Stunks are a recurring problem in many homes. They can cause significant inconvenience. It can be bad smells, localized flooding and risks of degradation of the facilities. Plugs in sewers can have various origins and are often caused by a progressive accumulation of various residues. Fortunately, there are simple and natural solutions to avoid this type of situation or remedy it quickly.
The causes of clogged pipes
The blocked pipes are usually the result of the accumulation of different types of waste in the pipes, namely:
- Food waste and fats;
- Hair and soap remains;
- Other foreign objects.
1. Food waste and fats
Food leftovers, including pieces of food, oils and fats, are one of the leading causes of clogging of pipes. By pouring into the sink, these substances solidify over time. They form a clogging that is difficult to eliminate. The greases attach to the walls of the pipes, which slows down the flow of water and eventually causes a complete plug.
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2. Hair and soap scraps
In bathrooms, hair often falls into sinks, showers and bathtubs. They mix with the soap residues, which creates a tangle that ends up clogging the pipes. Over time, this mixture compacts and forms a solid plug that can block the flow of water.
3. Foreign objects
Sometimes objects not intended to be thrown into the pipes, such as cotton swabs, wipes, small toys or packaging residues, end up in the pipes. These objects do not dissolve and can cause traffic jams that are difficult to dislodge.
A few simple steps to prevent clogged pipes
The best approach to clogged pipes is prevention. With a few simple habits and careful maintenance of your facilities, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogging:
1. Adopt good habits on a daily basis
To prevent food residues or grease from ending up in your drains, make sure to always throw leftover food in the trash. Use a filter to hold the smallest food debris and avoid emptying oil or grease into the pipes.
2. Installation of protective device
Install grilles or filters in your sinks, sinks and showers. These devices make it possible to capture hair, pieces of soap and other small debris before they infiltrate the pipes. It is then sufficient to clean these grids regularly to maintain a good flow.
3. Regular maintenance of pipes
Preventive maintenance of pipes makes it possible to quickly identify and treat signs of partially clogged sewers. For this, we recommend regularly pouring natural products into the pipes (white vinegar and baking soda). This habit makes it possible to maintain a good flow and avoid the accumulation of fat or limescale.
Some natural solutions to unclog your pipes
If your sewers are already clogged, natural solutions can be effective before using a plumber.
White vinegar and baking soda
This duo is one of the best known remedies for unclogging pipes. First pour half a cup of baking soda into the hose, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Then cover the sink or drain with a cap or cloth to let the mixture act for about 30 minutes. Then rinse with hot water to unlog the cap.
Baking soda and salt
Another method is to mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of salt. Pour this mixture into the pipes and leave to act for a few hours, then rinse with boiling water. This method helps dissolve grease and other debris that can clog pipes.
Boiling water
In some cases, pouring boiling water directly into the sewer may be enough to dissolve fat and food residues. Repeat the operation several times if necessary until you are satisfied.
What to do if natural tricks are ineffective?
Natural tricks are not 100% reliable. This means that they may not be effective. In this type of case, the ideal would be to call on a plumbing expert. The latter will be able to take matters into his own hands to solve the problem very quickly.