How to Get Rid of Clogged Pipes or Drains

How to Get Rid of Clogged Pipes or Drains

A slow or clogged drain can quickly become frustrating. Water may drain slowly, unpleasant odors can develop, and eventually the drain may stop flowing altogether.

The best way to address a clogged drain depends on what is causing the blockage. Hair, grease, food residue, soap buildup and other organic material are common causes, but some drain problems require mechanical removal or professional plumbing service.

Here are some practical ways to address slow and clogged drains—and help prevent them from returning.

What Causes Drains to Clog?

Different drains tend to collect different types of material.

Kitchen drains may accumulate fats, oils, grease and food residue. Bathroom sinks, showers and tubs often collect hair, soap residue and other organic material.

Over time, this buildup can restrict water flow and contribute to slow drainage and odors.

A completely blocked drain may also be caused by a physical obstruction, damaged plumbing, tree roots or another problem that cannot be solved with a drain-maintenance product.

Start by Removing the Obstruction

If you can see hair, food or other debris near the drain opening, physically removing it may be the simplest solution.

Drain screens and strainers can also help prevent material from entering your plumbing in the first place.

For deeper obstructions, a drain snake or other appropriate plumbing tool may be necessary.

Can Baking Soda and Vinegar Unclog a Drain?

Baking soda and vinegar are commonly recommended for household drain care.

When combined, they create a bubbling reaction that may help loosen light residue and can be useful for freshening a drain.

However, they should not be expected to clear every clog. A substantial physical obstruction will usually require removal, mechanical cleaning or professional plumbing service.

What Are Enzyme and Probiotic Drain Cleaners?

Enzyme and probiotic drain-maintenance products take a different approach.

Enzymes help break down particular types of organic material.

Probiotic drain products contain beneficial microorganisms that can produce enzymes under suitable conditions and help break down organic matter.

These products are generally better suited to organic buildup and routine drain maintenance than to removing solid objects or immediately opening a completely blocked pipe.

Culleoka's Natural Based Drain, Septic & Sewer uses beneficial microorganisms and enzyme activity to help break down organic material associated with drains, sewer lines, septic systems and grease-management applications.

Learn More About Natural Based Drain, Septic & Sewer →

What About Chemical Drain Cleaners?

Some conventional drain-opening products use highly reactive or caustic ingredients to attack clogs.

These products should always be handled according to their label directions, and different plumbing materials may require different precautions.

For routine maintenance, another approach is to reduce organic buildup before it develops into a severe blockage.

The right solution depends on the cause of the problem.

How to Help Prevent Clogged Drains

Prevention can make drain maintenance much easier.

Keep fats, oils and grease out of kitchen drains. Use drain screens to catch hair and food particles. Don't flush wipes or other materials that aren't intended for your plumbing system. Address slow drainage before it becomes a complete blockage.

For drains affected by recurring organic buildup, routine enzyme- or probiotic-based maintenance may also be useful when performed according to product directions.

What If You Have a Septic System?

Homes with septic systems require some additional consideration because the wastewater leaving the home enters an onsite treatment system.

Avoid treating a septic system as a garbage disposal. Fats, oils, grease, wipes and inappropriate household materials can contribute to problems.

Routine septic maintenance, including inspection and pumping when appropriate, remains important. Drain-treatment products are not a replacement for proper septic-system maintenance or professional pumping.

Read: How to Care for a Septic Tank Naturally: Do's and Don'ts →

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Call a qualified plumbing or septic professional when several drains back up at once, wastewater backs up into the home, a drain remains completely blocked, the same clog repeatedly returns, or you suspect damaged pipes, tree roots or septic-system failure.

Those problems may require more than routine drain cleaning.

Keep Drains Flowing With Routine Maintenance

The easiest clog to deal with is often the one that never becomes a complete blockage.

Keeping grease, hair and other debris out of your plumbing and addressing organic buildup early can help keep drains functioning properly.

For routine biological drain maintenance, Culleoka's Natural Based Drain, Septic & Sewer provides a probiotic and enzyme-based approach designed to help break down organic material in drains, sewer and septic applications.

Less Toxins. More Life.

Learn More About Natural Based Drain, Septic & Sewer →

God Bless,

Sonny Hobbs
Founder
Culleoka Company