4 Simple Ways To Unclog A Drain Without Using Chemicals

Whenever faced with a clogged drain, we instinctively reach for the chemicals under the sink. However, we now know the repercussions of using these chemicals and honestly, we owe it to ourselves and the environment to keep the chemicals as a last resort. Here are 4 eco-friendly ways to unclog a drain.

Plunger

Before you start squirming, it would be best to let you know that you don’t have to use the same plunger for the sink that you use for the toilet. Ever found yourself wondering what those little plungers were for at home improvement stores? Unclogging drains is exactly what they are made for. Like their bigger counterparts, the little plungers help to push down the pipe anything that is cogging the drains. Generally, using the plunger is the first thing you should when dealing with a clogged bathroom or kitchen sink. Only if it does not work should you consider other options.

Boiling Water

It is amazing what simple good old boiling water can do for clogged drains. Sometimes, using a plunger is not enough. If there is something really tough clogging up the drains, it needs to be washed away. This is where boiling water comes into the picture. You can use other things as well, but boiling water is generally good enough for the job and it doesn’t really cost you anything. Boil some water in a pot and pour it down the clogged drain in three stages. Make sure you wait at least a couple of minutes between stages so that the previous batch has enough time to work its magic.

Wire Hanger

You never know what is clogging the drain until you have to pull the stuff out yourself. You may find the thought a bit repulsive, but sometimes it is the only option. Boiling water is good enough to deal with most things, but if the drain is clogged because of hair strands, there isn’t much even boiling water can do about it. Take a metal wire hanger and dismantle it. Fold one end of the hanger into a hook and snake it down the drain. Manoeuvre it around inside the drain so that it catches whatever is causing the blockage. When you pull the hanger out, it will bring up all the hair and gunk up with it. Repeat 3-4 times and follow t up by pouring some boiling water down the drain.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Remember the papier-mâché volcano you had to make for science class in school? The purpose of the volcano was to teach kids about chemical reactions. Baking soda was placed at the base of the volcano and when the teacher poured vinegar over it, the volcano would ‘erupt’. However, they never really teach you how that chemical reaction can be used in everyday life. Turns out, it is great for dealing with clogged drains. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and let it stay for about 20 minutes. Then, pour a cup of vinegar and immediately cover the drain with something heavy; this well ensure that the fizzing action goes down the drain and not come over and out. As the fizz forces its way down the drain, it will take away whatever is causing the blockage.

Only if no one of these four methods work, should you consider using a chemical agent to unclog the drain.

Chase Cullen is the author of this informative post. He writes home improvement and repair related articles in his free time. You can visit ABC Home & Commercial’s plumbing service for some excellent plumbing advice.