There can be innumerable causes for a blocked drain, but we’re sure you will agree it’s an ordeal we all want to avoid.
Here’s the bright side—while it might seem overwhelming, keeping your drains clear is simpler than you’d think. A little upkeep goes a long way in preventing those unpleasant hiccups caused by plumbing mishaps.
However, we must warn you that cleaning your bathroom or kitchen drains can be tricky since the build-up of scum, soap, and chemicals form a stubborn clog.
Fortunately, there are plenty of effective natural ways to tackle blocked drains. Instead of spending loads on harsh chemical solutions, try some of the home remedies we’ve shared here to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Natural Remedies To Clear Blocked Drains
1. Use Boiling Water
The oldest trick in the book is to pour boiling water into the drain. This is particularly helpful when you have a blockage in your kitchen since grease and soap scum often sticks to the sink’s lining and blocks the drains. Hot water liquifies the grease and allows it to pass through the pipe.
To do this, boil some water in a big pot and pour it slowly down the sink, rather than all at once. It’s a great quick fix, so give it a go as soon as you see the water starting to drain slowly to keep things clear.
2. Vinegar And Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are cheap and effective home remedies for unclogging drains. You can get them from your kitchen shelf, which is usually available in every household.
Then, mix one-third cup of baking soda and vinegar (preferably white vinegar), and as soon as you notice the mixture fizzing, pour it into the drain. Let the mixture sit for an hour before flushing it with hot water.
This fizzing mix tackles soap residue, grime, and hair, making it ideal for unclogging bathroom sinks effectively.
3. Salt And Baking Soda
Our kitchen staples are more versatile than we think. Grab some salt and baking soda from the pantry, and you’ve got yourself a natural drain cleaner ready to go.
To do this, mix half a cup of baking soda and the same quantity of salt in a bowl before pouring it into your clogged drain. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water.
Salt, baking soda, and hot water form a holy trinity that works brilliantly to clear the most stubborn clogs. The best part is that these ingredients clear the drain blockage without damaging your pipes. So, that’s a win-win for everyone!
4. Dish Soap
Dish soap isn’t just for dishes; it’s also great for clearing sink blockages in the kitchen or bathroom. Simply add 3 to 4 tablespoons into the drain, let it sit for at least thirty minutes, and follow up with hot tap water to flush it through.
This method is excellent for liquifying grease or food debris that accumulates in your kitchen drain over time and prevents the seamless passage of water.
5. Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Instead of vinegar, you can use baking soda and lemon juice to clear clogged drains. Pour one cup of each ingredient down the drain and allow it to sit for half an hour or overnight. Then, flush the mix with boiling water, and you’re good to go.
5. Use A Coat Hanger
When all the other options fail with your blocked drain, trust a wire hanger to come to your rescue.
Straighten out a coat or wire hanger and twist the end with pliers to make a hook. Then, lower the hanger into your clogged drain and move the hook around to catch as much debris as possible.
Pull the hanger out, deposit the gunk into a tub, and repeat until all foreign objects are removed from your sink. If the water drains slowly even after this, you’ll have to use a drain snake.
How To Prevent Clogged Drains?
Instead of actively scurrying around for solutions, it is best to prevent the formation of tough clogs altogether.
To avoid clogs, install a hair trap in your shower to prevent hair and other large debris from going down your pipes. In addition, remember to frequently flush boiling water or pour a cup of baking soda down the sink to clear drains and prevent the accumulation of gunk.
You should also avoid putting large particles like vegetable peels, bones, or eggshells down the drain as it leads to massive clogs. Lastly, ensure proper garbage disposal so waste and food particles aren’t flushed down the sinks.
Unclogging Drains the Natural Way: Effective DIY Remedies
Water draining slowly is one of the most apparent signs of a clogged sink. While home remedies may be effective, it is best to save yourself the trouble and contact a plumber when you notice standing water accumulating in your sink to prevent the situation from worsening.
At Woolf Plumbing & Gas, we have experienced plumbers who can deal with clogged drains, sinks, and much more. Get in touch with us through our website or call us directly. We’ll send an expert plumber to get to the root cause of the blockage and find a suitable solution to clear it. All you need to do is call our friendly Perth Bedford plumbers!
