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Nasty drain odors and drain clogs are problems most homeowners encounter at some point. When dealing with these types of issues, you may have heard about the process of pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain. It is believed that the foaming action that’s created when the two products mix will break everything in the drain apart so you can easily wash it away. In this article, we’ll explore this idea and discuss why professional drain cleaning is always the most effective option.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Benefits
Baking soda and vinegar together will rarely be an effective method for unclogging a drain. Clogs usually happen because of food scraps or hair getting stuck in the P-trap underneath the drain and creating a large obstruction. The only way you can get rid of this type of clog is to either physically remove the materials or dissolve them. Although vinegar is acidic, it isn’t acidic enough to dissolve debris in a drain.
While baking soda and vinegar won’t help unclog a drain, they can sometimes stop a drain from producing foul odors. Smelly drains are mostly caused by an accumulation of biofilm, which is essentially a sludge made up of bacteria that feeds on hair, food, grease, soap scum, and other organic materials within the drainpipe. As they feed, they release chemicals like hydrogen sulfide that cause sewage-like smells to come wafting out of the drain.
Vinegar and baking soda can help with biofilm if there isn’t too much of it built up within the drain. The vinegar helps to kill the bacteria, while the foaming action created by the baking soda loosens the sludge. You can then wash the sludge away by flushing the drain with hot water for a couple of minutes. Nonetheless, this is only a temporary fix, as the bacteria will return quickly and eventually cause the drain to smell again.
Why You Should Never Use Drain Cleaner to Unclog a Drain
Many homeowners reach for a bottle of drain cleaner when they are dealing with a clog. Drain cleaner can be effective at breaking up all but the most stubborn clogs. The problem is that most drain cleaners contain highly caustic chemicals that can damage your plumbing system.
Even worse is the amount of heat that the chemical reaction occurring within the drain produces. PVC pipe is only rated to withstand temperatures of around 140 degrees, while the reaction that happens when lye meets water can reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees. That means the PVC can be exposed to so much heat that it starts warping or slightly melting. These issues are why plumbers never recommend using a store-bought drain cleaner, as it can easily lead to leaks, major damage, and expensive repairs.
There’s also an additional concern with using any type of crystal-based drain cleaners. If you don’t follow the instructions closely and make sure to add sufficient water to the crystals, they’ll end up solidifying in the drainpipe and creating a solid mass that’s nearly as hard as concrete. When this happens, even a pipe snake or drain auger will have trouble breaking through the hard mass. That means the only option may be to cut that section of pipe out and replace it.
Why Professional Drain Cleaning Is Always the Best Solution
Professional plumbers have a few tools at their disposal that allow them to safely and effectively overcome drain issues without risking any damage to your plumbing. A pipe snake is an effective method for eliminating most drain clogs. It consists of a special head surrounded by a coiled wire, which is connected to a long, flexible cable. The snake is extended down through the drain until it meets the clog, where it then starts pushing through the debris and beginning to break the clog up. At the same time, the coiled wire on the head grabs onto the debris so that it can then be pulled out of the drain when the snake is retracted. That way you don’t need to worry about the debris getting trapped further down the pipe and again causing it to clog.
Mechanical drain and sewer augers work in much the same way as a pipe snake. However, a plumber uses a machine to feed the cable and head down the pipe instead of feeding it by hand. The other difference is that the head is an auger, or essentially a spinning blade that can cut right through any solid blockages and even tree roots.
In addition to providing a safer, more effective option for eliminating clogs, a professional drain cleaning service can also identify any potential drain and sewer issues that exist in your home. A plumber can use a drain camera to visually inspect your entire drain and sewer system from the inside. This allows them to quickly identify any damage and spot issues like leaks and tree root intrusion. Regular camera inspections are a great way to make sure your drains are still in good shape and to identify any potential issues before they turn into a major problem that requires a much more expensive repair.
Signs You Should Have Your Drain Cleaned
You can sometimes fix a clog yourself by using a sink or toilet plunger. If this doesn’t work, you’ll want to contact a plumber. There are also other indicators that you should hire a drain cleaning service even if your drain isn’t fully clogged. One thing you should always watch for is if water starts draining slowly. This indicates the drain may be starting to clog, meaning you should get the problem fixed before it completely backs up. A gurgling noise as the water goes down the drain is also a sign that the drain is partially obstructed or beginning to clog.
You should worry if you notice these types of issues throughout your house. These issues often mean there’s a problem with your sewer line, such as a clog or tree roots growing inside it. Sewer issues are something you always want to get taken care of immediately. If not, there’s a chance your sewer line will back up and cause wastewater to flow into your house when someone showers or when running the dishwasher or washing machine. In cases of serious sewer issues, you could even start experiencing backups every time you flush the toilet.
Reliable Drain Cleaning Services
[company_name] is a family-owned company that’s been providing professional plumbing services in Canton, OH since 2007. If you’re dealing with a slow drain or a clog, you can trust our experienced plumbers to quickly and effectively overcome the problem. In addition to drain and sewer cleaning, we can also perform a camera inspection. All our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, ensuring we can get the job done right the first time. We’re known for offering fair, honest pricing, and we’ll happily provide you with a free estimate before getting started. To schedule a service call and get help overcoming drain and plumbing issues, contact [company_name] in Canton today.
