subject: How To Unclog A Drain: Eliminate Standing Water And Get Rid Of Pests [print this page] As any professional exterminator will tell you, standing water is one of the biggest attractants for pests within a home. Unnecessary moisture caused by damp basements, leaky pipes, and standing water will easily entice insects to come into your house and set up shop.
Certain household invaders, like termites and cockroaches, require damp environments in order to thrive. When you fix a leaky pipe or clogged drain to eliminate a source of standing water, you can greatly reduce your risk of an insect infestation at home.
Quick Tips to Unclog a Drain
For a small household issue like a clogged drain that may be causing standing water, you don't necessarily have to pay for a plumber to come out and assess the problem. A moderately clogged drain can be opened up with a homemade cleaning solution made of baking soda and vinegar.
As word of caution, these ingredients need to be used carefully since they will create foam and fumes when combined. To unclog a semi-clogged drain, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the sink, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for roughly 3 hours before running water to clear the pipes.
If a sluggish drain has been caused by grease buildup in a kitchen, you can use a similar treatment. Pour 1/2 cup of salt into a sink drain, followed by 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2-4 cups of boiling water. Allow the mixture to sit overnight before flushing with fresh water.
For a drain clog that won't budge, you can use another home remedy in a bent wire hanger. Although this method seems incredibly simple, it can be quite effective in freeing a drain from any debris. Start with a wire coat hanger and straighten it as much as possible. Bend one end to create a hook; push the hook into the drain and begin fishing for the clog.
With this method, it's important to use the hook properly to pull out debris instead of pushing it further into the drain. Once you've pulled out the source of the problem, run hot water to flush the drain completely so that pipes will flow clearly again.
As a last resort, many homeowners choose to use a wet and dry shop vacuum as a handy drain unclogger. Start by using the vacuum on the first setting to vacuum liquids after creating a tight seal over the drain. When a wet and dry vac is on the highest setting, it can easily pull a clog from a pipe into its vacuum bag.
When to Contact a Professional
If any of the methods above don't seem to do the trick, it may be time to contact a professional plumber before disassembling pipes underneath a sink yourself.
In addition, if you've already spotted signs of an insect infestation due to areas of standing water in your home, it's critical to contact an exterminator immediately. A professional pest control company that specializes in Mosquito Control Birmingham will be able to assess the issue to determine if insects have already nested and require extermination.
