what household items can i use to unclog a drain

Natural Household Remedies Unclog Drains and Pipes

• The Bent Wire Hanger A wire hanger is a standard item that can be found in almost every home. ...
• Wet and Dry Vacuum The wet and dry vacuum cleaner is another smart tool for unclogging drains. ...
• Baking Soda and Vinegar A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is another effective household remedy for cleaning out the drains. ...
• Boiling Water and Salt ...
• Biological Enzyme Cleaner ...

Full Answer

What is the best stuff for a clogged drain?

These are the best drain cleaners, according to testing:

• Best Overall Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover
• Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator
• Best Single-Use Drain Cleaner: Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs
• Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio Clean
• Best Monthly Build-up Remover: CLR Clear Pipes & Drains

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What are some home remedies for a clogged drain?

Use These Home Remedies For Clogged Drains

• Baking Soda and Vinegar. One of the most natural alternatives to using commercial drain cleaners is using white vinegar and baking soda.
• Boiling Water. When debris like grease and hair clog your drain, something as simple as boiling water may be all you’ll need.
• Plunger. ...
• Plumber’s Snake. ...
• Clean the P-Trap. ...
• Check the Garbage Disposal. ...

How to clear a clogged drain in 7 easy ways?

How To Unclog Your Kitchen Sink In 7 Easy Ways

1. Take off clog with baking soda, vinegar, and salt. If you don’t start fixing something until it becomes severe, here is an effective solution: baking soda, vinegar, and salt.
2. Salt and boiling water. Salt and boiling water is another lighter solution if the clog has just started to form or it’s not even serious.
3. Vinegar and boiling soda. ...

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What is the best way to clean a clogged drain?

Powerful Natural Homemade Drain Cleaners

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar. This one is probably the most popular home remedy you can find to unclog a drain naturally (and on the cheap).
2. Dish Detergent and Hot Water. This homemade cleaner is highly effective against clogs that contain mostly grease or oily substances, therefore you can expect the best results if you ...
3. Salt and Baking Soda. ...

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What can I pour down a drain to unclog it?

Follow these easy steps to unclog your drain:Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.Pour boiling water down the drain again.

How do you unclog a drain at home naturally?

Baking Soda + Vinegar Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain. Plug drain, and let sit for one hour. Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda and Vinegar This combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar may be one of the best homemade drain cleaners around. First, if you want to unclog a tub or sink drain, pull out the stopper so that you can access the drain. Then, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.

What will dissolve anything in a drain?

Unclogging the Drain with Sulfuric Acid Sulfuric acid works by disintegrating organic matter such as tree roots, rags, soap scum, hair, sanitary napkins, paper, grease, fats, and food residue. Once the organic matter disintegrates, it can be easily flushed by water.

Can Coke unclog a drain?

Coke. Coke is a lesser-known fix you can find in your refrigerator. Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola — Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand substitutes — down the clogged drain. Coke is actually quite caustic and effective at clearing away buildup in your drains, but it's far milder than commercial drain cleaners.

How do you clear a slow drain?

Pour one-half cup baking soda into the drain followed by one-half cup white vinegar; the fizzing and bubbling reaction helps to break up small clogs. Block the drain using a small rag so the chemical reaction doesn't all bubble up out. Wait 15 minutes.

Can you leave baking soda and vinegar in drain overnight?

If it's still clogged, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water. Let it work overnight to clear the drain.

Will bleach unclog a drain?

Bleach Will Clean Your Drain, Not Unclog It Bleach isn't going to unclog your drain any more than pouring a glass of water down the sink. Bleach is great for sanitizing your sink and drain and killing smelly germs; it will not break down clogs.

Is it safe to put baking soda and vinegar down the drain?

In fact, baking soda and vinegar are two of the safest and most effective ways to clean pipes. They will not cause any damage to PVC pipes and can actually help to keep them clean and clear of blockages. So, if you have PVC pipes in your home, feel free to use baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains.

Does Dawn dish soap unclog drains?

Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain.

Will boiling water unclog a drain?

Try Using Boiling Water to Fix a Clogged Sink If you have metal pipes, you can try to loosen the clog with hot water—very hot. Pouring a pot of boiling water directly down the drain into the trap may dissolve the clog, especially if it consists of soap scum or grease.

Can boiling water help unclog a drain?

Try Using Boiling Water to Fix a Clogged Sink If you have metal pipes, you can try to loosen the clog with hot water—very hot. Pouring a pot of boiling water directly down the drain into the trap may dissolve the clog, especially if it consists of soap scum or grease.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve hair in drain?

Hydrogen peroxide effectively clears clogged drains caused by hair, skin and more.

Is baking soda and vinegar safe for drains?

Inexpensive and safe for use, a little bit of vinegar and baking soda can keep your drains clear of any clog, and it also gets rid of the pungent odor made by any sink clog.

Step 2

Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain. This will create a fizzing reaction, and the combination of the ingredients will break down the buildup in the pipes. Cover the drain if possible with a rag or stopper to contain the foam. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Boil 1 gallon of water in a pot and pour it down the drain to flush the cleaning solution and residue away.

How to unclog a drain with a hook?

Wire Hangar. Another simple but effective way to unclog a drain is to grab a wire hangar from your closet. Straighten it out as much as you can , then curl one end into a small hook. Fish that end into the drain—the hook should catch around the hair and other gunk built up inside.

How to unclog a drain with baking soda?

Similar to the previous tip, the combination of baking soda and salt can help unclog a drain—the two create a chemical reaction that can help clear up even the worst of blockages. Mix ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of baking soda and pour it into your clogged pipe . Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, then follow with boiling water ...

How to clean a clogged drain with baking soda and vinegar?

When combined, baking soda and vinegar work similarly to liquid drain cleaner but aren’t as harsh on your pipes. Mix together 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of vinegar. The result will fizz almost immediately—it’s important that you pour it down your clogged drain right away so you don’t lose the effects of that reaction. Let everything sit for at least an hour (if possible, leave it overnight for best result) before flushing the drain with hot water.

Can liquid drain cleaner unclog pipes?

While it may be easy and tempting to reach for liquid drain cleaner, there are much better ways to unclog a drain and ones that won’t hurt your pipes. The master plumbers at Martens Plumbing & Heating put together some of their favorite ways to unclog a drain, all using things you already have around the house.

How to unclog a clogged drain without chemicals?

Rubber Plunger. Using a plunger is a classic and proven way to unclog your partially or completely clogged drain without using any chemicals. In most cases, a plunger can be very effective, sometimes even when you’re dealing with a stubborn clog. However, to get the best result, it’s important to use it properly.

How to unclog a drain without a professional?

A plumber’s snake is one of the most effective methods to unclog a drain naturally without professional help. However, make sure you always follow the manufacturer’s instructions because it may damage the pipe when used improperly. A plumber’s snake is typically a long flexible coiled metal wire with a handle on one end.

How to get sludge out of a clogged drain?

Flush with hot water. If the clog is still there or the result is not satisfactory, I recommend that you try the combination of baking soda and vinegar and let the chemical reaction move the sludge out of place.

What is the best way to unclog a sink drain?

This combination is one of my favorite natural drain uncloggers. It has helped me and many friends of mine to clean an obstructed kitchen or bathroom sink pipe. This DIY method is not only effective against clogs but also works great against bad drain smells. Salt and baking soda are two natural ingredients that can often do wonders.

How to get rid of a clogged drain with carbon dioxide?

Instructions: First, pour a pot of hot water down the drain: it will melt the greasy part of the clog, thus it will increase the effectiveness of the carbon dioxide gas. Pour one cup of baking soda into the clogged drain.

How to stop drain flies from infesting my house?

Check out our best tips to prevent drain flies from infesting your home! 1. Baking Soda and Vinegar. This one is probably the most popular home remedy you can find to unclog a drain naturally (and on the cheap).

What is a clogged drain?

Last Updated on June 18, 2020. by James Mora | Cleaning & Housekeeping. A clogged drain is an extremely common issue that you want to resolve fast and effectively. You can find many drain cleaners on the market that are pretty powerful, however, their effectiveness usually comes at a cost: they contain strong chemicals that are potentially harmful ...

How to unclog an outside drain?

Simply pour boiling water down the, wait a bit longer (more like 30 minutes), then use your baking soda and vinegar solution. Follow that up with more boiling water.

How to clear a clogged drain?

Boil a large pot full of water, then carefully pour it into your clogged drain. If the clog is located in your plumbing’s P-trap, there’s a good chance the boiling water will dissolve and clear out the clog. It is particularly helpful with clogs created by grease and soap buildup.

How long does it take for baking soda to unclog a drain?

After you’ve given it 10 minutes — enough time for the bubbling action of your baking soda/vinegar brew to work its magic — repeat Step 1. After you’ve poured more boiling water down the drain, simply test the handiwork of this natural remedy for unclogging a drain. Remove the drain cover and turn on your water.

How to stop boiling water from splashing down drain?

PRO TIP: Make sure you pour the drain straight down the drain…not from an angle. This can help prevent any splashing of boiling water onto your hands or face.

How to contact Tom Plumber?

Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) .

Can I use a store bought drain cleaner?

I mean this seriously. We never recommend using a store-bought drain cleaner. Drain cleaners created by manufacturers are more expensive solutions that are made with highly corrosive, man-made chemicals. While they “might” temporarily fix your clog, they will also damage your pipes over time.

Is it safe to use a drain cleaner?

Our expert opinion is it’s never okay. Chemical drain cleaners are more corrosive, toxic, expensive, and often don’t work as advertised.

How to unclog a drain with vinegar?

Way 1: Use baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to unclog a drain. Ingredients: 1/2 cup of baking soda. 1 cup of vinegar. 2 to 3 pots of hot water. Directions: At first, you take 1 pot of hot water. Then, you pour it down the clogged drain. Now, you add the baking soda into the drain.

What is the best way to clean a clogged drain?

Baking Soda, Vinegar , And Hot Water. This drain cleaning method uses the baking soda and common vinegar lying in the kitchen shelves. You can use them with a little hot water for cleaning a drain. Hot water and baking soda work together to loosen grimy sludge in the bottom of the clogged drain.

How to make a clogged drain with dish detergent?

Directions: With a moderately clogged drain, you just use ½ cup of detergent and use 1 cup for for a stubbornly clogged one. Firstly, you pour the detergent into your drain and allow it to sit there for about half an hour.

How long to wait to drain a drain with baking soda?

After that, you mix this vinegar with hot water (1 cup). Then, you pour this mixture on the top of baking soda. Now, you cover the drain with a plug and wait for about 5 to 10 minutes.

How to clean a drain?

At first, you remove the cover of this drain and cleanse under the surface of this drain. Then, you remove hair and other dirty material that you see there . You can use your hands for this purpose or wear gloves.

How long does it take for detergent to sit in the drain?

Firstly, you pour the detergent into your drain and allow it to sit there for about half an hour.

Can vinegar be used to clean drains?

When you add vinegar over baking soda, the fizzy reaction helps to clean the drain. Here is how you may use these kitchen ingredients in order to clean up your clogged drain. There are two ways on how to unclog a drain naturally at home that you should follow! At first, you take 1 pot of hot water.

What is the best way to unclog a drain?

1. Snake, Wire Hanger or Plunger. These are the simplest, most obvious methods most people use to unclog a drain. Almost every home in America has a plunger and this is really the first thing you try to clear your drain.

How to unclog a slow drain?

Another great natural way to unclog your slow drain is to use dish soap and hot water. If the clog is caused by grease, this method will work very well. Squirt a good amount of soap down then clogged drain. Then pour a pan or kettle full of boiling water down the drain.

Why is it important to unclog drains?

Reasons for Choosing Eco-Friendly Ways to Unclog Drains. Drain cleaners with chemicals get washed into the sewer system and eventually, the local waterways. These chemicals can damage plant and animal habitats and cause genetic mutations in their offspring. The chemicals can outright kill sensitive species.

How to unclog a drain with power of chemistry?

To unclog a drain with the power of chemistry, follow these steps: Remove any visible debris from the drain opening. Pour ¾ cup dry baking soda down the drain. Pour ½ cup vinegar down the drain and cover immediately with a rag or plug. Leave it in there for 30 minutes, and prepare boiling water.

What to do if drain is still stopped up?

If your drain is still stopped up, you can try a snake if you have one available. Drain snakes can be manually operated or mechanically operated with the assistance of a motor. The snake has blades that rotate and cut up any clogs caused by hair, fibrous food material and tree roots.

How to make a drain foam?

Mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of baking soda. Pour this mixture down your drain and let it foam.

How to use a plunger?

The proper way to use a plunger is to make sure that it seals the opening completely and to pump it slowly. The vacuum that it creates can sometimes move a clog, but a blowback of chemicals can occur if the opening is not completely covered.

Need to clear up a clog but don't want to mess with any chemicals? Here's how

There are plenty of products on the market to pour down your drains and chew through the nastiest of clogs. But those products typically contain nasty chemicals that can be bad for your health and harmful to your plumbing. So why go that route when safer and equally effective options exist?

Dish Soap

Grease can easily congeal in pipes and clog a sink drain, causing a whole host of issues. To break up a grease clog, attack it with something you likely have sitting right next to your sink — dish soap. Here’s how:

Grab a Plunger

Bathroom sinks are notorious for hair and soap scum clogs. The good news is, you can use the same tool to unclog your bathroom sink as you do your toilet — a plunger. Just don’t use the same plunger you use on your toilet, or at least clean the plunger thoroughly first.

Baking Soda and Boiling Water

Baking soda is a fantastic natural cleaner that chews through grit and grime. Combine baking soda with a little vinegar and some boiling water and you’ve got yourself a powerful, chemical-free unclogging compound. Here’s what to do:

The Wire Hanger Method

You can also use a wire hanger from your closet to break up drain clogs. Here’s how:

Drain Snake

If a wire hanger isn’t doing the job, you might need to buy a drain snake. These are specifically designed to unclog drains. They tend to do a pretty good job if you know how to use them. Here’s how:

How to drain a clogged drain?

For tougher clogs, grab some baking soda, white vinegar, and a rag or drain stop. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then half a cup of vinegar.

How to get a clogged drain out of a sink?

While holding the plunger firmly in place, fill the sink with water just enough to cover the cup. You should have a tight seal. Use quick, sharp up-and-down motions to work out the clog. Make your thrusts as even as possible and keep the seal intact.

What is a drain snake?

Drain snakes are highly efficient at removing fibrous clogs located deep in the drain system and work on toilets, kitchen and bath sinks, tubs, and showers.

What is a plunger in plumbing?

A plunger is a flexible rubber bell- or cone-shaped tool with an operating handle at the end. A plunger forces water into the drain pipes, pushing the clog onward.

What is a hair clog remover?

A hair clog remover tool is a thin plastic cord with multiple spikes that is inserted into a drain, then removed. The spikes are designed to snag hair in the sink drain.

How to put a drain snake in a drum?

Insert the corkscrew end of the drain snake into the drain as far as it will go on its own. Tighten the thumbscrew on the drum.

How to get water out of a tub?

Remove as much water as possible from the basin, tub, or pan with the shop vacuum or by soaking up the water with towels. If this is not possible, you can snake the drain through standing water.

How to clear a clogged drain with vinegar?

To clear a clogged drain with vinegar, allow all of the water to drain from the sink, then pour vinegar and baking soda, lemon juice, borax, or salt down the drain. This will create a foaming chemical reaction in your pipes that can help break up the clog.

What to use to clear a clogged sink?

Fortunately, if caught early you can clear a clogged drain using common household items. Vinegar, baking soda, borax, and lots of hot water are simple, yet effective tools in clearing slow-draining sinks. Steps.

How long does it take for vinegar to get out of a drain?

Green Cleaning Expert. You can also pour vinegar down the drain on its own. Pour about 1 cup of vinegar down your drain and let it sit for 30-40 minutes. Vinegar has a very high acid content (which is why it's great on soap scum) and it will break down a good bit of the organic content that is stuck.

How much vinegar to use for borax?

For a salt, borax, and vinegar combination: use 1/4 cup of borax, 1/4 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of vinegar. EXPERT TIP. Susan Stocker. Green Cleaning Expert. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle.

What to do if water is still draining?

If the water is still draining slowly , repeat the process again until the drain becomes clear. If the clog still stubbornly resists draining, you may have a hairball stuck. This may require manually removing the clog. Consider calling a plumber, especially if the drain completely stops up.

How to unclog a sink faster?

Drain any water from the sink or tub. If it's really slow-draining, this may take a while, but if you remove the water, your drain-clearing mixture will be able to unclog faster.

What to wear when you have a metal snake?

Wear work gloves since the metal snake can be sharp. You should also have an old towel and bucket handy to set the clogged material.