Drain cleaning is one of those unpleasant, but necessary, jobs that most homeowners will have to deal with one day. Unfortunately, many people never think about drain cleaning until they already have blockage, clog, or other problem with their drains. The truth is, most drainage problems such as blocks are easily preventable by regular drain cleaning. And nowadays you don’t even have to use harsh chemicals to do it.
Eco-friendly websites advise against using commercial chemical cleaners for drain cleaning, as they contain harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals such as lye or acid. While they may get the drain cleaning job done, they can harm your health, contaminate water supplies, and damage your home’s drainage pipes. The caustic ingredients in chemical drain cleaning supplies can eat away at the material of your pipes, leaving you with an even more serious problem than you had before! Natural drain cleaners can be just as effective at drain cleaning as their chemical counterparts, but have the advantage of being far better for the environment.
Most of the large manufacturers of drain cleaning supplies offer natural drain cleaning options, as they recognise the demand for natural, eco-friendly drain cleaning products. Most of these utilise enzymes and bacteria to, over time, eat away the organic waste which gathers in your drain. They are non-toxic, will not release fumes into your home, and are far less caustic than chemical alternatives, making them far better for you, your drains, and the environment. The organic matter in your drains is turned into water and CO2 which can harmlessly leave your drains. Common blockages from thing like oil, soap, food scraps, fat, and hair can be largely prevented by regular use of drain cleaning products such as this.
Homemade natural drain cleaning remedies include baking soda, washing liquid or powder, baking soda and vinegar, and plain boiling water. If the blockage is not too large, these simple fixes will often prove very effective at drain cleaning. You can also try manual drain cleaning, using simple tools such as a plunger or a plumber’s snake. These can be found at any hardware store, and are good for shifting more stubborn clogs. Another natural drain cleaning solution is to periodically give the strainers and filters on your sinks, drains, and washing machine a good clean. These can become clogged up with dirt and grime, and a are a common cause of drain clogs and sluggish drains. Giving them a good scrub with soap and hot water will go a long way towards preventing future drainage issues.
However, if you find that the blockage refuses to shift, you may need to call in a professional plumber, who will have drain cleaning equipment and expertise that is unavailable to the average homeowner. They can inspect your entire drainage system to see if there is a larger issue, and can give you advice on the best way to fix the problem.


