DIY Drain Cleaner Recipes That Actually Work

As a homeowner, dealing with a blocked drain is a part of life. It does not seem like a big deal as the water can still run, but it will eventually become a problem when the water cannot escape properly from the sink or the bathroom floor and ends up accumulating, resulting in stagnant water.

Leaving a blocked drain unattended can lead to worse problems. Calling a plumber Melbourne is always the go-to move when plumbing issues arise. But before you pick up the phone, there are a few handy tricks you can try yourself to clear a clogged drain, like some simple DIY drain-cleaning methods. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a few of those helpful tips.

What Are the Effective DIY Methods to Fix Blocked Drains in Melbourne?

Many people prefer to purchase a chemical product that is claimed to be specifically made to unclog a drainage system in the nearest cleaning supplies store. Generally, the manufacturer states on the package that it is effective to get rid of the buildup caused by hair strands, oil, soap, food crumbs, or other greases that are stuck in the plumbing infrastructure and contributing to the clog.

Unfortunately, if this substance is not applied correctly, it can potentially put your pipeline structure in jeopardy, and no one wants to go through such an experience. Therefore, if you want to try handling the problem on your own first without hiring a plumbing service in Melbourne, you can try out these simple measures using items you likely already have at home.

1. A mixture of detergent and hot water

Yes, you read it right. You only need these two elements to produce a DIY solution to remove the obstruction from your drainage system. You can simply take a small amount of detergent that you normally use to wash your dishes. This product typically contains surfactants that help lift and remove stubborn residues like fats, oils, and greases. Here are a few simple steps to make this solution yourself.

Materials:

• 2 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent
• A pot of hot water
• An empty cup

How to make it?

1. Add two tablespoons of detergent to a cup of hot water, then blend them.
2. Slowly pour the mixture down the drain. You might notice bubbles coming up as it goes down, that’s a good sign. The detergent works as a lubricant, helping to break down oily residues, while the heat from the water helps melt the greasy buildup.
3. Keep pouring the hot water until you no longer spot bubbles appearing from the drain.
4. Perform the procedure in repetition if needed.

Should your household members usually prepare meals with a lot of oil or utilise oil-based face wash products, this DIY cleaning solution is recommended for you. This approach is simple and works best to prevent and remove grease clogs. The whole process itself only takes around 5-10 minutes. More importantly, it is safe to use frequently and will not harm your plumbing infrastructure.

2. A combination of baking soda and vinegar

This trick is getting more popular nowadays because it has proven successful in overcoming blocked drains in Melbourne. Regardless of whether you are aiming to unclog your drainage system or you just want to disinfect the pipelines, you can apply this solution without having to worry about causing damage to your plumbing structure.

Below are more detailed procedures that you can follow.

Materials:

• 1 cup of baking soda
• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 pot of hot water (not boiling)
• Drain plug or duct tape

What to do?

1. At normal temperatures, leftover oils and greases cool down and turn into stubborn buildup. Pouring the hot water down the drain can be helpful to break down the blockage for smoother removal afterward.
2. Fill about 1 cup of baking soda into the drain hole.
3. Pour 1 cup of vinegar after the baking soda is already in the drain. This combination will generate a bubbling result that will effectively contribute to breaking down any obstructions that are stuck inside the pipeline walls.
4. Seal the hole using a drain plug or some duct tape to keep the DIY solution contained while it does its job.
5. After 10 to 30 minutes, remove the cover and flush the drain with a full kettle of hot water to help wash away any remaining buildup.
6. Do not hesitate to repeat this technique if needed to unclog your drain or to sanitise your pipeline.

Even though this process takes a little longer than the previous one, it still proves effective in removing the blockage from the drain. However, you need to make sure that you don’t use boiling water because it will only destroy your pipe network.

Advantages of DIY Drain Cleaners

Although it seems like a hassle to create the cleaning mixture on your own, these materials are safer than the chemical drain cleaner that is available in stores. It poses less risk to your pipework and your household members, especially if you have children and pets in the house. This is a simple way to stay on top of drain maintenance while keeping things safe and natural for your home.

Conclusion: When to Hire a Professional Plumber in Melbourne?

Calling in Melbourne plumbers is always a reliable choice, but if you’re up for it, trying a few DIY methods first can be a worthwhile effort. That said, the best time to bring in a professional is when those DIY attempts aren’t getting results or if the blockage keeps coming back, no matter how many times you try to clear it.

You can reach reputable plumbing services in Melbourne like Neighbourhood Plumbing, which employs qualified plumbing professionals with knowledge and experience in addressing blocked drains with advanced plumbing equipment.

Dealing with plumbing issues is easier when you’ve got a trusted plumber in Melbourne ready to help. They will carefully examine your pipeline condition to determine the root of the problem and find the most suitable solution. Plus, professionals can spot early warning signs that you might miss, helping you avoid unexpected plumbing emergencies.