How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

Out of sight out of mind is completely true when it comes to our drains. It’s easy to forget they even exist, until of course something goes wrong! When something goes wrong with our drainage system it is inconvenient and nasty! So with that in mind, it is important to make sure your drains are getting a regular cleaning. 

The majority of us don’t take care of our drains as we should, pretty much everything and anything gets put down the kitchen sink and ends up down the drain.

Food particles, hair and soap, oil and grease, after a while, it all adds up. Over time the things that get put down the drain build up and create a clog, which then causes a blockage. This can lead to serious trouble if it is ignored, whilst regular cleaning can stop this situation from happening.

1. What drain cleaners are best to keep your pipes from getting damaged? Let’s find out.
2. Are you looking for advice on how to unblock a toilet? Check these ideas.

How Often Should I Clean My Drains?

Upon a quick internet search to find out how often you should be cleaning your drains, you will get many different answers. Some people say weekly, bi-monthly or quarterly.

Professional plumbers recommend cleaning your drains monthly to be an adequate time scale to prevent serious buildups and blockages in your system. By regularly cleaning your drains you are saving yourself future time, inconvenience and money.

What Drain Cleaners Are Safe For Toilets? – 5 Natural Toilet Unblockers

Can you use a drain cleaner to unblock a toilet? Yes, you can use a drain cleaner in a toilet, but chemical drain cleaners will destroy your pipes as well as the blockage! Drain cleaners are designed to be used in sinks, bathtubs, showers and floor drains. They work by destroying the things that are in clogs. In a toilet, blockages are after the s- trap. This controls the water level in the toilet bowl. The drain cleaner gets trapped in the bowl. 

Drain Cleaners Have Hazardous Chemical Ingredients

Drain cleaners are made of highly hazardous caustic chemicals that are strong enough to destroy and blockages in your drains. When they are used in toilets, they are trapped in the s-trap with the blockage lower down in the plumbing. There is no blockage for them to dissolve so they will begin reacting with something else. The pipes are susceptible to damage from drain cleaners, especially older pipes. The frequent use of chemical drain blockers can lead to corrosion and damage to the pipes in the sewer system. These can eventually lead to pipe replacement needed. There are a variety of products that have been developed to deal with toilet unblocking. Make sure the one that you choose specifically says for toilet use and follow the instructions.

What Toilet Unblocker Is Best For Toilets?

Here are some natural remedies that are much better for your toilet and the environment.

1. Toilet Plunger

The best way to unblock a toilet is by using a plunger. You may have to plunge a few times for it to work. It may take effort but it is the safest way, without using any harmful chemicals and damaging your plumbing.

2. Dish Soap and Hot Water

Pour ½ cup dish soap mixed with a cup of hot water down the toilet, leave for 30 minutes then pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix 3 cups of baking soda with a cup of vinegar and pour it down the toilet

4. Epsom Salts

Put 1 cup of Epsom salts down the toilet, leave it for 15 mins then flush.

5. Salt, Baking Soda and Vinegar

Add a cup of salt to 1 cup of baking soda, pour it into the toilet and leave for 2 minutes. Then add 2 cups of vinegar. Leave for 30 minutes, when the time is up pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet and flush.

If you are unable to shift the blockage with these methods, you should call a plumber, if you continue to try and unblock it on your own you may end up making the problem worse and damaging your toilet or pipes as well.

The best course of action if you have a blocked toilet or blocked drains is to call in the professionals, they have the appropriate equipment needed for drain inspection Chicago and drain cleaning and to get rid of the blockage efficiently and effectively.

There may be times when other steps need to be taken in case of blockages, such as using a sewer rodding Chicago service. It’s always helpful to call on a professional whenever you’re facing a plumbing problem. You don’t know what could be wrong, and you can’t see what’s underneath your house.