Best sewer cleaners near Eastsound, WA

Common drain issues include slow-running drains, whether in a sink or shower, clogged drains, a bad smell, and water backing up into a sink, shower, or bathtub. Causes range from hair, grease, roots, or toilet paper clogging the drainpipes to flooding outside the home, which prevents sewer lines from draining properly.

While some chemical drain cleaners with hydrochloric acid can dissolve hair, this method is not recommended as it can also destroy your plumbing pipes. A common DIY alternative is using baking soda and vinegar, which can help break down the clog but will not actually dissolve the hair. The best and safest method for clearing a hair clog is to remove it manually. You can use a drain snake, a straightened wire hanger with pliers to fish out the clog, or have a plumber use a professional auger for more severe blockages.

Bleach isn’t likely to help unclog a sewer line. Bleach isn’t useful in this situation because it won’t dissolve the grime and debris in the clog. Instead, you want to use ingredients that will have a chemical reaction to clear out the buildup, like vinegar or salt and baking soda.

If you’re wondering whether rats can come up the toilet, the unfortunate answer is yes, it’s possible, though it’s extremely rare. These rodents are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes in search of food, and they may follow plumbing lines leading to your home if they’re drawn by the scent of scraps and waste. The toilet’s U-bend holds a small pocket of air, which can help a rat catch its breath before making its final push into your bathroom. While more common in cities with larger rat populations, this can happen anywhere with connected sewer systems; sealing entry points and keeping drains clean can help reduce the risk.