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.
The good news is that although it seems daunting, preventing clogged drains is an easy task. With regular maintenance, you can easily avoid messy situations that arise from a malfunctioning plumbing system.
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.
Luckily, several effective natural remedies can clear blocked drains. So, instead of splurging on highly toxic, harsh chemicals to clean the pipes at home, simply opt for one of the home remedies we’ve listed for you here.
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.
For this method, you will have to boil water in a large pot and slowly pour it down the kitchen sink instead of pouring it in one go. This is an effective short-term solution, so remember to utilise it as soon as you notice water draining slowly to avoid further clogging.
2. Vinegar And Baking Soda
A cheap and effective home remedy, vinegar and baking soda are excellent products for unclogging drains. You just need to pull them out from your kitchen shelf since they are 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 down with hot water.
Since this mixture effectively eliminates soap residue, grime, and hair, you can use it to unclog the bathroom sinks.
3. Salt And Baking Soda
The ingredients in our kitchen are far more versatile than we give them credit for. Just pull out salt and baking soda from your pantry and create your very own natural drain cleaner.
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
Dishwashing liquids do more than just clean dishes. They can be used alongside hot water to clear any kitchen or bathroom sink blockages. Simply pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of dish soap into the bathroom or kitchen sink drain and allow it to rest for at least half an hour. Then, pour hot tap water down the drain.
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 a combination of baking soda and lemon juice to clear clogged drains. Pour one cup of both these ingredients down the drain separately and allow it to sit either for half an hour or overnight. Follow this up by flushing 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 the help of 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 keep repeating this until all foreign objects are removed from your sink. If water continues to drain 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 the formation of clogs, you can install a hair trap in your shower that prevents 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 that waste and food particles aren’t flushed down the sinks.
Unclogging Drains the Natural Way: Effective DIY Remedies
One of the most obvious signs of a clogged sink is water draining slowly. While home remedies may be effective, it is best to save yourself the trouble and contact a plumber. Do this as soon as 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 give our friendly Perth Bedford plumbers a call!
