Drains, whether they are located in your kitchen, bathroom, or any other part of your house, perform an essential role in keeping your home clean and hygienic. However, over time, they can get clogged, leading to annoying issues like water not draining quickly, foul odours, and even profuse flooding. Many people turn to professional plumbers or heavy-duty drain cleaners, which can sometimes contain harmful chemicals. Luckily, there are several homemade hacks for unclogging drains that are economical, safe, and effective. They involve the use of ingredients and tools often found around the house, such as baking soda, vinegar, hot water, plunger, and others.
Undeniably, a plunger is one popular tool used for unclogging drains. It forms a suction which dislodges the clog and enables it to smoothly pass down the drain. For this hack, plug the overflow outlet if there is one, then pour enough water into the sink to cover the base of the plunger. Insert the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down rapidly. This would cause pressure, forcing the clog down the drain.
Another widely accepted and practised homemade hack involves the combination of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the clogged drain. Next, pour half a cup of vinegar. Leave this mixture in the drain for about 15 to 20 minutes. This combination induces a fizzy reaction, dissolving all organic materials clogging the drain, after which you can flush it with hot water.
Thankfully, boiling water can also be an effective solution for uncomplicated clogs, especially those caused by accumulated fat or grease. Pour a kettle full of boiling water slowly down the drain in about two or three stages, allowing the hot water to work for a few seconds in between each pour. This method is considered helpful for fairly small clogs or slow-draining water but may not work for stubborn blockages.
Additionally, the wire hanger method is another simple yet functional drain unclogging method. Unfold a wire hanger and straighten it as best as you can. Then, bend one end to create a hook. Insert this hook down the clogged drain and start fishing. Remember, the goal here is to pull out the clog, not push it farther down. Once you’re done, pour hot water to clear any stubborn remnants.
We should also note the effectiveness of the wet & dry vacuum in unclogging drains. If you have a wet & dry vacuum, it can be a highly effective tool. To use it, set your vacuum to vacuum liquids, cover the vent to prevent a mess, form a seal over the drain, and then power on the vacuum to draw the blockage up and out. If you don’t have a fancy plunger or a hand auger handy, your household vacuum can save the day.
There are also enzyme-based drain cleaners that can be efficiently used to unclog drains. They’re more environmentally-friendly and safer to use compared to chemical-based drain cleaners. They consist of bacteria or enzymes that can break down the clog. However, they might not work as quickly as chemical cleaners and would require much time to effectively clear the clog.
Moreover, dishwasher detergent can also come to your rescue. Pour a quarter of a cup of dish detergent in your drain, then follow it up with boiling water. The soap will function as a lubricant and break up any greasy residue.
Remember that these methods work successfully for minor clogs. However, the help of a professional plumber becomes unskippable when the clog seems persistent or when it recurs more frequently. Furthermore, some homemade hacks can have certain limitations. For instance, boiling water is not recommended for PVC pipes as it could soften or melt the plastic. Similarly, the use of baking soda and vinegar for frequent clogging might damage your pipes in the long run due to the acidic property of vinegar.
Lastly, taking preventive measures can help avoid clogs in the first place. Remember not to put in oils, fat, or grease down the drain as these tend to solidify and accumulate, resulting in clogs. Regular monthly cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help maintain a clean, odour-free drain. Also, take measures to prevent the entry of objects that are not meant to go down the drain, such as small toys, hair, paper, food debris, and others.
By following these homemade hacks, you can save on costly plumbing repairs and reduce the use of harmful chemicals typically found in commercial drain cleaners. Be patient and persistent, and most small clogs and build-up can be resolved with these simple solutions. Always remember the age-old saying, “Prevention is better than cure”. Don’t wait for a clog to form in your drain; take preventive measures to keep it clean and clog-free.
