Home Remedies – Tips & Advice

Always use care before trying anything yourself. While older plumbing systems are more susceptible to damage by aggressive chemicals and clearing methods, all plumbing lines should be treated gently, no matter their age.

Clearing drains can be messy work! For your health and safety, protect yourself with appropriate attire: long sleeved shirts, heavy pants, rubber gloves, goggles, and a dust mask are all recommended. Wastewater and chemicals can be toxic, so keep your skin covered. When the job is done, change your clothes, thoroughly wash your hands with an antibacterial soap, and clean your tools.

Protect the area around the problem. Prepare for unexpected messes with buckets, rags, drop cloths, etc. Don’t let a small leak domino into an entire bathroom reno!

Before attempting any repair, know the location of your main clean-out and your main water shut-off.

Sinks

• Don’t put grease down the sink!
• Use strainers.
• For smelly or slow drains, use Drainbusters drain cleaner, a non-toxic enzyme that liquefies and removes grease, fats and organic matter. It contains no harsh chemicals so it’s safe to use on all septic and waste management systems. When you add it to your plumbing system, it purges buildup, eliminating the source of foul smelling odors.

Toilets

• Treat your toilet with respect! Remember that your toilet is NOT a garbage can! Only flush toilet paper – avoid feminine products, kitchen waste or other paper products.
• Maintain good flushing action by applying a descaler through the toilet filler tube in the tank.

Shower/Bath

• Use strainers to catch hair. This will help prevent clogs further down the line. Treat the drains regularly with Drainbusters drain cleaner.

Roof Vents

• When you’re up on your roof cleaning eavestroughs, run water down the roof vents to clear debris.