it encounters an obstruction.
If you don’t already own a power auger, they are available online or from local hardware stores. To install one, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set its rotation to clockwise.
When setting up the auger for the first time, be sure it is properly adjusted so it doesn’t drive itself down the drain pipe or break off in the middle. Depending on how large your pipes are, you may have to repeat this process several times until your drain pipe is clear.
Once your drain is clear, it’s time to address the clog itself. There are a few methods you can try for removal such as pouring boiling water down the sink and using baking soda or vinegar.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that works to neutralize the acetic acid in vinegar. When mixed together, they react and form a fizzy substance which may help break up clogs in washing machine drain pipes.
Wait for the fizzing reaction to subside and then flush with several cups of boiling water. This will remove any residual residue from baking soda and vinegar. After cleaning your drain, be sure to inspect your washing machine for clogs in the future and take preventive measures to keep them at bay.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an affordable and versatile cleaning ingredient. Not only does it take away tough stains, neutralize odors, and clean hard-to-reach places but it also has many health benefits to offer.
One of the most widely used baking ingredients, starch is responsible for giving baked goods their fluffy texture and rising by reacting with acids in the batter. It acts as a leavening agent in cakes, cookies, and bread; additionally it can be useful in polishing silver to remove tarnish.
Baking soda and hot water make an effective cleaner for burnt pans and stainless steel, but only when the burning material has been sitting on top for some time. Therefore, don’t try this method on freshly fried dishes that have already cooled and dried.
Baking soda and salt, combined, can also be used to unclog drain pipes. Pour one cup of baking soda down the pipe, followed by half-a-cup salt. Leave this mixture sit in the pipe for several hours or overnight and it should help clear away any stubborn obstructions.
Vinegar is an effective natural drain cleaner for eliminating lint, soap scum and other gunk. Distilled white vinegar – available at most grocery stores – is an affordable solution that’s safe to use around children and pets.
Vinegar contains acetic acid which dissolves stubborn deposits that can block drains. It also breaks down grease, soap scum, and other gunk to free water flow through your pipes.
You can also try mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water and leaving it sit in the drain for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. This natural solution is much more efficient than commercial cleaning products at clearing out clogged pipes.
If your clog is particularly stubborn, you may try using a drain snake to clear it out. While this takes some time and effort, if other methods don’t work you won’t regret taking this option – especially if the blockage occurs at multiple locations.
Vinegar
Washing machine drains can become clogged with lint, dirt and detergent residue over time. Vinegar is an easy at-home remedy that you can use to clear out your washing machine drain pipe without paying a plumber.
Vinegar is made by fermenting ethanol and sugars. It has many applications in food, gastronomy, and medicine; additionally, vinegar makes an effective disinfectant and non-toxic household cleaner.
Unclogging a washing machine drain can help prevent buildup of dirt and grime inside, by making it easier for water to pass through pipes. Furthermore, antifungals inhibit mold growth and deodorize water as well.
Are you having issues with your washing machine’s drain pipe? Try cleaning it using a solution of vinegar and water. You can purchase a commercial cleaner or mix water, baking soda and vinegar in a container for maximum effectiveness.
Before using a homemade drain cleaner, be sure it’s suitable for your plumbing system and type of drain. Furthermore, steer clear of products containing sulfuric acid as this may damage the plumbing system.
Soak your drain pipe in a solution of hot water and vinegar for several hours or overnight to flush out any clogs. After that, rinse with water to clear away any leftover residue.
You may need to repeat this process several times before your clog is completely resolved. If the issue is particularly stubborn, you may have to disassemble your drain trap and clear out any debris trapped inside.
By adding a few drops of bleach to a solution of water and vinegar, you can effectively clean your washing machine drain and keep it free from bacteria. Bleach also has the power to kill germs while eliminating odors.
Vinegar can be made from a variety of liquids, such as wine, fruit juices and fermented cider. It is produced through the fermentation of ethanol and sugars with yeast enzymes which then react with atmospheric oxygen to form acetic acid and water.
Fermenting ethanol and sugars can happen rapidly or take weeks to months. With the latter, a nontoxic slime formed from acetic acid bacteria and cellulose accumulates. This substance, commonly referred to as “mother of vinegar,” may also be present in some store-bought commercial vinegars; however, manufacturers filter it out before bottling.
Salt
Salt is an essential mineral used in many applications, such as flavoring and preserving foods. Additionally, it plays a significant role in dyes and inorganic pigments.
Table salt, or sodium chloride, is a widely-used type of salt found in many households. But there are other essential salts essential to life on Earth as well.
Chemistry defines salts as ionic compounds composed of two groups of positive ions (Cl-) and negative ions (OH-). Cations are usually metals, while anions can be either nonmetals or natural minerals found in nature.
Common salts include ionic sodium chloride, potassium chloride and copper sulfate – all chemical compounds created by reacting an acid with a base.
Another type of salt is a mixed salt, which consists of two different salts that usually share either an cation or anion. This method is frequently employed when creating salts such as iodine and silver cyanide.
Forming a mixed salt involves mixing together a saturated solution of simple salts, followed by crystallization to create the crystal structure.
Salts are formed naturally through the combination of acids and bases in seawater.
Salt is essential to the human body’s function. Not only does it hydrate us by maintaining a balance of fluids and minerals, but salt also acts as an excellent preservative and tastes great!
Salt has been an essential element in human life from the very beginning. Not only does it play a crucial role in protein formation, but also plays an essential role in controlling body temperature.
Electrolytes, salts dissolved in water that can conduct electricity, are known as electrolytes and can be found in many foods, beverages and drinks. They play an essential role in the proper functioning of the human body by aiding with energy production and metabolism.
Salt is an abrasive that can loosen clogged drain pipes and help clear them of debris. It also removes smelly odors caused by grease or soap scum in your washing machine drain pipe. Therefore, pouring salt down the sink regularly is recommended to avoid clogs from developing.