Clogged Drains? Use These Natural Solutions Instead of Drano

When it comes to drain maintenance and the overall health of your septic system, knowing how to correctly clear a drain can become one of your best assets. There are plenty of effective and natural ways to unclog your drains. But while clogged drains are one of the most common septic system problems, many people are still using a very outdated, ineffective and harmful way to fix them. While it may seem surprising, putting drano down your sink is actually one of the worst possible things you could do for your drains. Why? 

While Drano may be abrasive enough to break down whatever is blocking your drain line, it is also powerful enough to corrode the very lining of your pipes.  Not only that, but the chemicals in Drano can also upset the chemical balance of your septic tank, if your home has one. As a result of continual usage of this harmful abrasive drainage cleaner, your drain pipes will crack and your entire septic system could eventually fail. This quick fix for a small drain blockage problem will eventually turn into a much more expensive and complicated headache. 

Instead, take your pick out of these homemade Drano alternatives. All of them are much less harmful then Drano, and range in effectiveness. We will start with the least effective and end with the most effective natural way to clear clogged drains. 

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Shake a few tablespoons of baking soda down your kitchen drain, followed by about a cup of white vinegar. While this is an effective method of removing surface grime and debris,  this is probably the least effective at getting out common drain blockers, like fat, oil and grease. 

2. Salt: While salt is a bit more powerful than the baking soda/vinegar combo, it isn't quite strong enough to clear an existing drain. However, pouring salt and water regularly down your drain can help prevent build up. 

3. Hot Water and Dish Soap: This simple combination is one of the more effective ways to clear your drain without Drano. The combination of the hot water and dish soap can help break down the oils and fats that are the probable culprits of your blocked drain line. 

4. Call a Professional: Sometimes a clog just needs professional help. Our experienced technicians at ASAP can clear your drain in no time using a special technique called hydrojetting. By pushing a high pressure hose through your drain, we can effectively clean your pipes without hurting them. We also offer drain line inspections so that you can be sure that your pipes are in tip top shape!

With a combination of regular, natural maintenance and professional help, your drain can stay clear and work well for your home. If you are seeing the signs of a clogged drain, such as a slow draining bathroom, RV or kitchen sink, call ASAP Septic today at 208-991-7184.