If you’re like most people, you probably think cleaning the bathroom is about as exciting and fun as say, going to the dentist. But the fact is that home bathrooms can be one of the most germ-laden places in the house if they aren’t cleaned daily.
To keep you and your loved ones healthy, we’ve come up with six quick and easy things to do every day to keep your bathroom free from the germs that can make you sick.
Make it clutter free. It only takes about five minutes to clear the bathroom countertop and sink area of clutter. Make sure you have a clean, designated place for toothbrushes and toothpaste, makeup, hair accessories, and other items like cotton swabs and Q-Tips.
You can find bathroom organizers at places including IKEA, Target, and The Container Store. With a good organization system in place, you’ll also save time because you’ll always know where to find exactly what you need.
Wipe everything down with vinegar. A daily wipe down of a mixture that’s one part white vinegar to two parts water can go a long way in killing germs. Take a moment to spray and wipe everything from the bathroom sink to the mirrors to the bathtub. Pro tip: You can use a toothbrush to reach into areas around the faucet and to remove any residue from grout.
Clean the toilet. Every day. Use a toilet brush to clean the toilet daily. You can find decent concealed toilet brushes at IKEA and other home organization stores, and while you’re at it, pick up some antibacterial wipes and have them on hand to wipe down the toilet seat daily, too (but remember not to flush them down the toilet unless they are biodegradable).
Another thing to remember: it’s actually best to keep the toilet seat down. When you keep the lid up, particles from within the toilet can get airborne and lessen the air quality in the bathroom.
Clean the air vents. From insect waste to pet dander to hair and yes, dead skin, dust is all over bathroom. Make sure to wipe down any air ducts, vents and fans every day with a damp cloth. You’ll also want to make sure to clean the exhaust fan, if you have one in your bathroom, to make sure it works as best as it can to keep mold and mildew at bay.
Wipe down the floors. Good thing bathrooms are small, because it doesn’t take time at all to keep the floors clean. In fact, you could sweep them over once a day with antibacterial wipes, use a Swiffer or a cloth with a vinegar solution to rid the floors of dirt, debris and any harmful bacteria or germs that could lead to illness.
Remove the trash. Every night, make it a habit to empty the wastebaskets in the bathroom. Germs lurk in the bathroom trash bin where items like face wipes, old toothbrushes, used dental floss, and everything else you can’t flush down the toilet get tossed. We recommend a stainless steel trash receptacle with a lid that you can easily wipe down after things get thrown away and before you add a trash bin liner.
If you follow these tips, you’re on your way to a more healthy, germ-free bathroom. Worried you’ll forget a thing or two on the list? Why not add a check list near the bathroom mirror or light switch to keep you on track? It’s easy to create a clean bathroom in no time.
Call or Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter know. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
“Customers first.” When we say this at Allied Reddi-Rooter, we really mean it. Commercial and home plumbing may be what we’re passionate about and what we do best, but our top priority has always been making our customers happy by delivering top-notch professional service.
That’s why at Allied Reddi-Rooter, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing and free 24/7 estimates on most jobs. We love talking about plumbing and will always give you frank advice and guidance about your home or business’s plumbing needs. And we know that sometimes, you may need help afterhours, which is why we are committed to delivering the very best 24/7 emergency service.
Not sure when to call an emergency plumber? We recommend always erring on the side of caution – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. In the meantime, here is a list of five plumbing emergencies that should not be ignored.
Frozen pipes. When winter rolls around, make sure you have the Allied Reddi-Rooter phone number handy in the event that your pipes freeze. Water in your pipes will expand when frozen, potentially causing leaks and bursts. If and when a burst happens, it can cause considerable damage to your home or business.
An overflowing toilet. This one is serious for two major reasons. First, the water that pools on the floor from the toilet can cause significant damage to your floors. Second, toilet water can carry bacteria and viruses that can make you and your family sick.
Broken water heater. Imagine getting ready for work on Monday morning to discover there’s no hot water. When your water heater malfunctions or breaks, you’ll want to take care of it ASAP. Usually, this involves calling a plumber who has the experience to assess the situation and the training to fix the problem correctly.
You’ve got a backed up main water or sewer line. Is your yard full of wet spots? Or, have you noticed a foul smell in the house? If you notice either of these things, give us a call. A wet lawn can indicate a main water line break, and the bad smell may be the result of a backed up sewer line. Both problems require a professional plumber’s knowledge and skill to repair.
There’s no water. This is a big one. Home and businesses need access to running water at all times. A plumber can pinpoint and fix the problem, which is sometimes caused by a backed up sewer line.
Putting the customer first – day or night
When in doubt about whether you have an emergency or not, give us a call. We’re always ready to help our customers. That’s why we’re available 24/7 for plumbing issues and offer 24/7 phone quotes on most jobs as well. And we promise no add-on fees.
In fact, to show our appreciation to our customers, Allied Reddi-Rooter is currently offering two general admission tickets to the Cincinnati Museum center with any completed project. It’s a small way of saying ”thank you” for making us one of the most trusted plumbing companies for homes and businesses in Cincinnati since 1950. Call or Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
If you’re wondering if it’s time to remodel the bathroom, we’ve got some advice to help you make the big decision. There are plenty of good reasons to update your bathroom, from making safer for you and your family, to saving on your water and energy bills.
Renovating the bathroom might seem daunting at first, but most updates can be made quickly, and many are ones you can do yourself. Take a look at our list below of some big signs that it’s time to remodel the bathroom.
It’s outdated. This one of the biggest reasons many of our customers have opted to remodel their bathrooms – or at least the master bathroom. Of course, it all boils down here to personal taste. If your style has changed but the bathroom hasn’t it, may be time for an upgrade.
Usually, this is a project that’s more fun than anything else. It’s a great opportunity to buy new floor mats or rugs, paint the walls a new color, buy a new shower curtain, replace the sink or mirror, change up the lighting, and splurge on accessories like a new massaging shower head or an aromatherapy diffuser.
It’s in a state of constant repair. Your bathrooms are some of the hardest working rooms in your home, and they’re subject to a lot of wear and tear over the years. If you’re finding yourself calling the plumber on a regular basis or repairing cracks and leaks in the bathroom – particularly leaks from the ceiling or the toilet – it’s time to consider remodeling the bathroom.
There are a couple of big benefits to remodeling your bathroom for this reason. First, it will make your bathroom safer and healthier because leaks can lead to mold which in turn can cause health issues. And, without all the leaks, you’ll be saving on your water bill.
Your needs have changed. Your home should grow with you, and as you get older, or if your family grows, it’s important that your bathroom stays updated to accommodate those changes. Perhaps you have a new baby, an elderly parent has come to live with you, or you’ve gotten a bit older yourself. If so, it may be time to modify your bathroom to fit your needs.
You’re selling your home. Studies shown that having an updated bathroom can help your home sell quicker and increase its ROI. Even easy changes, like a fresh coat of paint or a new toilet (installing one is easier than you may think) can be big motivators for buyers when they are considering buying your home.
You need more storage. If you’re storing extra towels in a closet in the bedroom, it may be time to upgrade your bathroom’s storage options. Cabinets and bins are a great investment, as are shelving systems that make use of wall space. You could also consider adding space with more major remodeling projects, like eliminating the bathtub and installing an enclosed shower instead, to make more room.
Even little updates can help save you money, elevate your bathroom’s comfort and style, and mean better safety and health for you and your family. In fact, we think any time is the right time for a little bathroom remodeling. Call or Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter now. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
It’s not too late to make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for the big holiday ahead. Before you welcome your guests, whether they’re coming over for an evening or staying for a few nights, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing is ready to work harder than it probably has all year long.
Luckily, it isn’t very time consuming to check the plumbing in every part of your home or to keep it running smoothly during the holidays, just follow the tips below. By doing so, you’ll also be making sure that your plumbing is prepared for the winter months ahead.
Do a plumbing inspection. While this can certainly be performed by a professional, it’s easy to do on your own, too. Make sure there are no leaks around the base of your toilets, faucets, or the hot water heater. Check the washing machine and dryer and remove any lint from the trap, and check the garbage disposal as well, to make sure it’s working properly.
Watch what you put down the drain. As you prepare those holiday meals, it’s a good idea to have a glass jar or old aluminum can handy for grease. Always put poultry bones, vegetable peels, and ground coffee in the compost or trash bin. Putting any of these things down the drain can cause your garbage disposal to stop working, or clog a drain.
Protect the toilet. Remind guests not to flush cotton balls, sanitary napkins or tampons, face tissues, hair, or Q-Tips down the toilet. Make sure there’s a plunger on hand in case you do experience a toilet clog, and light a scented candle when guests are over to keep the bathroom in top shape.
Check the water pressure. Before your overnight guests arrive, make sure the water pressure in your shower is strong. If you notice that the pressure is weak, it could be due to mineral deposits in the shower head. This is easy to remedy by removing the head and cleaning it. We recommend using an old toothbrush to scrub away any deposits.
Make sure there’s enough hot water. When you’re travelling, few things are as disappointing as having to take a cold shower (especially in December!). This is a great time to check the hot water heater to ensure it’s working at its best. Turn the water heater high enough to accommodate your guests and be sure to stagger showering times to give the water time to warm up between uses.
Conserve energy in the laundry room. Ask your guests to refrain from washing just a few items at a time, or have them place their clothes in a laundry bin to be washed when it’s full. Doing multiple small loads of laundry can make your energy and water bills spike, not to mention it may use up all the hot water your guests were probably wanting for their showers.
A trick to prevent frozen pipes. The forecast for the upcoming holidays looks cold, with temps dipping near or below freezing at night. To make sure your pipes don’t freeze, open your sink cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen so that the warmer air in your home can keep them a bit warmer, too.
Be safe. If you’ve got older guests, it’s especially important to make sure the bathroom is slip-resistant. Place non-strip strips or a mat in the bathtub, keep the bathroom floor dry, and make sure the bathtub is free of any soap scum that can make it slippery. Outside, make sure the walkways and sidewalk areas are free from ice so your guests stay safe entering or leaving your home.
Don’t let a plumbing problem stop you from enjoying the holidays with your loved ones. And remember, if a plumbing issue does arise this season, we’re only a phone call away. Call or Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter now. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
It’s the time of the year when your dishwasher is probably working overtime. But let’s face it, the last thing you need during the holidays is a dishwasher that’s clogged and won’t work. Luckily if it happens it’s usually a simple fix. Dishwashers are straight-forward and uncomplicated appliances and when they clog, it’s usually for the same reasons and in common places like the drain hose or filter basket.
If your dishwasher stops working, don’t worry. Take a look at the list below to help you pinpoint the problem. Often, fixing the issue will be simple, but sometimes it will require repair by a professional plumber.
Top five reasons for dishwasher clogs
A blocked filter basket. Your dishwasher has something similar to your dryer called a filter basket. Like your dryer’s lint screen, it filters food and other particles to prevent them from entering your pipes.
Your filter basket should be cleaned on a regular basis and if you haven’t done so in a while (or ever) it could be the source of your clog. To clean the filter basket, simply pull it out by following your dishwasher’s instruction manual. It’s a good idea to wash it with soap and water as well to get it as clean as you can before placing back in the dishwasher.
A backed up drain hose. Your dishwasher has a hose that connects to the garbage disposal or the drain in your kitchen sink. Sometimes it can get backed up with debris, especially if your filter basket is full. This can be a relatively easy thing to fix – simply detach the drain hose and give it a flush to remove the build-up. We recommend checking the drain hose on a regular basis to keep it free from sludge that can lead to clogs.
A clogged drain or pipes. Sometimes the reason your dishwasher is clogged has nothing to do with the dishwasher itself. As soon as your dishwasher stops working, make sure to test all of the drains in your kitchen.
If you notice that any are draining slow (or not at all), or if you hear a gurgling sound coming from the pipes, there is a good chance you’ve got a blocked pipe or clogged drain someplace other than your dishwasher. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber who can pinpoint the problem quickly and make the necessary repairs.
Faulty garbage disposal. If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly it can lead to a clog is the dishwasher. Once you’ve eliminated a blocked filter basket or drain hose from the list of reasons your dishwasher is backing up, check to make sure the knockout plug was removed from the disposal when it was attached to the dishwasher.
This is a common simple mistake made when installing new dishwashers, but if your garbage disposal is older – and your dishwasher as well – it may be time to invest in a new disposal.
A broken sewer line. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this can happen. If your toilet is backed up, or if you notice your shower or bath is slow to drain, you may have a broken sewer line. This can happen for a variety of reasons. In older homes with older pipes, a broken sewer line may be caused by a pipe breaking when the ground shifts. It can also happen once tree roots get into the sewer line.
Sewer line repair always needs to be handled by professional plumbers, and if you suspect you’ve got a broken line, it’s best to act fast. The longer you wait, the worse the problem can get.
Following these tips can help you fix your dishwasher clog fast, but if not, go ahead and give a professional plumber a call. We can get to the source of the problem fast, so you can get back to enjoying the holiday season.
Call or Contact the clogged drain experts of Allied Reddi-Rooter, at 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
A plumbing problem in your laundry room can disrupt your daily routine. It’s an important room in any home, and it’s imperative to follow some simple rules to keep your washing machine, sink, and all those drains and pipes working efficiently.
The main culprit for laundry room plumbing issues is the washing machine, which is why we’ve dedicated a good portion of the following checklist to one of the hardest working appliances in your home. By following these laundry room maintenance tips, and with regular maintenance performed on your washing machine and dryer, you can avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Always run the machine on a full load. It’s tempting to wash just a few items at a time, but we recommend not doing it. This will avoid wear-and-tear on your machine, and it’ll save you money, too.
Consider this: most washing machines use anywhere between 15 to 40 gallons of water every time they’re used. That’s a lot of water! Also, make sure you wash similar items together. This will ensure your items are all uniformly washed and dried.
Ever try to dry towels with cotton shirts? Chances are if you did, those shirts were still damp when you removed them from the dryer. Of course, to really save money, you may want to invest in a high energy washing machine.
Inspect your drains. Drains in the laundry room are notorious for clogging. If you have pets, you’re going to want to check the drains even more often. Make sure to clean your drain filter on a regular basis and check for backflow protection.
Inspect hoses and filters as well. When checking the drains, look closely at the hoses and mesh filters on your washing machine as well. Over time, your hoses can become brittle and crack, and the filters can get clogged with lint or other debris like hair which will lead to back-ups in the washing machine. Hoses and filters are relatively easy to replace yourself, but once they cause significant back-up after clogging, you’ll probably have to call a plumber.
Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel versions. If possible, consider swapping out your rubber hoses with stainless steel, braided ones. These can stand the test of time (and lint!) better than rubber hoses. In the long run, it’ll save you money.
Use a consistent temperature. Your washing machine uses a lot of energy – up to 90% of it is used just to heat the water. If you’re prone to using a hot water temperature often, try to at least set the temperature at “warm” instead. Cold is even better – and will help reduce stains on your clothes, too. Remember: a really hot temperature of 140 degrees is a potential fire hazard, so only use hot water on occasion.
Clean your washing machine and dryer regularly. Dirt, lint, pet har, and a myriad of other things can remain in your washing machine and dryer long after the load is complete. Clorox and other reputable brands make good washing machine cleaners, and here’s a good video on how to clean your dryer.
As you can see, with just a little time and preparation, you can keep your laundry room in top shape to keep all that washing and drying worry-free. Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
So, you’re ready to purchase a new home. Congratulations! Before you sign on the dotted line and get the keys to your new house, make sure to thoroughly inspect the plumbing. In fact, it’s best to let a professional plumber handle this in addition to any routine inspections you’ll need before you close.
Why is a plumbing inspection important? Because it can save you a lot of money on repairs down the road, and can even alert you to some very serious problems that may make you think twice about buying the house. Additionally, the last thing you want to do when you move into a new home is to spend time making repairs that could have been fixed before you booked the moving van.
You can avoid the surprises and move into a home worry-free by checking these important plumbing areas before you move in.
The pipes. Make sure to look at all pipes – from the top floor to the basement – as well as any outside pipes – and repair any leaks or cracks you find immediately. You’ll want to turn on faucets and make sure there aren’t any leaks or pools of water around them when you do.
Inspect the toilet and surrounding floor. It’s simple to replace a toilet, so make sure all of them in your potential new home are working properly and that there aren’t any cracks or leaks where the toilet should be sealed and secured to the floor. If you see any water on the floor around the toilet, it may be an indication of water damage, which can amount to a costly repair in the future.
Do a water heater check. A home’s water heater is absolutely essential for day-to-day living and a house with an old water heater, or one that needs repair, can lower its value. Make sure the home you’re about to purchase has a solid water heater by checking for leaks around its base.
Ask about the sewer line. It’s important to ask the seller or realtor how long it’s been since they’ve had the sewer line inspected. If it’s been longer than two years, we recommend getting a plumber out to inspect it with a camera inserted down the main line, to make sure the sewer system is working properly before you purchase the home. This will ensure you don’t inherit a mess!
Take a look at our article: Signs you have a sewage backup
Are the pipes ready for winter? The plumber can also check to make sure the pipes are ready for cold weather. Ideally, pipes will be wrapped, and vents will be checked to make sure that they can be closed off in winter when the temperature drops below freezing.
A word about water pressure. You’ll want to make sure the water pressure is good, so first, learn what size the pipes are in the home. In most cases, lines should be from ¾” to 1 inch from the main water source and pipes should be at least ½” in diameter.
Eliminate lead pipes. It’s very important to check whether the home you’re about to buy has any lead or galvanized plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes and lead is a serious environmental toxin that has been linked to illness. If the home indeed has lead pipes, you may want to steer clear of the purchasing it, or negotiate so the owner can replace the pipes before you buy.
Here’s a great video of a whole house plumbing inspection. Take a look to get a great idea of what to expect doing the inspection, and give us a call before you decided to buy. Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
While most of September and early October felt like summer outside, fall is most certainly on its way. This is one of the most important times of the year to check your home’s plumbing — before it gets cold outside and your home’s pipes and water heater start working overtime.
Luckily, the fall plumbing checklist we’ve created is simple and easy enough to complete in no time. In fact, it contains just five simple things. And if you do find that something needs a second look or repair, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber now, before winter’s busy season.
Check your water pressure
This is an especially important task if you’ve got a sink or bathtub that’s been slow to fill, a showerhead that hasn’t produced a strong, steady water stream, or a washing machine that takes forever to complete a cycle. There are many reasons your water pressure may be low, and you can get the ball rolling by first checking the water pressure throughout your home.
One of the simplest ways to check the pressure is with a water pressure gauge, readily available at any home improvement store. First, turn off a valve on your water outlet and attach the gauge. Then, turn the valve back on slowly and watch the needle. Normal water pressure is between 35-80 psi. If your water pressure gauge reads a number lower than that range, it’s time to call a plumber.
Inspect your drains
It’s a good idea to check every faucet in your home, as well as your shower and bathtub, dishwasher and toilets to make sure they are all draining properly. Slow drain issues could be caused by several things including clogged pipes or even broken pipes. Regardless, if you are noticing that sinks, toilets, and other places are slow to drain after you turn on the water source to investigate, let a plumber know. The last thing you want is a broken pipe problem in the middle of winter.
Find and fix any leaks
Take a look at your sinks, bathtubs and toilets, not to mention your ceilings, walls and your basement floor for leaks. If you detect any, now is the time to get them fixed. First, check around faucets and at the base of your sinks, tub and toilets for any leaking water or puddles. You can also look around your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater for pools of water.
Then, be sure to look at the ceilings to make sure any internal pipes aren’t leaking, and that leaks aren’t coming from the roof. You can also read your water heater before you leave for an errand or work. Then, when you return, providing no one else has used any water, check to see if the number has moved. If it has by more than a gallon, you may have a leak somewhere.
Detach the garden hoses
Alright, so you may have a few more weeks until you need to do this, but before the temps drop near freezing, do take the garden hoses indoors. Why? Water in the outdoor faucets and residual in the hoses can freeze in the winter and cause the pipes to crack and burst. It’s also a good idea to turn off the shut-off valve inside your home. And the colder weather can cause garden hoses to become brittle and crack, rendering them useless come spring.
Do a water heater inspection
This is definitely the time to make sure your water heater is up to the task come wintertime. Take a look to make sure there’s no sediment that’s accumulated in the heater, and double check that there aren’t any leaks from any valves or at the base of the heater. You’ll also want to get ready to move the temperature up. We recommend about 120 degrees during the cooler months.
If you do any fall plumbing check this year, let these five be top on the list. And remember: Don’t put off having any plumbing problems addressed and fixed by plumbing professionals. Get it done quickly to keep bigger issues at bay. Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
It’s not something you want to think about, but if you’re a homeowner it’s definitely something you need to be prepared for. We’re talking about sewage backup. And it happens more often than you might think, thanks to all sorts of culprits including clogs, cracks in the foundation of your home, and from tree root infiltration.
Sewage backup is never a DIY job. But, then, who would want it to be? Once you recognize one of the common signs of a sewage back up below, it’s time to call the plumber. Sure, it’s a dirty job but someone has to do it – and by someone we mean a professional plumber.
Six signs you have a sewage backup in your home
You can smell it. If you notice any foul smell, especially near or from your drains, you may have a sewage back up. This is usually the first indication of the problem, and it happens when the waste – which should be draining away from your home – gets clogged in the drain.
Slow drains throughout the house. Often, when you have a sewage backup, more than one drain will work very slowly. It starts in the lowest levels of your home when the sewer line gets clogged. Then, as the clog persists and the block gets worse, it will affect drains on other floors of the home, too. So, as soon as you observe a slow drain in the basement – and especially if it’s accompanied by an odor – call the plumber.
Your toilet or drain bubbles. Your drains have to eliminate wastewater, but when there’s a backup, you’ll likely see air bubbles in your drains or in the toilet. That’s because the water is becoming stagnant, and isn’t flowing out from the drains.
Backups in different drains. Sometimes when you’ve got sewage backup in one drain, it will affect another. For example, you may experience sewage backup in the shower after you flush your toilet. That would be happening because there’s a backup in the toilet line somewhere. When this happens, a plumber should investigate every drain, to make sure they thoroughly treat the problem.
Cleanout pipe problems. Your cleanout pipe is absolutely essential to flushing wastewater from your home. Located in your basement or outside of the house, the cleanout pipe connects with the sewer line. If you see any sewage in your yard – or in the basement – you could have a sewage backup. Additionally, if you see any standing water in your cleanout pipe, you may have a backup.
Many drains are clogged at once. As soon as you detect a clog in one drain, it’s a good idea to check the others. A telltale sign of sewage backup are multiple drains clogging at the same time.
Causes of sewage backup
How your sewage problem gets fixed really depends on what caused it in the first place. The most common culprit is a clogged pipe. Kitchen grease, soap scum, and even toilet paper can lead to clogs that can ultimately affect the sewage line. Additionally, older pipes can collapse, which can cause a sewage backup.
It’s important to note that even without trees near your home, tree roots from nearby can grow underneath your property and infiltrate the sewer line. When that happens, your plumber will need to cut the pipes away from the drain, which will probably have to be replaced or repaired.
Sewage backups stink (sorry, we couldn’t resist). If you think you’ve got one in your home, contact a plumber immediately. Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
There are many reasons to choose a natural drain cleaner. For starters, they’re much healthier for you and your family. Most over-the-counter drain cleaners have sulfuric acids or sodium hydroxide in them, and while these ingredients work fast, they’ll erode your drains if you use them too many times.
It’s good to know some ways to clean your drains naturally with products you may already have at home. Of course, if you’ve got a stubborn clog, you may need a professional drain cleaner – as in a professional plumber.
Below are six natural drain cleaners. Give one (or more) a try next time you’ve got a clogged drain.
Use a wire hanger. You can’t get much more DIY than this. You’ll need a good pair of pliers to unwind the wire, but you’ll want to keep the hook intact. Then, simply use the unwound hanger to pull out what’s blocking the drain. This technique works well in the bathroom for hair clogs.
Baking soda and vinegar. Pour about a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Essentially, you’ll want a half to half ratio for the two ingredients. Then, after about an hour, pour boiling water down the drain to clear it out.
Baking soda and salt. This is similar to the baking soda and vinegar technique. Again, you’ll need a half to half ratio, so about ½ cup each. Mix the salt and the baking soda together, pour down the drain, and then wait overnight to pour boiling water down the drain.
Borax, vinegar and salt. For this method, you’ll need ¼ cup of Borax, ¼ cup of salt, and about ½ cup of vinegar. Mix these ingredients together, pour the mixture down the drain and follow it by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. You’ll need to wait for the mixture to start working, then after a few hours (or you can wait overnight as well) run hot tap water to flush out the drain.
Water and dish soap. It sounds way too simple, but we promise you it can work. This technique is especially good for grease clogs. Start with about a half-gallon of water and add couple tablespoons if dish soap. Then, slowly pour it down the drain. Repeat if necessary.
Plunger. We’re not being cavalier here. The plunger technique is a tried-and-true method to remove clogs from drains and it’s particularly effective on kitchen drains where food can get lodge deep in the drainpipe.
In order for the plunger method to work, you’ll first need to make sure you’ve got a rubber suction cup plunger that fits your drain. Then, fill the sink up with warm water and start to plunge. You’ll need to apply pressure as you press and avoid letting any air get between the suction cup and the sink.
So, you’ve tried all these methods and none seem to work? It may be time to call a professional plumber.
And remember: the best way to avoid a clogged drain is to keep them free of things like eggshells, hair, and coffee grounds. Take care of your drains, and they’ll reward you by staying drain-free for years to come. Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.