A drain snake is a versatile tool for dislodging stubborn blockages deep within your drain pipes. Simply insert the snake into the drain and gently push it forward to encounter the obstruction. Then, use a combination of pushing and pulling motions to dislodge and remove the blockage.
Use a drain snake.
If your plunger does not clear the blockage, try using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible piece of steel attached to a handle that is used to dislodge the buildup that clogs pipes.
Sodium hydroxide: Also known as lye or caustic soda, sodium hydroxide can be effective for breaking down tough clogs in PVC pipes. However, it is a harsh chemical and should be used with caution, following all safety instructions on the label.
Non-Chemical: Using a plunger or drain snake is highly effective and safe for all types of pipes, including plastic. Handheld Drain Augers: For more stubborn clogs, a drain snake or auger can physically remove the blockage without any risk to the pipes.
While vinegar and baking soda are touted as natural cleaning agents, excessive or frequent use may pose risks to pipes. To avoid potential damage, reach out to a drain cleaning company for drain cleaning instead.
Using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain is an effective and natural cleaning method, which some people prefer over harsher chemicals. It works great for weaker drain clogs. By using this mixture periodically, you may be able to avoid clogs altogether (and the need for a more powerful cleaner like Drano).
4 – Bleach can damage pipes.
Bleach reacts with metal and is very corrosive, with rust or oxidation caused by the trading of electrons between the metal and bleach molecules. Copper pipes can also be damaged making them more prone to plumbing leaks. With PVC pipes, bleach dissolves the sealant used around the pipes.
Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.
Use a drain snake
A drain snake is the professional plumber's go-to drain unblock tool, which does an excellent job of removing clogs in both an indoor and an outdoor drain pipe.
This is a big deal when you live in a home with a septic system. We were always hesitant to use certain products in the past and Green Gobbler's products truly give us peace of mind. The Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolverdoes not contain bleach or sodium hydroxide, and it's safe for PVC and copper pipes.
A lot of folks know the baking soda and vinegar trick. Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog.
If you have a clogged PVC pipe or want to prevent your pipes from clogging, it may be time to clean the inside of your pipes. Fortunately, with a plunger or snake and some dish soap or enzyme / bacterial drain cleaner, you can easily clean most PVC type piping on your own.
For stubborn clogs: baking soda, salt, and vinegar
To clean your drain with baking soda, salt and vinegar, mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt and pour the mixture down the drain. Boil 1 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain — the combination will cause a fizzy and bubbly chemical reaction.
One of the most effective options for clearing a partially clogged sink or shower drain is to use vinegar and baking soda. You will want to pour around a cup or two of each down the drain and then let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
For PVC glue that has started to set, you'll need to use acetone on a clean cloth to wipe it away.
One option is to use a drain snake or auger to physically remove the clog. Another effective technique is to create a chemical reaction using baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover is effective on these clog types as well. Keep some on hand for its reliable clog-busting power!
Apply any household spray cleaner on the PVC pipe and allow it to soak. Next, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away dirt particles from hard-to-reach areas inside the PVC pipe. Wipe down the PVC pipe with a lint-free cloth. Repeat the process as necessary.
Glug® Bath Liquid Drain Opener will not harm plumbing fixtures and is safe for use on plastic pipe, porcelain, and all metal pipes (except aluminum). Hercules Glug® Crystals Drain Opener also works great to clear bathroom drains.
The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.
Spray the pipe with a household cleaner, such as Windex™, or another all-purpose cleaner, such as 409™.
Drain Line Material
Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan. If your drain line is PVC, stick to white distilled vinegar for clearing clogs and debris, particularly during winter.
All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean. It's not going to actually clean your A/C drain, but it can prevent some backups.