Drano is a household name and one of the most frequently used products in DIY attempts at clearing clogged drains in Los Angeles. However, Drano is not effective or appropriate for every situation.
For example, you should never use Drano for toilet clogs or other types of clogs involving a large amount of standing water. The chemical won’t be able to get past the water and reach the drain. It might damage your porcelain toilet or tub, and if you need to move on to other drain-cleaning methods like snakes or plungers, you risk splashing diluted Drano on your skin. Also, Drano should never be used on plastic piping. It can quickly begin to eat away at plastic after just a few uses, and it can even damage metal over time. Here are some alternatives to Drano that can help you conquer clogged drains in Los Angeles.
Use Safe Homemade Drain Cleaner
You can make your own drain cleaner at home to treat minor clogs. This cleaner will be much safer and cheaper than Drano. All you have to do is wait a few hours for all the standing water to drain, then dump half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Chase that with a cup of vinegar and let it sit for about 30 minutes. If you have metal pipes, you can then flush the drain with boiling water. If you have plastic pipes, just use hot tap water.
Clear Your Sink Traps
Sink clogs are often caused by a build up of hair or other material in the sink trap. Before you put a chemical like Drano down your pipes, simply remove the sink trap and check it for blockages.
Use a Plunger
Plungers aren’t just for toilets. They can help dislodge blockages in any type of drain. As long as you can make a seal around the drain, you can use a plunger on in it.
Snake your Drains
A tool called a plumbing snake can be pushed down your pipes in order to clear them. While you can purchase plumbing snakes at your local hardware store, it’s usually not a good idea to try to use them on your own. If you don’t have a lot of practice, it’s easy to damage your fixtures. This is especially true when working on a clogged toilet, because you have to direct the snake around the bend in the toilet without scraping the porcelain.
Call in the Pros
If you still haven’t been able to clear your clogged drains in Los Angeles, you should probably call in the pros. They can bring tools like sewer augers, high-pressure hydrojetting systems, and in-line sewer cameras to help you pinpoint and eliminate the cause of your clogged drains.
