Keep in mind that you will need to use the entire bottle for one application. That can get costly, so it is more economical to use it as needed rather than as a preventive solution. You should let it sit on the clog for two hours or more, depending on the severity. You may even need a second application for really stubborn issues.

The hot water should be poured down the sink after the caustic soda mixture has been used. Only mix caustic soda with cold water! Always handle this substance with extreme care. Homemade Drain Cleaning Solutions Sure, it's an overused saying, but it's true: the best way to deal with clogged drains is to keep them flowing freely in the first place! The Green Gobbler Dissolve is an enzymatic cleaner. It is highly effective against grease and hair clogs. Consequently, it is suitable for shower drains and kitchen drains. An added advantage of the Green Gobbler is its ability to sink to the bottom of standing water to liquefy clogs. Type Of Pipe: Chemicals easily destroy some pipes. Keep in mind that some drain acids damage pipelines. Select one based on the kind of pipes you have. You don't have permission to access "http://www.homeserve.com/uk/living/plumbing-and-drainage/top-5-home-drain-maintenance-tips/" on this server.Put on elbow-length rubber gloves before you begin if you’d like to keep your hands and arms clean. Ideally, use the less hazardous methods as they can be equally as effective and there is less risk of injuring yourself. In fact, using baking powder, vinegar and warm water once in a while will improve the water flow and keep your drains clear, and there's very little risk of harming yourself in the process. One of the easiest ways of getting rid of drain smells is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Think about the things that you are putting down your sink, and how you use the system as a whole. Plumbing is a delicate balance and if anything that you're doing is contributing to the balance being off, this can easily tip over into drain smells. This is more of a problem in towns and cities where large quantities of fat and grease accumulate in the drains and sewers, although it can happen almost anywhere. The issue is worsened by the food waste that is flushed into the system by restaurants, cafes, bars, and food processing factories.

You may be thinking that it is fairly common for drains to have a minor smell to them, but this actually is not the case. Your drains are designed to flush away all manner of water and waste, but over time, debris such as soap and food particles can fix itself to the lining of a drain causing a build-up of residue that begins to petrify over time. Whether you have a dishwasher or wash the dishes in the sink by hand, those scraps ideally need to be scraped off first, but the truth is that not everyone does this. And, even if you have a food waste bin, small food scraps still end up in your pipes. There are three main types; caustic, oxidizing and acid cleaners. However, they all rely on a chemical reaction that creates heat, effectively dissolving the fats into smaller pieces and allowing them to be carried away.

Assess the blocked outside drain

Finally, there's a clear risk of scalding when carrying and pouring boiling hot water. You may be tempted to fill a pan as your kettle isn't big enough. A large saucepan of boiling hot water is heavy and dangerous. If you do use this method, be extremely careful! A smelly washing machine is also a common problem. The issue most often comes from the washing machine itself rather than the drainage system.

Brushing your hair before a bath or shower will help to remove the majority of loose hairs before they end up down the plughole, potentially clogging your drain. 9. Wash your pets outside As with the other smelly drain problems we have covered, if you want to rid your outdoor drain of a bad smell, then your best option is boiling water and baking soda. It can also be a good idea to bleach the drain cover in case there is any bacteria growth contributing to the smell. When to call in a professional

The common reasons for a blocked drain outside?

There are a few different methods that you can try before needing to call in a professional for a pump out. First, make sure that your habits aren't contributing to the problem. Only the "three Ps" should ever be flushed into a septic system. You could also add a septic tank treatment and an oxygenator to the system.