Dealing with a clogged drain is one of those household plumbing hassles that always seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times. Whether it’s a slow-moving sink, a backed-up bathtub, or a stubborn shower drain, you’ll encounter it at some point.
But behind its inconvenience lies some good news: you can unclog your drains with a few easy steps! And, no, we’re not talking about those harsh chemical drain cleaners. There are several eco-friendly ways to unclog drains using common household items without paying for a drain repair service!
Know what those tested methods are in this guide.
1. Plunger
You know it, and you definitely love it—the plunger!
It’s the first tool most people grab when facing a stubborn clog. Whether you’re dealing with a sink, bathtub, or shower drain, a plunger can work wonders. The key is creating a good seal over the drain. Make sure there’s enough water in the basin to cover the plunger, then give it several firm, quick pumps. The pressure created can help dislodge the blockage, especially in sinks or tubs with minor clogs.
If the clog is more stubborn, it might take a few extra tries. But make no mistake; the plunger can clear many common household clogs effectively, so always give it a try.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you’re dealing with a slow drain that’s a little too stubborn for a plunger, baking soda and vinegar might be just what you need. It’s a simple, natural, and affordable fix!
Pour half a cup of each ingredient down the drain and give it 10-15 minutes to react. The chemical reaction will fizz and bubble, helping to break down the debris causing the blockage. After sitting for the said duration, flush it down using hot water. This should be enough to clear organic blockages like grease and soap scum.
It’s not only effective—it’s also a great way to deodorize your drains naturally.
3. Boiling Water
Another way to clear organic clogs is by pouring a pot of boiling water down your drain. It’s a go-to method for melting away clogs through grease buildup, food residue, or soap. Simply boil a pot of water, then slowly pour it down the drain in stages, allowing each pour to work through the pipes. You can repeat the process as much as you want.
For maximum results, boiling water is always paired with the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Instead of warm water, use boiling water to flush such a natural drain cleaning remedy.
4. Drain Snake
A drain snake (or plumber’s auger) is your best friend when the clog is deep within the pipes and other methods just aren’t cutting it. These handy tools are designed to reach deep into your pipes to break up tough clogs. Simply insert the snake into the drain, twist it to dislodge the blockage, and pull it out.
It might be a little more effort than the previous methods, but a drain snake is highly effective at getting rid of stubborn, deep-rooted clogs that other tools can’t reach. It’s especially helpful for hair clogs in bathroom drains.
5. Wet-Dry Vacuum
Believe it or not, your trusty wet-dry vacuum can come to the rescue when your drain refuses to cooperate. First, set the vacuum to liquid mode and seal the hose tightly over the drain. Switch it on, and let the vacuum pull out the clog. This method works wonders for food debris or other solid blockages and can save you a ton of time and frustration.
While it’s a bit unconventional, using a wet-dry vacuum can help you clear up a lot of clogs quickly and effectively—without any mess!
DIY Unclogging That Won’t Work? Book a Drain Repair with Anytime Plumbing, Sewer, Drain & Heating
While these DIY methods can be really effective for most common clogs, sometimes a clog is too tough to clear on your own, or it may be a sign of a deeper issue with your plumbing system. If your drain is still stubborn after trying these methods, it might be time to call in a trusted plumber.
At Anytime Plumbing, Sewer, Drain & Heating, we specialize in professional drain cleaning and drain repair services. Our team is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to handle even the most challenging clogs. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn blockage or a more serious plumbing problem, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your day—call us today and let our experienced technicians clear your drain for good. Contact Anytime Plumbing, Sewer, Drain & Heating for fast, effective service you can count on!
