All around the house, there are different types of drains that can clog up. Not only do they occur frequently, but removing them may be a difficult task. You may have encountered a wide range of chemical drain cleaning and clog removal liquids at your local home improvement shop, but the fact is that these chemicals frequently do far more harm to your plumbing than you might realize, so you’re really creating new issues in order to solve an existing problem. Instead, you might be able to discover natural unclog solutions utilizing ingredients or materials that you most likely have in your house. Instead, you might be able to discover unclogging methods that use ingredients or materials that you probably have in your house.
1. Plunger
Plungers are a great drain cleaner for things like sinks and extremely slow-moving drains. All you have to do is push the plunger up and down in the drain, allowing it to release any debris or additional water that may be causing the clog. As you do so, try adding some baking soda and vinegar each time before plunging it. This will break up possible clogs from grease or hair more efficiently.
2. Boiling water & Dish Soap
Another great natural drain cleaner is boiling hot water. Start by heating up a pan of water on the stove, then mix in some dish soap before removing it from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes, then take a cloth or cup and slowly pour it down the drain while plugging the other end with your finger. The pressure will help push through any debris that may be clogging up your pipes, allowing you to slowly remove your finger as more water flows out.
3. Vinegar & Baking Soda
This is an extremely common solution for unclogging drains and has been used for decades, but there’s a good reason behind this method. All you have to do is pour ½ a cup of baking soda followed by ½ a cup of vinegar right into the drain. The two chemicals will react with one another and release gas, which in turn helps to push out any debris that may be sitting within your pipes.
4. Baking Soda & Salt
Combine baking soda and salt for a great natural drain unclogger. All you have to do is pour half a cup of baking soda, then follow it up with half a cup of table salt and allow them to sit in the drain for about 8 hours. After this time has passed, just add some boiling water and watch the liquid begin to flow out of your pipes once more.
5. Coca-Cola
Try pouring a bottle of Coca-Cola into the drain and allowing it to sit for 8 hours. Make sure you pour straight from the bottle (not already opened, as you don’t want to make any additional messes). The carbon dioxide in Coca-Cola helps break up clogs, so 8 hours after pouring it down your drain, just follow it up with some boiling water.
6. Boiling Water
Drain cleaning doesn’t have to be a complicated task that requires special cleaners or chemicals. You can easily clear out your pipes by plugging them in and adding boiling water to each one. Start at the top floor and work your way down, removing the plunger as more water pours out so as not to push back any debris that may be stuck within.
7. Wire Coat Hanger
If you find yourself completely blocked off from the rest of the world and need to unclog a drain, then wire coat hangers are another option. They’re extremely sturdy and will do an excellent job at breaking up any large blockage that is preventing water from flowing freely down your pipes.
8. Salt, Borax, and Vinegar
If you have a slow-moving drain try this natural clog remover. All you have to do is pour half a cup of Borax and 8 full tablespoons of salt down your drain. Once they’ve settled into the pipes, add vinegar slowly as the mixture begins to bubble up. You may need to repeat this process until all of the debris has been pushed out from within your pipes.
Common Causes of Drain Clogs
In order to avoid having to use any of the above methods, it’s important to understand what causes drain clogs in the first place. Some common items that can cause major blockages include hair, grease, food particles, and even some hygiene products like wipes or tampons. Make sure you always keep an eye on what goes down your drain.
Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains, and it’s important to try and catch it before it can go down the pipes. Installing drain strainers or hair traps in your bathroom sink will help trap any strands from entering your plumbing system.
Grease And Oil
Grease and oil are also major culprits behind clogs, so make sure you never pour any down your drain. If you’re frying something, allow it to cool before wiping the pan with a paper towel and throwing that away instead.
Food Particles
Any food particles should always be scraped off of plates before washing them in the sink. The small scraps of food can easily get stuck in the pipes and cause clogs that can be difficult to remove.
Hygiene Products
Lastly, wipes, tampons, diapers, and other hygiene products should never be flushed down a toilet as they can build up within the pipes and form a blockage. If you’re using something like this then make sure it goes in the trash instead.
Being mindful of what goes down your drain is the best way to keep it clear, but if you ever find yourself with a clog then use one of these natural methods to unclog your drain safely and easily.
Do you have a lot of trouble with your drains? Call our team today!
Professional Drain Unclogging Services You Can Count On!
If you are dealing with a clogged drain, Acme Plumbing is here to help you. Get in touch with our team today by giving us a call at (919) 688-1348 and making an appointment. Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you. We have years of experience dealing with this problem and we will completely eliminate your clog.
