At Big B’s Plumbing, we want to keep it real. There are ways you can DIY (Do-It-Yourself) routine drain cleaning and even unclog minor blockages. The key is knowing the Do’s and Don’ts of bathroom drain maintenance, and we’ve got the 411 for you. From the gobs of toothpaste to the clumps of hair, bathroom drains go through a lot. If the water in the tub or the sink is pooling up and not draining at its usual rapidity, it’s a likely indication of a clog. Improper drainage is also usually accompanied by a nasty smell.
Say No To Chemical Cleaners
Here’s the deal, a lot of drain cleaners on the market are heavy in chemicals. Cleaning the
bathroom drain with chemicals is abrasive on your pipes and can lead them to corrode over
time. Opt for natural cleansers instead. You can even make your own! Try a mixture of about a
cup of both vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to sit in the pipes for around half an hour
before using again, and follow up with pouring hot water down the same drain. This mixture is
tough on gunk but easy on the pipes. It should eliminate that pesky odor, too!
Easy-To-Use DIY Tools
For tougher clogs, try using a tool like a Zip-It. The Zip-It is a type of drain snake affixed with
barbed edges that are effective in collecting debris like hair. Remove your bathroom sink or tub
stopper and send the Zip-It down the pipe and let the simple, but effective technology do the
rest. Tools like these are conveniently available on Amazon for a few bucks or the nearest hardware store.
Precautionary Measures
Now that you have a fast-acting, pleasant-smelling drain, it’s a good idea to take some
precautionary measures to keep it that way longer. Letting the tap run hot down the bathroom sink after use allows for better movement of substances like toothpaste down the bathroom drain.
You can also purchase a hair catching device to put over the drain in your tub. Hair is one of
the leading offenders in clogging bathroom drain and hair catchers are an easy-to-clean,
preventive measure!
The Bottom Line
Big B’s Plumbing wants to empower people to be informed about plumbing maintenance, even DIY plumbing maintenance. That said, there are cases when it is time to leave certain blockages or repairs to a professional to protect the safety of you, your family, and your
home’s plumbing system.
Big B’s Plumbing is a licensed, bonded and insured plumbing contractor.