Drain Cleaner: Guide for Homes and Businesses

Let’s face it: blocked drains are a bloody nuisance, whether at your place or in your business. It disrupts your day and can cause severe damage if left unchecked. That's why I'm here to give you the complete lowdown on drain cleaners and how to keep your pipes flowing smoother than a freshly poured pint.

A top-notch drain cleaner is like a reliable mate when you have a stubborn clog of grease, hair, food scraps, or just about anything else jamming up your pipes. It's easy to overlook, but keeping those drains clear is critical, especially when the weather gets frosty. 

Trust me, you don't want frozen pipes bursting—that’s a massive headache (and a hefty bill) you can well and truly avoid. In addition to the immediate water damage, you're looking at potential mould issues and structural problems.

I remember once when a local restaurant was about to shut down due to a severely blocked grease trap. We arrived, quickly identified the problem, cleared the blockage, and they were back in business the very same day. 

That's how we take pride in our ability to provide quick and dependable service. We understand that when your business is on the line, you need a plumbing service that's quick, efficient, and gets the job done right the first time.

Types of Drain Cleaners

Let's break down the range of drain cleaners you're likely to find on the shelves or hear about:

Chemical Drain Cleaners

These are your heavy-hitting options. They pack a punch with corrosive ingredients designed to dissolve tough clogs quickly. They are typically composed of strong acids or bases (alkalis) that create a chemical reaction to break down the clog's structure.

Enzymatic/Bacterial Drain Cleaners

These eco-friendly options use natural helpers—beneficial bacteria and enzymes—to break down organic waste. They're gentler on your plumbing system and kinder to the environment. Enzymes accelerate the natural decomposition process, while bacteria consume the organic material that forms clogs.

Oxidising Cleaners

These are your go-to products if your main issue is organic matter, such as hair and food scraps. These cleaners use bleach or peroxides to oxidise and break down organic materials.

Acidic/Caustic Cleaners

Consider these to strike a balance between intense action and something milder, and they often combine acids or alkalis with other cleaning agents.

Maintenance Drain Cleaners

These are intended to be used regularly—usually once a month—to keep drains clear and prevent clogs. Think of them as an insurance policy for your drains, stopping problems before they occur.

Manual Tools

Sometimes, the old-school, hands-on methods are best. Plungers and drain snakes are tools designed to dislodge or retrieve clogs directly.

Factors to Consider

Choosing a drain cleaner isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. You need to assess your situation. Here’s what to think about:

What's the clog made of? 

Is it hair, grease, food scraps, mineral build-up, or something else entirely? Identifying the composition of the clog will help you select the correct type of cleaner.

Where's the drain located? 

Kitchen sinks often deal with grease and food, bathrooms with hair and soap scum, while toilets can face different challenges altogether.

Do you have a septic system? 

If so, you must ensure your cleaner is labelled septic-safe to avoid harming the beneficial bacteria in your tank. Chemical cleaners can kill these bacteria.

Safety

Some drain cleaners use harsh chemicals that require careful handling. You should also consider the safety of pets and children in your household.

Standing Water

Can the cleaner cut through standing water to reach the clog, or will it dilute the solution? This is a crucial consideration for slow-draining sinks and tubs.

Effectiveness

How quickly does the cleaner work? Are multiple applications needed? Some tough clogs require time, even overnight, to fully dissolve.

How to Use Drain Cleaners Safely

Safety first, always! It's not worth risking your health or plumbing for a quick fix.

Read the instructions thoroughly. 

Seriously, do it. Every product is different, so understand the specific precautions and application methods.

Wear protective gloves and eye protection. 

This will shield your skin and eyes from splashes and fumes.

Ensure you've got good ventilation. 

Open windows turn on exhaust fans. Fresh air is essential to avoid inhaling harmful vapours.

Don’t mix different cleaners. 

This can create dangerous chemical reactions, producing toxic gases or even explosions.

Protect the area around the drain from splashes. 

Use old towels or cloths to cover surfaces and prevent damage.

DIY Drain Cleaning Methods

Before you reach for a commercial product, try some of these simple DIY methods. They're often effective for minor clogs and preventative maintenance:

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a classic combo. Allow it to fizzle for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water. This can help prevent buildup and deodorise the drain.

Boiling Water

Pour a kettle of boiling water straight into the drain. This is particularly effective for dissolving grease clogs. However, avoid using boiling water on PVC pipes as it could soften or warp them.

Plunger

Don't underestimate the power of a good plunger! Ensure enough water is in the sink or tub to cover the plunger's cup, and use a steady up-and-down motion.

Pro-Tip: I always tell my mates to pour boiling water down their drains once a week, especially after cooking greasy meals. This helps melt away grease before it hardens into a problem. It works a treat!

When to Call a Plumber

Alright, sometimes you need to call in the plumbing professionals. If you've got:

1. A clog that just won't budge, no matter what you try.

2. Recurring clogs, indicating a deeper issue within the plumbing system.

3. Suspect there's a bigger problem going on, like a collapsed pipe or tree root intrusion.

That's definitely when you need to call a licensed plumber.

Pro-Tip: Hair is a significant problem in bathroom drains. A good investment is a cheap hair-strainer for your shower and sink. It'll catch hair before it goes down the drain, saving you a lot of hassle and potential blockages.

Let's tackle some common questions to ensure you're armed with all the necessary knowledge.

FAQs About a Drain Cleaner

What is the best thing to clean your drains with? 

The answer depends on the nature of the clog and its location within your plumbing system. Chemical solutions are robust for tough blockages, enzymatic cleaners are gentler for regular maintenance, and manual tools can physically remove obstructions.

What is the best thing for smelly drains? 

A lot of organic cleaning products out there are particularly effective at eliminating the source of foul odours by digesting the waste that accumulates and causes the smell.

Is bleach or vinegar better for drains? 

It depends on the situation. Some chemical drain cleaners contain bleach to target grease and soap scum effectively. However, when combined with baking soda, vinegar is an excellent DIY method for preventing buildup and freshening drains.

For cleanup, what is the vinegar to baking soda ratio? 

One often advised ratio is to "feed" the drain 1/3 cup of vinegar and then 1/3 cup of baking soda, after half an hour of letting the mixture fizzle, flush with hot water.

Will vinegar damage the PVC pipe? 

Vinegar is generally safe for PVC pipes. However, chemical drain cleaners are of more significant concern because they can generate heat, potentially weakening the pipe seals.

What if I want to know more about a drain cleaner?

If you're facing a particularly stubborn clog, wish to proactively maintain your plumbing system, or require expert advice on the right drain cleaner, we encourage you to contact All Needs Plumbing. Our team is always on hand to help.

We offer a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, a 15% seniors discount, and $150 off hot water systems. Call us today, and let us take care of your plumbing needs!