Drain Cleaning Perth involves the process of removing organic debris that accumulates inside your home’s drain and sewer pipes. A clogged drain can lead to serious plumbing problems if not addressed quickly.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping your drains clear. Routine drain cleaning will help prevent future clogs and reduce repair costs.
Many homeowners turn to liquid drain cleaner when they have a sizable clog that a plunger can’t break up. These products are widely available in stores and promise to dissolve even the most stubborn blockages quickly. However, if you opt for liquid drain cleaner, be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions for use. These potent chemicals can cause significant damage to your pipes if not used correctly.
Caustic liquid drain cleaners contain bases such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and caustic potash. These cleaners attract and dissolve organic materials such as hair, soap scum and grease that create clogs. They also release heat to melt congealed fats and other solid debris that clogs pipes. These types of cleaners are effective at breaking apart small clogs and may work well for kitchen or bathroom sinks. However, they’re not recommended for toilet clogs because they can damage the polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipes found in most homes.
Oxidizing liquid drain cleaners are a bit safer than caustic cleaners, but they still can cause serious damage to your pipes if not used properly. These cleaners often contain household bleach, peroxides and nitrates that cause the organic material in a clog to lose electrons, which oxidizes the clog and breaks it down into smaller molecules that can be washed away. These cleaners are typically heavier than water, allowing them to travel farther down a pipe and dislodge most clogs.
Liquid drain cleaners usually need to sit for a while to work, and they can leave behind a nasty chemical residue. Most of these products are also sold in single-use plastic bottles that contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution. If you must use a liquid drain cleaner, choose one that is biodegradable.
While liquid drain cleaners do dissolve some clogs, they’re not always successful and can actually make the situation worse. They also kill the bacteria in your pipes that help to break down organic waste and prevent clogs. If these beneficial organisms are killed, your pipes can become brittle and prone to leaks and corrosion.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are a common household product that is used to unclog sinks, tubs and toilets. These cleaners usually consist of strong acids or alkali ingredients that break down clogs by creating heat, melting grease, dissolving hair and other organic material. They are available in stores and can be easily purchased. However, these chemicals can be harmful to your pipes and your health. This is because they often emit toxic fumes that can irritate your nose, eyes and throat. Exposure to these chemicals over a long period of time can cause chronic respiratory problems.
There are many different types of chemical drain cleaners. The harshest type, acidic cleaners, contain hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. They create a chemical reaction that breaks down the clog by creating hydronium ions, which attract electrons from the clogged material and melt grease. This type of cleaner is very effective, but it can also be harmful to your pipes and cause corrosion.
Caustic drain cleaners, which are made of lye or potassium hydroxide, have a much higher pH level and are more gentle than acidic cleaners. They can dissolve hair, fats and oils. However, they may not be as effective against severe clogs.
Oxidizing cleaners contain ingredients such as bleach, peroxides or nitrates that release oxygen into the pipe. This process breaks down the clog and eliminates bacteria. They are effective against most clogs but are not as powerful against hardened materials, such as concrete.
Non-toxic drain cleaners use natural enzymes to break down clogs. These products are more environmentally friendly than chemical cleaners, but they are not as effective against tough clogs. These products usually require multiple applications before they are fully effective.
When using any type of chemical drain cleaner, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. If you have any questions about the proper usage of these products, it is best to contact a professional plumber. Doing so will help ensure that you are using safe, effective products that won’t damage your pipes or harm your family. In addition, a professional plumber will be able to recommend the most effective and safest methods for clearing your drains.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
You may have used baking soda and vinegar for kid-friendly volcano science experiments, but these household staples can also serve as powerful chemical-free cleaning agents in your home. The reaction between the two creates carbon dioxide gas that lifts dirt and grime, and they’re readily available in your pantry. The bubbling action also helps to break down clogs in your drain.
Baking soda and vinegar lie on opposite ends of the pH scale: baking soda is highly basic, while vinegar is acidic. When the two chemicals are combined, they react to form sodium acetate and carbon dioxide. Sodium acetate can dissolve soap scum and mildew, but it’s less effective in removing mineral build-up from hard water.
The acetic acid in vinegar, on the other hand, is a strong deodorizer and can cut through grease molecules. Pouring one cup of baking soda followed by two cups of white distilled vinegar down your sink drain will help to remove gunk and unclog the drain. The solution should bubble and fizz, and then you can flush the drain with boiling water to finish the job.
Vinegar can also be used to clean and freshen your garbage disposal. Sprinkle one cup of baking soda down the disposal, then follow with a cup of vinegar. The fizzing action will help to lift food and rust stains. Pour the mixture down the drain, and then run hot water for one minute. Repeat as needed to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh.
Use this homemade cleaner to wash your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. The baking soda and vinegar combination cuts through soap scum and lifts stains more effectively than store-bought cleaners. It’s also safe for all finishes, including natural stone.
The same vinegar-baking soda recipe can be used to clean your microwave and to polish wood. Just make sure that the area is well-ventilated and to avoid any spills, especially on your clothes or furniture. Sprinkle the powder over the surface, let it sit for a few minutes to loosen grime and dirt, then wipe away with a damp cloth. The mixture can also be sprayed on pet stains and left to sit for a while before vacuuming the area.
Salt & Boiling Water
You’ve probably heard that adding salt to boiling water causes it to boil faster. This is because adding salt elevates the boiling point of the water (a phenomenon known as boiling-point elevation). Basically, when you add any non-volatile solute to water it lowers its vapor pressure and therefore requires a higher temperature for it to transition from liquid to gas. You can test this by heating up pure water and a solution of 20% salt in water. The salted water will boil much more quickly than the pure water, even though it has a higher boiling point. Why is this?