Monday, May 12, 2008

Clearing Blocked Drains With Drain Cleaner

One of the most aggravating things to encounter is a blocked drain. Though, it maybe a bit aggravating, there is a simple remedy. Before you call a plumber out or start plunging the sink try using a drain clearer. It is one of the easiest ways to clear a blocked drain. They are easy to use and there are several choices on the market.

You can find drain cleaner at most grocery stores, or any home improvement store. The cleaners that are available to the general public work by using either an acid based solution or an alkaline solution. This is the active ingredient in the drain cleaner that will break up and dissolve the clog. There are several new cleaners entering the market that call themselves "natural" cures to clogged drains. They use enzymes to eat through the grease and clog.

The prevailing wisdom is that the thicker the cleaning solution the better. This is because if the drain cleaner is thick, it will fill the entire pipe and cling to the walls of the pipes longer. This will clean the pipes quicker and remove any buildup that resulting in pipe becoming clogged in the first place.

Make sure that you read the directions. If you have a septic tank, make sure that the product specifically states that it is safe for septic systems. All you need to do is pour the amount the directions say into the drain. Do not just pour it all in, save at least a quarter of the bottle, in case you need to repeat the process. Let the drain cleaner sit for at least 20 minutes. If there is still standing water, let it sit for an additional 20 minutes. Once the water has cleared, turn the hot water on and let it run for five minutes. If the drain shows any sign that it is not completely cleared, repeat the process with the remaining drain cleaner.

A few safety tips to keep in mind. Wear safety goggles when pouring the drain cleaner, if any were to splash in your eyes it would burn badly. Make sure the room you are in is well ventilated. And most importantly, never mix cleaners; they can combine to make very toxic fumes. Clearing a blocked drain is easy to do with drain cleaner and should be your first step when trying to clear a clog.

J Wakefield is a part time freelance writer for PAV Plumbing Sydney. For further information on clearing a blocked drain using drain cleaner please visit the PAV Plumbing website.

PAV Plumbing is a fast response service offering plumbing solutions with superior customer service. Call for an experienced and reliable Sydney plumber.

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