What Are the Best Sewer Cleaning Methods?

Dealing with plumbing emergencies can be time-consuming and expensive, not to mention inconvenient and stressful.

At Drain King Plumbers, we want to make sure that you avoid these headaches as much as possible. For that reason, we have put together this list of the best sewer cleaning methods you can try right now: 

1. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule
2. Snake your drains 
3. Degrease your pipes with baking soda and vinegar 
4. Use chemical drain cleaners 

In this article, we will go through each solution and explain how they work. Let’s begin with the most effective method. 

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule 

The most common problems your plumbing system can endure are caused by build-up, blockages, and breakages—all of which can be prevented or minimized when you practise regular maintenance.

There are two main ways of regularly cleaning and maintaining your plumbing systems:

• The first is to use enzyme cleaners, which are chemical products that help break down stains and other residues that can clog drainage pipes. These products can be bought at most hardware retailers and are easy to use. Though they are most effective in basement drains, they can be applied to any of your plumbing drains. In any case, time and patience are required, as enzyme cleaners work slowly.
• The second option is to sign up for a plumbing maintenance plan. At Drain King Plumbers, we believe that the best defense against plumbing problems is a good offense. That is why we work with our clients to craft personalized plans for recurring plumbing check-ups. If you are interested in learning more, make sure to check out this page on our site. Setting up a consultation appointment with our dedicated and knowledgeable staff is easy and will help you get a better understanding of your plumbing needs. 

Regular cleaning might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth the effort, especially when plumbing emergencies have the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damages. Don’t ignore your plumbing. Practise good maintenance habits. 

Snake Your Drains 

When hairballs, food, and soap suds get stuck in the U-shaped trap under your sink, they can create blockages, poor drainage, awful smells—and worse.

Snaking your drains will help remove the materials that cause back-ups and get your pipes running normally again. You will know that your drains need snaking when water starts draining slowly and makes loud gurgling sounds.

Before you can do this, you will need to go to your local hardware store and buy a long and flexible piece of plastic or steel that can be pushed down your pipes. This is called a drain snake.

Once you have made your purchase, you can begin snaking your drain by following these steps:

• Remove the drain cover on the affected system. Most drain covers are designed to be taken off and cleaned. 
• Insert the drain snake, pushing it into the pipe and rotating the handle until you meet resistance. This is your clog. 
• Prod the clog with the snake until you feel the mass loosen. 
• Hook the clog like a fish on a rod, pulling it back up to you. Throw away the materials you have fished from the pipes, and try again. Continue doing this until you are confident that the bulk of the blockage has been cleared. 
• Wash out the drain with hot water, making sure that it’s no longer clogging. 

If you experience significant difficulties at any stage of this process, give us a call at Drain King Plumbers. Our experienced staff will ensure your pipes are properly snaked. 

Degrease Your Pipes With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sometimes the easiest solutions are the most effective. When it comes to degreasing your pipes, few products do a better job than old-fashioned baking soda and vinegar.

This simple method is also one of the most important you have in your plumbing arsenal. Grease, oil, and fat are common by-products of cooking and can block your pipes and cause overflows and water damage. Grease build-ups are therefore most often associated with kitchen plumbing systems, but they can also occur in bathrooms, where pipes are exposed to soaps made from animal or vegetable fats and oils. 

Nor can you expect boiling water alone to clear your pipes of grease build-ups. Though it may help, water will only spread out the fats, oils, and grease, causing an ever larger accumulation and therefore adding to the overall problem. 

To degrease your pipes with baking soda and vinegar, just follow these steps: 

• In a bowl or large container, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar; mix well until it becomes a solution.
• Pour boiling water down the drain for at least 60 seconds. 
• Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by the solution of water and vinegar. 
• Cover your drain again, and wait for at least 10 minutes. 
• Pour boiling water down the drain for another 60 seconds.

The mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water should cause a bubbling reaction that will break up and wash away the blockage in your drain.

If you continue to experience issues with grease in your pipes, and you think your plumbing problems need expert care, give us a call. Our trained professionals are equipped with more than just baking soda and vinegar. 

Use Chemical Drain Cleaners 

Abrasive chemical solutions can cause significant damage to your pipes, if you use them on an ongoing basis. As an emergency backup, though, there are few options that are as effective. 

In addition, these products are easy to find—and even easier to use. They can be bought from most hardware stores and require minimal preparation. 

To use your average, store-bought chemical drain cleaner, follow these steps: 

• Open the bottle and make sure there are no leaks. 
• Pour at least 2 cups of the solution down the drain. 
• Wait at least 15 minutes for the solution to break up the blockage in your pipes. Depending on the severity of the build-up, you may need to wait 30 minutes or more. 
• Flush the product out of your pipes with hot water. 

Should you continue to experience slow or no draining after following these steps, repeat them once or twice. 

Call Drain King Plumbers 

If you are unable to resolve your plumbing problems after trying these solutions, give Drain King Plumbers a call. We offer 24-hour emergency services, depending on your needs, as well as sewer repair services in Toronto and the GTA. We can be contacted at (833) 983-5663.