Keeping Drains Clear

At A-1 American we know that eventually all homeowners will have to deal with a clogged kitchen or bathroom drain. We are committed to your comfort, and part of that commitment is to offer ways to keep you from needing our service through preventive maintenance.

Over time drains can become slowly clogged from grease, grime and gunk. By cleaning them on a regular basis, you can often avoid the cost of emergency plumbing. Regular treatment will also help keep drains fresh and odor-free.

Safe and Non-Toxic Treatments.

Pour a cup of dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser into the sink. Pour it slowly around the circumference of the drain opening to help ensure the liquid touches all areas of the drain pipe. Let the liquid stand for awhile to let it do its job. Then rinse with hot tap water.

Baking soda, vinegar and hot water can also do the trick. Pour baking soda into the drain trying to cover all sides of the drain pipe. Pour several tablespoons of vinegar down the drain one spoon full at a time allowing the baking soda to foam before adding another spoon full.

Let the mixture interact. The foaming of the baking soda and vinegar should break up grease deposits and kill odor causing bacteria. After a few minutes, run hot water into the drain to wash the debris away. Repeating the process every few weeks or so will help your drains to run clear and smelling fresh.

BE CAREFUL: do not use boiling water if you have plastic PVC pipes as water over 175 degrees Fahrenheit can soften some types of PVC pipe possibly loosening joints (and water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit)