Drain Cleaning Tips for Las Vegas, NV Homeowners

When it’s time to clean your drain, you may experience slow draining water or even signs of a clog. At BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair, we’re experts in drain cleaning methods. We’re going to share top drain cleaning tips for Las Vegas homeowners to ensure water drains properly.

Why Drain Cleaning Matters in Las Vegas’ Desert Climate

Drain cleaning is crucial in Las Vegas’ high desert climate due to high levels of hard water mineral buildup. The minerals in hard water often clog drainpipes and cause lower efficiency. Additionally, with Las Vegas’ arid environment, drains may see accumulation of sand and mud washed into the drainage system.

HVAC Humidity, Hard Water, and Keeping Drains Clean

HVAC humidity levels should ideally be kept between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth and dust mites. Clean the condensate drain line regularly by pouring equal parts of vinegar and water into the drain and letting it sit for 30 minutes before flushing with water.

Hard water can pose risks to your drain line over time. That’s why it’s important to install a water softener at your Las Vegas home. Water softeners significantly reduce mineral buildup in your pipes to prevent unwanted clogs.

DIY Cleaning Tips: Baking Soda Methods to Clean Drains

Cleaning your drain regularly doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. A household staple, baking soda, can be used to effectively clean your drains. For mild clogs, a mix of baking soda and an acid like white wine vinegar or lemon juice can dislodge the blockage.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The combination of baking soda and vinegar reacts and creates a carbon dioxide gas that can break through minor clogs in drainpipes. Here’s the instructions for how to use this drain cleaning method:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda, then ½ cup of vinegar down the drain.
2. Plug the drain and let it sit for an hour.
3. Flush the drain with a pot of boiling water. Repeat if necessary.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

Baking soda and lemon juice create a similar chemical reaction that can clear small blockages. The smell of lemon is more pleasant than vinegar, so some people prefer the baking soda and lemon juice method for kitchen sinks. Here’s how it works:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda, then ½ cup of lemon juice down the drain.
2. Plug the drain and let it sit for an hour.
3. Flush the drain with a pot of boiling water.

Baking Soda and Salt

Lastly, for clogged drains in your house, consider the baking soda and salt cleaning method. This method is an effective means for clearing blockages in your pipes. Here are the instructions:

1. Mix ½ cup of salt with ½ cup of baking soda together and pour down the drain.
2. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes or overnight for tough clogs.
3. Flush the drain with a pot of boiling water.

Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tips for Las Vegas Kitchens

The garbage disposal can be cleaned with baking soda and vinegar as well. Additionally, there are a couple other cleaning tips we’ll share.

• Use ice cubes and kosher salt to clean the blades of your garbage disposal.
• Freshen your disposal by cutting up lemon or orange peels and feeding them into the disposal a few at a time with cold water running.

Odor Control and Ongoing Cleaning Schedules

For odor control, the methods listed above are effective (baking soda and vinegar, ice and salt, lemon or orange peels). These cleaning methods remove any foul odors and freshen up your disposal.

It’s best to clean your disposal about once a month to prevent odors and buildup, keeping it functioning properly. Jot a note down on your calendar to help you keep up with an ongoing cleaning schedule.

Choosing Drain Cleaners: Safety, Materials, and Plumbing Impact

Drain cleaners are another option for cleaning your drains at home. It’s important to choose wisely to prevent damage to your plumbing system. Drain cleaners are often filled with harsh chemicals that can pose health risks, like burns or respiratory issues.

It’s essential to read and understand the product label before buying a drain cleaner. Look for any product certifications and regulatory approvals on the bottle. These markings indicate that the product has undergone testing and meets strict safety standards.

Enzymes vs. Chemical Drain Cleaners: What to Know

Enzyme-based drain cleaners are a much safer option for pipes and the environment than chemical drain cleaners. Enzyme-based drain cleaners work slower because they use bacteria to break down clogs and organic waste.

Enzyme-based drain cleaners are biodegradable, generally non-toxic, and safer for your home plumbing system.

Preventive Cleaning Tips to Avoid Clogs

Here are a handful of tips for avoiding clogged drains in your Las Vegas home.

• Flush drains frequently.
• Use vinegar and baking soda to clean the garbage disposal regularly.
• Install hair catchers in shower or tub drains.
• Never pour grease or coffee grounds down your drain.
• Avoid the use of chemical cleaners when possible.
• Use drain screens or filters to catch debris.

When to Call a Las Vegas Plumbing Pro

If you’re experiencing standing water from a major clog, it’s time to call a plumbing professional. When DIY drain cleaning methods aren’t effective, a professional plumber can assess your issue and solve it using more serious cleaning methods.

Signs DIY Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If you have been performing drain maintenance at home regularly and you’re still seeing slow-draining water or water backups, you may need professional plumbing help. The following signs can indicate it’s best to call a plumber:

• Slow drains
• Gurgling noises
• Foul odors
• Frequent clogs
• Standing water
• Water backups

Hydro Jetting, Camera Inspections, and Professional Drain Services

By calling a professional plumbing service in Las Vegas, you can have your clogs cleared in no time. If you frequently have backups, you may need hydro jetting services. Hydro jetting uses pressurized jets to remedy slow-moving drains, including kitchen drains, shower drains, and other bathroom drains.Professional plumbers can also use 360-degree cameras to inspect your drain and pipes for clogs and damage. Camera inspections help plumbers identify the cause of drain issues and find a lasting solution.

Your Local HVAC & Plumbing Partner in Las Vegas, NV

When DIY methods aren’t working for unclogging a drain with standing water, call BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair. We’re the local plumbing experts in Las Vegas and provide timely and professional drain cleaning services.

Call us at (702) 970-4911 or schedule an appointment online today!