When your drain pipes begin to back up, it can be a real inconvenience. Not only that, but the clog could also spill water into your home and cause extensive damage.
Snakes can be useful, but sometimes clogs in drain pipes can be solved without one. Here are a few methods for unclogging a drain pipe without using a snake.
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Plunging
When your drain pipe becomes clogged, it can be challenging to determine the cause. Sometimes it could simply be due to soap buildup or hair buildup; other times however, the problem could be much bigger in scope.
One of the best ways to unclog a drain without using a snake is with a plunger. These tools create an airtight seal with your drain, creating pressure that should eventually dislodge any blockage. You can find plungers at most hardware stores.
Another option is to use a wire drain snake. This tool has a rotating cable that you feed into the pipe, slowly cranking it until you hit a clog. After clearing out that obstruction, back out some distance of wire and repeat this process.
Finally, you can try turning an old coat hanger into a hook that will let you pull the clog out of the pipe. This trick works best on shower and bath drains but won’t work on toilet or sink pipes.
Pouring hot water down the drain can also be an effective way to unclog a blocked pipe. If your kitchen has become particularly clogged with fats, grease and oils, this method will break down these particles and release them from their respective pipes.
However, this method is only effective if the blockage is large enough for boiling water to seep into the pipe. If your blockage is smaller, however, you may not need to pour any hot water down the drain.
If you’re having difficulty eliminating the clog with this method, drain-clearing chemicals may be an option. Products containing ingredients like sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide can break down existing obstructions and help prevent future ones from occurring.
If you’re having trouble unclogging a drain with a plunger or any of the methods above, it may be time to contact an experienced plumber. They can identify what caused the blockage, inspect the pipe, clean it out, and advise you on how best to proceed.
Hot Water
Unclogging a drain pipe without using a snake is possible, and some methods require only home remedies or professional assistance. The best approach for you depends on the type of blockage.
One of the quickest and most effective methods to unclog a drain is using hot water. Pouring hot water down the pipe periodically will break up any clogs.
The boiling temperature of water can easily dissolve a variety of materials, such as grease and grime. This method works especially well in the kitchen sink where blockages are most likely to occur.
Another popular remedy involves pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. This combination creates bubbles which can break up clogs in pipes and prevent them from returning.
This method requires only a few ingredients, making it perfect to do at home. Just remember to use water at the appropriate temperature – don’t try this on plastic pipes as that could cause joint softening.
Consider purchasing an auger (also known as a plumbing snake), which can help unclog drains by feeding it down the line. You may need to pull the auger out multiple times until it breaks through the clog, but this option may be ideal if you’re unsure where the problem lies.
If you’re unsure how to use an auger, read the directions thoroughly before beginning. They should include how to feed it down the drain and hold it a few feet away from any suspected clogs.
Once you identify where the clog is, try pulling it up by hand. Doing this will prevent it from pushing back on you or worse, causing further harm to your drain.
You may wish to invest in a drain cleaner that uses hydrogen peroxide, which can help unclog a pipe and prevent future blockages from occurring. Hydrogen peroxide is an innocuous chemical that won’t harm pipes or pollute the water flowing down them.
Chemical Cleaners
When it comes to unclogging your drain, you don’t always need a snake. Other methods such as liquid drain cleaner or enzyme-based cleaners work just as effectively.
Chemical drain cleaners work quickly to break down clogs made up of food, grease and hair. But they’re often toxic and can damage pipes if used too frequently. Furthermore, chemical drain cleaners have the potential to poison pets and children as well as not being suitable for septic systems.
Chemical drain cleaners are the most popular type. Lye-based products dissolve organic matter, and it usually breaks down any blockages to free the pipe; however, stronger chemicals may be required for deeper clogs.
Other chemicals employed to unclog pipes include hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and alkaline solutions. These solutions break down and dissolve greasy materials such as proteins and soap scum with ease.
These acidic cleaners are powerful and efficient at clearing clogs within minutes. However, they should only be used by trained professionals with appropriate protective gear and safety guidelines.
Chemical cleaners can cause skin burns, eye and lung irritation and damage metal and porcelain surfaces. Therefore, wearing chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles when handling these cleaners is recommended for your safety.
Another type of drain cleaner is an enzymatic product, which uses bacteria enzymes to break down materials that clog your drain. While these are safer for the environment and can be used on septic systems, they may not be strong enough to unclog a major obstruction.
In addition to clearing away clogs, these liquids also prevent future ones by keeping dirt, bacteria and debris out of your drain and disrupting its normal flow. This saves money in the long run since you won’t need to unclog it as often.
Liquid drain cleaners come in many forms, from pourable products to tools that feed into the drain. The two most popular varieties are chemical-based and enzymatic.
Organic Cleaners
If you’re worried about the safety of chemical drain cleaners, there are several green alternatives available. Many are safe for skin and may even work to unclog a blocked drain; however, they won’t disinfect pipes effectively and should be avoided if trying to eliminate germs or bacteria from them.
Enzyme cleaners are an excellent solution for avoiding clogs in your plumbing system. They break down organic matter such as grease, hair and soap scum without harming the environment. With regular usage you can keep your drains clear of odors and blockages which helps avoid unpleasant surprises when using the bathroom or kitchen.
BioClean is one of the best enzyme cleaners, featuring natural bacteria and enzymes that digest waste in your drains. Since it’s a biological drain cleaner, there are no harsh chemicals or peroxides used – making it perfect for those sensitive to harsh chemicals.
It’s also safe to use on most drains and pipes, including those made of PVC (plastic). As such, it makes an ideal choice for people with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. While not as effective at eliminating grease or organic waste as some of the other solutions mentioned above, this solution does a great job at clearing away food debris, soap scum, hair, and clogs without using harsh chemicals.
Another solution for a safer drain cleaner is baking soda and vinegar. This combination creates a chemical reaction that bubbles and breaks apart clogs in just minutes, making it an efficient solution to any blocked pipes.
Pour about 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of white vinegar into your drain, then let sit for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water. This method may require several attempts to be successful, but if successful, you’ll be helping keep your home’s pipes healthy and free of harsh chemical cleaners.
This natural drain cleaner is the ideal alternative to toxic drain cleaners that are hazardous for both health and the environment. Plus, it’s more cost-effective than other clog busting methods like snaking or plungers.