Any plumbing system will clog eventually and you will have to work on it. There’s no way around it!  However, there are few tips and tricks we have heard from customers that they have used to reduce the frequency or the need for exhaustive cleaning. 

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a common ingredient in most kitchens. Though I don’t use it much, I buy it at times for other uses. Drain cleaning is one such use! Yes, if a kitchen or bathroom drain is clogged, add a cup of baking soda and follow it up with 3 cups of boiling water. If the clog is mild or it is just part of routine maintenance to prevent clogging or buildup, this is a great idea. 

Baking Soda + Lime Juice: This is fairly stronger and smells great. Add a cup of baking soda and lime juice. After it foams up well, add 3 cups of boiling water for DE clogging your drain. 

Baking Soda + Cider Vinegar: Quite popular, this is an easy way to unclog your drain. Add a cup of vinegar and baking soda to the drain in question. Once it foams or fizzes well, add 3 cups of boiling water. This leaves your drain clean and fresh! 

Baking Soda + White Vinegar: Add a cup of baking soda and wait for a few minutes (till it reaches about half way down the drain). Now, pour 2 – 3 cups of boiling water and wait for at least 3 – 5 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar (quickly, without a lot of gap between these two). Now, you will hear noises (sizzling or bubbling), as foam rises. Don’t worry; let it foam well for a few minutes. When the sound fades, add 2 cups of boiling water. Your drain will be clear. You can do this once a month for a clog-free drain. 

Washing Soda: In most cases, baking soda does the trick. However, washing soda is more powerful and potent. It is particularly effective for clogged drain in your bathrooms – where hair is more often the culprit! Just add a cup of washing soda and flush with a lot of water to unclog the drain and prevent buildup of hair. Since this is stronger, don’t use it often (once a month, should do) – it can damage the PVC pipes. 

Boiling Water: If the clogging drain is in the kitchen, it could be due to built-up grease from food. Pouring a few cups of boiling water can help unclog it effectively. 

All these methods are less abrasive and effective drain cleaning . You can repeat it 2 – 3 times, if the results aren't great the first time. You can also use chemical drain cleaners that you get at stores. Chemical drain cleaners can do a better job, but they can also harm your pipes especially here in New England due to the fact that the pipes are very old. Call us before you use any chemical drain cleaner. When these tricks don’t work and can unclog stubborn drains. However, if everything fails and the drain is still clogged, (we hate to break this to you!) you will have to hire professional drain cleaning services.

Please note that these tips and remedies are for possible solutions and do replace professional services. Woods Rooter Service can not be held responsible for actions a home owner may take, following these tips and remedies.