Drain Cleaning Perth is one of the best preventative maintenance tasks for homeowners to protect their plumbing systems and save money on costly repairs. Getting your drains cleaned regularly guarantees fewer and less severe clogs.

Clogged drains are breeding grounds for bacteria, germs, and mold that cause sicknesses and other health issues. A professional plumber will use specialized tools to locate and address problem areas that could become major blockages.

Often sold in liquid, gel, or powder form, chemical drain cleaners appeal to homeowners because they’re quick, easy, and seem to offer immediate results. However, these highly toxic products can damage your pipes and aren’t good for the environment.

Most chemical drain cleaners use acids to break down organic materials that build up in a pipe and cause a clog. They usually contain sulfuric acid in high concentrations, which can corrode metal plumbing components such as copper and plastic PVC. They’re also dangerous to your health, releasing harsh chemical fumes that can irritate the nose and eyes.

Acidic drain cleaners work by reacting with a clog to produce heat and gas, which loosens the material enough to allow it to flow through the pipe. They’re very effective against hair clogs and generally only require one application, but they can be dangerous to old, galvanized steel pipes. The corrosion from these cleaners can lead to leaks and pipe breaks.

Caustic drain cleaners, which are composed of alkaline substances such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, are slightly less toxic than acidic cleaners. They’re also more effective at breaking down clogs than acidic cleaners. They work by saponifying fats and greases into soaps, which can then flow away as water.

These chemical cleaners are effective for most household clogs, but they’re not suitable for food waste, diapers or other tough items. They can also be harmful to the environment, destroying natural bacteria in the water supply and leaving a residue that can clog other drains in your home. They can also be difficult to use, requiring the careful mixing of chemicals and the placement of a safety screen over the drain opening. These cleaners can also be very damaging to your pipes if they come into contact with aluminum, brass or cast iron fixtures. They may also cause a chemical reaction that releases hydrogen chloride, which can eat through the insides of your pipes. They can also be harmful to children and pets, posing a risk of severe burns if they come into contact with skin or eyes.

Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler substances. In cleaning applications, these enzymes target specific types of organic matter. For example, proteases target proteins, making them ideal for removing food and bodily fluid stains. Amylases target carbohydrates, such as starchy foods like potatoes and pasta. Lipases target fats, such as oils and grease. And urease targets the fatty components of human waste, such as urine and feces.

Enzyme drain cleaners are a natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners that offer a sustainable way to maintain your drainpipes. These biological cleaners use bacterial cultures and enzymes to break down organic waste materials, such as hair, food waste, soap scum, and other residues that cause drain blockages. These cleaners are safe to use and won’t damage your pipes or surfaces.

They’re also much more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical drain cleaners, which can contaminate the environment and pose a risk to your health. These biodegradable products contain no toxic chemicals and won’t irritate your skin or mucous membranes. They’re also safe for your septic system and won’t leave behind harmful fumes.

One of the most popular types of enzymatic drain cleaners is a “pre-treatment” product designed to remove clogs before using a physical drain cleaner. This product works by introducing pre-biotics to the clogged pipe before applying a non-toxic, biodegradable drain cleaner. The resulting mixture is then poured down the drain, where it can dissolve and digest a layer of organic material that’s causing a blockage.

Another type of enzymatic drain cleaner is a “post-treatment” product that’s used to clean up the remaining gunk left behind after using a physical drain cleaner. These products use a mix of pre-biotics, enzymatic compounds, and live bacteria to digest and breakdown the clog-causing material. This process is typically slower than physically cleaning the drain with a plumber snake or a hydro jetting machine, but it’s much safer for your pipes and the environment.

When purchasing a drain cleaner, it’s important to read the label carefully and look for a minimum ufc/mL (unit-forming colony per milliliter) to ensure that it contains enough live bacteria and enzymes to be effective. Keep in mind that no drain cleaner will work as well as a physical drain cleaner, such as a plumber snake or hydro jetting machine, so you should still use these tools for more severe blockages.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

One of the most common homemade drain cleaners is a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar and the alkaline nature of baking soda create a fizzing reaction that can help to break down and dissolve hair, soap scum, food debris, and other substances that may be clogging your drains. In addition, the baking soda also helps to remove odors and freshen your drains and garbage disposal.

This simple and effective recipe uses household ingredients that are inexpensive, easy to find, and safe for most pipes. It’s also an ideal solution for minor clogs and regular maintenance, as it can eliminate odors, deodorize your drains, and prevent future blockages by helping to break down and dissolve residue buildup.

To use this method, first pour a cup of hot water down the drain to loosen any clogs or stuck-on residue. Then, pour in a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction that occurs will help to dislodge any clogs, while the baking soda and vinegar will also neutralize any lingering odors. After waiting for about five minutes, flush the drain with another cup of boiling water.

Before using this homemade solution, it is important to note that it’s best to use this on a clean drain. Remove any visible debris from the drain cover and/or strainer, then inspect the inside of your pipe for any signs of a clog. If you’re unsure of what is causing the clog, it may be best to call in a professional plumber for assistance.

It’s also important to keep in mind that this method may not be as effective as other drain cleaning products, particularly when it comes to removing tougher clogs. In these cases, it may be best to try a more powerful chemical cleaner like The Scottish Plumber’s Bio-Clean, which contains natural bacteria and enzymes that can work to safely and quickly break down organic material and other types of stubborn clogs. Contact us for more information about Bio-Clean or to schedule a drain cleaning appointment today!

Plumber’s Snake

A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake or an auger, is one of the most commonly used tools for drain cleaning. It is a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like auger at the end that can break up or hook onto clogs and remove them from the pipe. This tool is typically used as a first step when a clog won’t respond to a plunger.

To use a drain snake, first uncoil a length of the cable and insert it into the drain opening. Then, turn the handle or crank to feed the cable into the pipe. It is important to know your pipes’ condition before you start snaking. More fragile or older pipes may need to be handled more gently than newer, stronger ones. Always be sure to apply pressure slowly and rotate the snake head in a consistent direction. Forcing the snaking tool to move against resistance can cause damage to the pipes and/or the snake itself.

When you feel that the snake is encountering an obstruction, stop rotating and pull the snake back out along with what’s stuck inside. Attempting to continue forcing the snake through the blockage could cause more serious and costly damage to your pipes.

Be sure to clean the p-trap arm after you’re finished using the snake and before you close up your sink or tub. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult a professional plumber before you begin. They will be able to give you specific directions for your unique pipe situation. Lastly, always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling the snake. This will prevent you from getting any foreign material from the clogged pipe in your eyes. It will also protect your hands from the rough surfaces of the auger.