A clogged drain sends most homeowners scrambling for a bottle of caustic drain cleaner or the plumber’s phone number. But if you act quickly, you may be able to resolve the problem yourself.
Here are five DIY methods for unclogging your sink, tub or shower drains without resorting to caustic chemicals. It is important to note that most real plumbing problems need professional attention. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ can provide you with the types of plumbing issues that you need a plumber for.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar make an easy-to-try natural drain cleaner for stinky drains and minor clogs. Mixing the two creates a bubbling reaction that helps to loosen and remove food scraps, hair, soap scum, or other gunk that can build up in your drain pipes over time.
The process doesn’t release dangerous fumes but be prepared to stand back as the baking soda and vinegar react to produce carbon dioxide bubbles. After the reaction, flush your drain with hot water to clear out the residue.
If you have a more stubborn clog, try mixing equal parts of a cup of borax, a cup of salt, and a cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture down your drain, wait an hour or so, then flush with boiling water. Regularly using this method can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water down the drain can also be a good solution for minor clogs, especially if it’s a grease-based clog. Like baking soda, hot water introduces a great deal of thermal energy into your pipes and can change the solubility of many organic compounds that create clogs.
It’s important to note that this method can be dangerous for those with sensitive skin, so please use extreme caution and be very careful if you decide to pour boiling water down the drain. You should also wear gloves and eye protection to prevent burns and scalds.
To begin, you will need to fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. Some savvy homeowners also suggest adding a bit of grease-fighting dish soap into the mix, which can help dislodge particularly stubborn clogs. The mixture will fizz, but should soon dissolve any clogs and send them on their way.
Coat Hanger
A simple wire coat hanger can make a handy drain snake that eliminates hair and debris accumulations. Unwind and straighten one end of the wire hanger, then insert it into the clogged drain. Bend the hook to fish around and pull out any trapped items. Regularly flushing your drain with hot water is also a proactive measure that can help prevent clogs from developing in the first place.
Liquid chemical drain cleaners can be effective in some cases, but repeated use is
likely to eat away at your pipes, leading to costly damage and repairs. The better choice is to try out some DIY solutions that won’t require the use of caustic chemicals and can save you time and money.
If you have a bathtub or shower drain that’s clogged with hair, soap scum, or other debris, remove the P-trap under the sink and disconnect the stub pipe from the sink. Plug the overflow drain hole with a washcloth rag and unscrew the drain trap’s elbow, then use a plastic hair clog removal tool to fish out the obstruction.
Plunger
A plunger is one of the most versatile tools around, and it can save you time and money when it comes to unclogging drains. If you’re facing a stubborn clog, first try a baking soda and vinegar mixture to break up and dislodge the blockage. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the combination sit for at least a half hour, then flush the drain with boiling water. For especially tough clogs, try mixing in a bit of cream of tartar with the baking soda and vinegar.
Then, use your plunger! Position the rubber cup over the drain opening and create suction. When you press down, it decreases the volume of air that can enter the drain and increases atmospheric pressure, which should dislodge whatever is blocking the pipe. Don’t forget to add a bit of dish soap as an extra step to help dissolve grease and grime!
