Drain Cleaning Perth is essential to properly functioning your home’s plumbing system. While many DIY methods are available, a professional plumber has specialized tools and more extensive knowledge to help ensure your drains remain clear and functioning properly.

A popular DIY drain cleaning method involves pouring a cup of baking soda and hot water down the drain to create a chemical reaction that breaks down debris and cleans pipes. However, this is only a temporary fix and will likely need to be repeated.

Getting rid of a drain clog as soon as you notice it can save you money, time, and hassle. It can also prevent more serious problems, including water damage to your counters and floors. A clogged drain can also harbor bacteria and attract pests.

Food waste is one of the leading causes of clogged drains, particularly hard-to-dissolve items like coffee grounds or eggshells. Grease and oil are another common culprit, as they can solidify into hard-to-remove clogs. Hair, both from human and pet sources, is also a major contributor to clogged drains. It’s best to avoid putting hair down the drain, especially in the shower or bathtub.

The minerals in hard water can also build up and block your pipes over time, so installing a water softener can help with this problem. Recognizing the early signs of a clogged drain, such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or odors, is key to avoiding a costly plumbing repair.

If your clogged drain is caused by grease, hair, or other substances that can’t be easily broken down with hot water or a plunger, try using a wire drain snake (or “snake”). Start by removing the pop-up assembly under the sink and feeding the snake into the drain while cranking the handle. Be careful not to push the clog further down the pipe, as this could cause more damage and may require professional assistance.

When a clog is too stubborn to resolve with these home remedies, it’s often a good idea to call in a plumber to avoid a costly plumbing repair bill. However, if you’re unable to fix your clogged drain, you can try using a regular wire coat hanger. Straighten out the hanger as much as possible, then bend one end over to create a small hook. Push it down the drain and begin fishing out any gunk or hair you can see.

If you’re able to clear out the clog with this method, it’s a good idea to rinse the pipe with hot water afterward to remove any remaining residue. If you still have a persistent clog, it might be a sign of more significant issues such as a blocked sewer line or septic system, or blocked plumbing vents.

Slow Water Flow

Slow water flow can be frustrating and may indicate a larger problem. If you notice slow water flow, locate the shut off valves (usually located underneath sinks) and turn them counter-clockwise as much as possible to get your water flowing again. If the issue persists, you may have a clog in your pipes.

Start by checking and cleaning your aerator. Aerators are the small caps that screw on to your faucets and have a screen that can become clogged with sediment over time, which impedes water flow. Remove and clean your aerator screens to see if this fixes the problem.

If you find that your water flow is still slow, or if you are uncomfortable tinkering with your plumbing for fear of creating a bigger problem, consult with a professional. Clogged piping can be more serious and could lead to pipe bursts and other problems. Clogged piping is not something that can be fixed by pouring a chemical drainer down your sink.

Bacteria and Mold

Some drains in the home are prone to bacterial and mold growth, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. When a drain grows these organisms, it can contribute to foul odors, create a health hazard for family members with respiratory issues or allergies and lead to clogs and other problems. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance can help prevent these organisms from taking hold.

The most common occurrence of bacteria and mold in sink drains is black slime that forms in the center of the drain. This slime is caused by hair, oil, soap scum, food and more, and it can be extremely difficult to remove once it’s established. It can be eliminated with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. The two ingredients will fizz and combine to clean out the residue in your drain, removing the odors. Once the mixture has finished working, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to rinse the drain and stop it from becoming clogged again.

Another way to get rid of odors and kill fungi and bacteria is to use liquid bleach. It can be used in the same fashion as baking soda and vinegar, but it is safer to use around pipes because it does not release any gases. It is important to use this product sparingly, however, as too much bleach can damage your pipes and create toxic fumes that are not good for the environment or your health.

Other options for sanitizing drains include lemon juice, citrus peels and salt. These household items are great for rinsing drains because they contain acidic properties that work to break down organic material in your drain. Lemon juice and citrus peels also have antibacterial properties, which can help prevent bacterial and mold growth in the long run.

Another option is to buy a biological drain cleaner, which works with natural enzymes to digest and eliminate organic waste like hair, grease, oil, soap scum, paper and food particles. These products are safe for the environment, your pipes and your septic system, but they may take a little longer to work than chemical drain cleaners.

Pests

Drains attract a variety of pests because they are a warm, moisture-rich environment. This makes them the perfect breeding place for bugs such as flies, gnats, and even cockroaches, who can spread dangerous bacteria throughout your home. A regular schedule of drain cleaning can help you prevent these unwelcome visitors from taking up residence in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement.

The most common drain bug is the dreaded drain fly. These moth-like flies breed in standing water, including the gunk that collects in dirty drain pipes. They are also drawn to other sources of organic material such as garbage, rotting food, and animal waste. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their maggots can trigger bronchial asthma in susceptible individuals. A large drain fly infestation is not something that can easily be controlled, but the good news is that it can be prevented.

A simple way to get rid of a drain fly problem is to cover the affected drain with a piece of duct tape. The flies will be trapped in the tape and will not be able to escape. Do this for several nights in a row, and you should see an improvement. If the infestation persists, you may need to use a commercial drain cleaner.

Fungus gnats are another pest that can live in your drains. These flies love the slimy, rotting debris found in dirty drains, and they can also be found in other places such as your trash containers, mop buckets, and house plants.

Cockroaches are perhaps the most notorious drain pests, as they are known to cause serious diseases in people and animals through their bites. Unlike drain flies, roaches can move quickly from one area of your home to another in search of food and shelter. They can also carry bacteria and other germs from the outside world that could make you sick.

As with dreaded drain flies, preventing a cockroach infestation is not difficult with a little proactive maintenance. This can include ensuring that the water flows freely through drain pipes, checking for and fixing any leaking pipes around the house where pools of water may be forming, removing outdoor trash regularly, and keeping kitchen and bathroom floors clean. You can also deter these pests by placing small sachets of bug-repelling essential oils around your home, such as lavender or eucalyptus.