Plumbing

How to Use Drain Cleaners Safely and Effectively

Get the Right Drain Cleaner

Before you begin remedying slow drains and minor clogs, you should get the right drain cleaner. You should assemble a list of top products on the market to help you find the best drain cleaners. Remember that your needs are quite different from those of your neighbor. Therefore, you should buy the best product that suits your plumbing system. For instance, if you want to remove buildup in a drain, then you need to buy a foaming cleaner. Heavy-duty formulas battle tough clogs, but should only be used by a professional.

Know What Not to Use It On

cleaning with a drain cleanerThe main problem most people have with drain cleaners is that they use them in situations that are not appropriate to use them in. For instance, you should never use drain cleaners on garbage disposals, tubs, and toilets. This is because they contain powerful acids that can damage the product. If you have septic tank system, then you should never use drain cleaners at all. This is because the drain cleaners kill vital bacteria that break down the waste in the septic tank.

Using Drain Cleaner Safely

Before using any drain cleaner, you should thoroughly read all of its safety precautions and instructions. The safety instructions and warnings ought to be followed, even above things mentioned in this post. When you follow the safety guidelines, you will greatly improve the effectiveness of the drain cleaner. Ensure you have the right equipment before you start clearing the drain. Some of the things you need include safety goggles, face mask, respirator, and thick rubber gloves.

Cleaning the Drain

Open the drain cleaner bottle and avoid squeezing it open. Pour the amount recommended on the product’s label down the drain. After doing this, you will wait for about 30 minutes, depending on the product’s label. After doing this, you will flush the drain with hot water. If the drain is still not clear, you can use the product for the second time.

Preventing Clogged Drains

soda drain cleanerAfter clearing your drain, you will want to come up with tactics or techniques of preventing the drains from being clogged. The following are some vital tips that can help keep the drains free of clogging. In this way, you will spend a minimal amount of time clearing them. You should avoid pouring oil, bacon grease, and other fats down the drain. This is because they can build up inside the drain and make it clog. Instead, you should recycle them.