Are your pipes kicking your butt? Without a doubt, pipe problems are frustrating. Whether it is dripping faucets, groaning noises, or leaks, it can get messy. You could call a plumber but people want to try anything before you call a plumber. If you are facing plumbing woes, you can try these home remedies to fix your problems.
Before you start these remedies, make sure your pipes are actually in trouble. While none of these remedies will make your piping problem worse, it’s better not to waste your resources. Some indicators that your pipes are in distress include:
Salt & White Vinegar
You might be wondering how salt and white vinegar can fix your pipes, but it’s pretty simple. Salt has a rough texture that can act as an abrasive to clean up buildup. Salt can also break down grease and emulsify fats. Meanwhile, vinegar’s acidic nature can break down organic compounds like soap scum and hair.
If you are using this remedy. you need to pour a tablespoon of salt and 1/4 cup of vinegar into your sink and let it sit for an hour, then running hot water will loosen particles from your drain.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Another combination that can help clean out your pipes is baking soda and vinegar. When you combine a base (baking soda) with an acid (vinegar) creates a chemical reaction that produces bubbles. This reaction can remove loose materials and residue from inside the pipe without getting invasive.
Drain Snake
If the above remedies do not work, you might need to get the drain snake. This piece of hardware allows you to get deep into your pipes without using chemicals. The drain snake can help you break down compounds inside the pipes that could be causing the problem. After you are done with the Snake, run some hot water or one of the remedies above to finish the cleaning.
Water Helps Pipe Problems
People underestimate the power of water. Filling your sink with water and unplugging once a week will flush your pipes clean. For grease buildups, boil water and pour it down the drain.
Prevention is the best cure for pipe problems. Many plumbing problems can be prevented by monitoring what you put inside of your pipes. People typically have the most problems out of their bathrooms and kitchen sinks. Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are still substances that your garbage disposal can not grind up which can lead to blockages. Things that can cause blockages are coffee grounds, food particles, and grease. To protect your drain, we suggest using strainers and running cold water while you’re using your garbage disposal.
Newer PVC or copper pipes handle gunk from your drain better. Contact Detroit Nipple Works in Michigan to end your plumbing nightmares by providing you with a new set of pipes. Also, we offer pipes, fittings, and more!