When a clog stops up your bathroom or kitchen drain, it can bring your day to a grinding halt. Luckily, there are several simple methods to clear clogged drains using household supplies. In this blog, we explore using hydrogen peroxide to unclog drains in your home.
Understanding Hydrogen Peroxide & Drains
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic known for its oxidizing properties, which make it useful for cleaning and disinfecting cuts. It’s praised for being an environmentally friendly and non-toxic household cleaner.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Damage Plumbing?
No, hydrogen peroxide will not damage your plumbing. Unlike harsh chemicals, hydrogen peroxide is safe for drains. It is less corrosive than commercial chemical drain cleaners and can be used without damaging plumbing fixtures or pipes. This makes it a safe alternative to store-bought drain cleaners.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Dissolve Hair in the Drain?
Hydrogen peroxide can break down organic substances like hair due to its oxidizing properties, making it an effective treatment for hair clogs in drains. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the concentration of the peroxide and the extent of the clog.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Unclog a Drain
Here’s how to unclog a sink drain using hydrogen peroxide as a drain cleaner:
1. Gather Supplies
Ensure you have a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, which is commonly available over the counter at the pharmacy. You’ll also need some hot water.
2. Pour the Hydrogen Peroxide
Directly pour one cup of hydrogen peroxide down the clogged drain.
3. Wait 20-30 Minutes
Allow the solution to sit and work through the clog for at least 20-30 minutes. For stubborn clogs, wait a couple of hours. The hydrogen peroxide will help break down organic materials like hair and soap scum.
4. Flush Your Drain With Hot Water
After at least 20-30 minutes, pour hot water down the drain to clear out the debris loosened by the hydrogen peroxide. Repeat the process if necessary to fully dissolve the organic matter in your drain.
This method is environmentally friendly and can be used regularly to keep your drains clear of buildup.
Other Drain Clearing Methods
If hydrogen peroxide doesn’t clear your drain, here are some other effective drain methods you can try:
1. Wire Hanger
Sometimes, the tried-and-true methods still work. If you have a wire coat hanger around your home that you don’t mind seeing mangled, bend it into a small hook and use it to pull out the hair and grime in your sink or shower drain.
2. Baking Soda & Vinegar
Take 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar, mix them together, and immediately pour the mixture down the drain. Allow it to sit for at least an hour and then flush with hot water.
3. Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that you insert into the drain to physically remove clogs. This can be particularly effective for deeper and tougher clogs that chemical agents cannot reach.
Talk to a Professional Drain Specialist
If your drain clog persists after trying these methods, it might be time to call in a professional plumbing service. A skilled technician will have the tools and expertise to tackle even the most stubborn clogs. Contact Roth Home today for professional drain cleaning in Portland.
