A slow drain is more than just a minor annoyance. That gurgling sound from your kitchen sink, the standing water in your shower, or that unpleasant odor you can’t quite place—these are all signs that your plumbing system is calling for help. Here at MD Sewer & Plumbing, we’ve been serving our neighbors in Pasadena and surrounding Maryland communities for over 35 years. In that time, we’ve seen it all, from simple hair clogs to major sewer line blockages.
Dealing with a clogged drain can be frustrating, especially for busy homeowners and professionals who don’t have time for plumbing problems. You might be tempted to reach for a quick fix off the shelf, but that’s not always the best solution. In this guide, we’ll share our expert insights on how to properly clean your drains, which DIY methods are safe and effective, and when it’s time to call in the professionals for a drain cleaning. We want to empower you with the knowledge to protect your home from costly plumbing repairs and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
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What’s the Best Way to Clean Drain Clogs? DIY vs. Professional
When you’re faced with a clogged drain, you have two main options: handle it yourself or call a professional plumber. For minor clogs, some DIY methods can be effective. However, for recurring or severe blockages, professional drain cleaning services are essential to protect your plumbing system.
DIY Drain Cleaning Tools and Methods
If you want to try clearing a clog yourself, there are several methods you can use. These are best for simple clogs, like hair in a shower drain or food particles in a kitchen sink.
1. Boiling Water
One of the simplest and most effective ways to clear minor clogs is by using boiling water. This method works well for breaking down grease, soap scum, and other soft blockages that accumulate in your kitchen and bathroom drains.
- How to do it: Boil a large pot of water and slowly pour it directly down the drain in two or three stages. This allows the hot water to work on the clog for a few seconds at a time.
- Best for: Kitchen sink drains clogged with grease and bathroom drains with soap buildup.
- Caution: Don’t use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as extreme heat can soften or damage the joints. It’s also not recommended for toilets, as it can crack the porcelain bowl.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a classic, natural drain cleaner that can dissolve minor clogs without using harsh chemicals. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzing action that can break up hair and grime.
- How to do it: Pour about a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain to contain the reaction and let it sit for at least an hour. For tough clogs, you can leave it overnight. Finally, flush the drain with a pot of boiling water.
- Best for: Freshening drains, clearing slow drains, and tackling minor clogs in sinks and tubs.
- Why we like it: It’s an eco-friendly and safe alternative to chemical cleaners that won’t damage your plumbing pipes.
3. Plungers
A plunger is a must-have tool for any homeowner. Different plungers are designed for different drains. A standard cup plunger is great for sinks and tubs, while a flange plunger is designed for toilets.
- How to use it on a sink or tub: Make sure there’s enough water in the sink or tub to cover the plunger’s cup. Create a tight seal over the drain opening and push and pull with firm, steady motions for about 20 seconds. The pressure should dislodge the blockage.
- Best for: Simple clogs in toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
4. Drain Snake
For clogs that are a bit deeper in the pipe, a drain snake (or auger) is an effective tool. You can find simple, plastic barbed drain snakes at most hardware stores, which are great for pulling hair out of bathroom drains.
- How to use it: Insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Twist and push gently to break through the clog or hook onto it. Slowly pull the snake back out, bringing the debris with it.
- Best for: Hair clogs in the shower and bathroom sink drains.
These DIY methods are useful for managing minor, infrequent clogs. However, if you find yourself dealing with recurring clogs, slow drainage in multiple fixtures, or foul odors, it’s a sign of a deeper problem that requires professional attention.
Why Use Safe and Non-Harsh Products for Your Home? Leave The Serious Stuff To The Professionals
Walk down any cleaning aisle, and you’ll see shelves of chemical drain cleaners promising a quick fix. While they might seem convenient, we strongly advise against using them. As professional plumbers with over three decades of experience, we’ve seen firsthand the damage these harsh chemicals can cause.
Here are a few drain-clearing products that are safe and made for homeowners.
Earth Friendly Products Dishmate Liquid Dish Soap
This plant-powered dish soap is free from harsh chemicals and gentle on hands while effectively cutting through grease.
Buy Earth Friendly Products Dishmate Liquid Dish Soap
Seventh Generation Bathroom Cleaner
Formulated with plant-based ingredients, this cleaner tackles bathroom grime without emitting strong, harmful fumes.
Buy Seventh Generation Bathroom Cleaner
Better Life Floor Cleaner
A safe, natural choice for cleaning your floors, this product leaves behind no residues or harmful chemicals, protecting your home and the environment.
Buy Better Life Floor Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
Made with essential oils and natural ingredients, this cleaner is tough on dirt but safe for your home.
Buy Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent
This non-toxic, biodegradable detergent is a perfect option for clean, fresh clothes without the use of harsh chemicals.
Buy Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
A versatile soap free of synthetic preservatives and detergents, it’s gentle enough for home use while being highly effective.
Buy Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Biokleen Bac-Out Stain & Odor Remover
This product utilizes natural enzymes to remove tough stains and odors, making it a safer alternative to chemical-heavy cleaners.
Buy Biokleen Bac-Out Stain & Odor Remover
These products offer safe and effective solutions for maintaining your plumbing, and most are widely available online for your convenience. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
If it’s not a simple clog, don’t DIY it. Don’t risk the damage, and contact MD Sewer and Plumbing today!
When to Call a Professional for Drain Cleaning Services
While DIY methods can handle small issues, there are many situations where calling for professional drain cleaning is the smartest and safest choice. At MD Sewer & Plumbing, we have the advanced tools and expertise to solve any drain problem, big or small.
You should schedule a professional drain service if you notice:
- Recurring Clogs: If you’re constantly dealing with the same clogged drain, it’s a sign that a DIY solution isn’t fully removing the blockage.
- Multiple Slow Drains: When sinks, toilets, and showers throughout your house are draining slowly, it usually points to a blockage in your main sewer line. This is a serious issue that requires a professional.
- Foul Odors: Persistent bad smells coming from your plumbing drains often indicate a buildup of sewer gas or a problem in your main sewer line.
- Gurgling Sounds: If you hear gurgling from your toilets or drains when you use another plumbing fixture, it’s a classic sign of a main line blockage.
- Water Backups: If water backs up into your shower when you flush the toilet or run the washing machine, call a plumber immediately.
With our 24/7 emergency services, you never have to wait. We’re always ready to respond quickly and fix your plumbing problems with minimal disruption to your day.
How Much Does Professional Drain Cleaning Cost?
The cost of professional drain cleaning can vary depending on several factors, including the location and severity of the clog.
How much does it cost to get a main drain cleaned?
Cleaning a main sewer line is more complex than clearing a single drain. The cost typically ranges from $200 to $600. The price depends on the accessibility of the clean-out and the method required. For a simple clog that can be cleared with a drain snake, the cost will be on the lower end. However, if the clog is caused by tree roots or requires hydro jetting, the price will be higher. At MD Sewer & Plumbing, we always provide honest, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
What is the average cost of sewer drain cleaning?
The average cost for sewer drain cleaning services for a clogged drain in a home is typically between $150 and $450. This can include clearing a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or shower drain. Factors that affect the price include:
- The location of the clog: A blockage in the P-trap under your sink is easier to reach than one deep in the drain lines.
- The severity of the clog: A stubborn clog made of grease and food particles may require more time and effort than a simple hair clog.
We offer free estimates for all our services, so you can understand the costs before we begin any work.
Protect Your Home with MD Sewer & Plumbing
A clogged drain is a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. By understanding the right ways to maintain your drains and knowing when to call for help, you can protect your home’s plumbing system and avoid expensive repairs. For over 35 years, our family-owned business has been committed to providing our neighbors in Pasadena, MD, and beyond with fast, reliable, and affordable plumbing solutions.
Whether you need emergency repairs, routine drain cleaning, or a free estimate, our licensed technicians are ready to help 24/7. Don’t wait for a small problem to become a big one. Experience the difference of family-owned service.
