If you or a plumber Brisbane Northside have ever dealt with a clogged sink or a backed-up toilet, then you know how frustrating it can be. Grease and oil are two of the main culprits when it comes to plumbing problems. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
It is no secret that grease and oil can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If not dealt with promptly, they can cause serious clogs and backups. Not to mention, they can be extremely difficult to remove once they have built up in your pipes.
The good news is that there are a few methods you can use to effectively remove grease and oil from your plumbing. Make use of the following guidelines to effectively take grease and oil out of your pipes.
Use boiling water
One of the simplest ways to remove grease and oil from your plumbing is to pour boiling water down the affected drain. This method works best if the clog is fresh and has not had time to harden.
Try salt water
Saltwater is another effective way to break down grease and oil. Mix 1/2 cup of salt into a gallon of boiling water and pour it down the drain. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before flushing with hot water.
Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is another natural cleaner that can be used to remove grease and oil from your plumbing. Simply pour 1/2 cup of lemon juice down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water.
Use a plunger
If boiling water does not do the trick, you may need to use a plunger to dislodge the clog. Be sure to cover the overflow drain with a wet rag to create a seal before plunging.
Use a plumbing snake
If a plunger does not do the trick, you may need to use a plumbing snake. This tool can be inserted into the drain to break up the clog.
Use an enzyme cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are designed to break down grease and oil. Simply pour the cleaner down the drain and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before flushing with hot water.
Use baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a classic combination for unclogging drains. Simply pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
Use a chemical drain cleaner
If all else fails, you can use a chemical drain cleaner. Be sure to use caution when handling these cleaners as they can be harmful if used incorrectly.
Prevention is key
The best way to deal with grease and oil in your plumbing is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Some simple tips for preventing grease and oil buildup include:
-Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
-Install strainers in all of your drains to catch food particles and other debris.
-Run hot water down the drain after each use.
-Periodically flush your drains with hot water and baking soda.
Schedule regular drain cleaning
Another way to prevent grease and oil buildup in your plumbing is to schedule regular drain cleaning with a professional. This will ensure that your drains are free of any build-up and are functioning properly.
Be mindful of what you put down the drain
One of the best ways to keep your drains clear is to be mindful of what you put down them. Avoid putting any grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain.
Do not use harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing and should be avoided. If you must use a chemical cleaner, be sure to choose one that is designed for use in plumbing.
Use detergent
If you have dish soap or laundry detergent in your home, you can use it to remove grease and oil from your plumbing. Simply pour a small amount of detergent down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water to rinse away the residue.
Call a Professional
If you have tried all of the above methods and the clog persists, it is time to call a professional. A plumber will have the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively remove the clog and get your plumbing back to working order.