Clear A Clogged Drain Fast With These 5 Simple Hacks

Dealing with a clogged drain can be a frustrating, expensive and inconvenient experience. Before it causes significant damage it is best to resolve this issue quickly. Thankfully there are a range of easy at home solutions that can help relieve a clogged pipe.

baking soda clogged drain

Baking Soda and Vinegar

One of the most effective and popular methods to tackle a clogged drain is by using the powerful combination of baking soda and vinegar.

Start by pouring a pot of hot water down the drain to help loosen the clog.
Follow it up with 1/2 cup of baking soda, sprinkling it down the drain.
Then, pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and cover it with a drain plug or a cloth to trap the fizzing reaction.
Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, allowing it to break down the clog.
Finally, pour another pot of hot water down the drain to flush away the debris and unclog the drain.

Boiling Water and Salt: A Simple Solution

For minor clogs, using boiling water and salt can do the trick.

Boil a kettle or a pot of water.
Pour about 1/2 cup of salt down the drain.
Follow it up with the boiling water, slowly pouring it down the drain.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, and then flush the drain with cold water.

Wire Hanger: Unravel the Clog

If you have a stubborn clog that baking soda and vinegar couldn’t fix, a wire hanger can be your secret weapon.

Straighten out a wire hanger and create a small hook at one end.
Insert the hooked end into the drain and try to fish out the clog. Be gentle to avoid damaging the pipes.
Once you’ve pulled out as much debris as possible, use one of the previous methods to clean out the remaining clog.

Wet and Dry Vacuum: Suck It Up

If you have a wet and dry vacuum cleaner at home, you can use it to remove a clog from your drain.

Set the vacuum to the “wet” setting.
Create a tight seal around the drain with an old plunger head or a clean rag.
Turn on the vacuum and let it suck out the clog from the drain.

Baking Soda and Salt: A Double Whammy

Another effective combination is using baking soda and salt to clear a clogged drain.

Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of salt in a bowl.
Pour the mixture down the clogged drain.
Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.
Natural Products: Gentle on Pipes, Tough on Clogs

One of the biggest advantages of using these cleaning hacks is that they rely on natural products instead of harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage your pipes over time and are harmful to the environment.¹ By using natural products like baking soda, vinegar, and salt, you can effectively clean your drains without causing any harm.

Save Money with DIY Drain Cleaning

Calling a plumber to unclog your drain can be expensive, especially for minor clogs that you can fix yourself. By using these DIY drain cleaning hacks, you can save money and time. Most of the ingredients needed for these methods are likely already in your pantry, making them convenient and cost-effective.

How Can I Prevent Clogged Drains In The Future?

To prevent clogs, avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain. Use drain covers to catch hair and debris, and regularly clean them out.² Additionally, consider pouring boiling water down your drains once a week to help prevent build-up.

Can I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?

While chemical drain cleaners can be effective in clearing clogs, they can also be harsh on your pipes and the environment. If using chemical cleaners, follow the instructions carefully and use them sparingly.

What If The Clog Doesn’t Go Away After Trying These Hacks?

If the clog persists or is too severe for DIY methods, it’s best to call a professional plumber.³ They have the tools and expertise to handle more complicated clogs and ensure your pipes are in good condition.

How To Prevent Clogged Drains?

To avoid clogged drains, it’s essential to be mindful of what you put down them.

Grease and Cooking Oil: Never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. These substances can solidify and coat the inside of your pipes, causing blockages over time.
Coffee Grounds: Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or use them as compost. Coffee grounds can accumulate in the pipes and create stubborn clogs.
Food Scraps: Avoid rinsing food scraps, like fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, or pasta, down the drain. Use a compost bin or dispose of them in the trash instead.
Hair: Install drain covers or screens in your bathroom sinks and showers to catch hair. Hair can clump together and obstruct the flow of water.

By being mindful of what you put down your drains and implementing preventive measures like drain covers and regular cleaning, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Try The Cleaning Hacks Today

Clogged drains don’t have to be a headache. By using these five cleaning hacks, you can unclog your drains with ease and without resorting to harsh chemicals or calling a plumber. Remember to use natural products and take preventative measures to keep your drains flowing smoothly in the future. To see 5 clogged drain cleaning hacks, start an online search now.

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