AlanaClogged drains are a common problem that homeowners face. Whether it’s a sink, shower, or toilet, a blocked drain can cause water to back up, foul odors to arise, and cause inconvenience in your daily life. While professional plumbers can offer effective solutions to unclog your drain, it can be expensive and time-consuming. Thankfully, there are several DIY drain cleaners that you can use to clear your drains of any blockages. In this article, we will discuss few of the most effective DIY drain cleaners and how to use them.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
One of the most common and effective DIY drain cleaners is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is the alkaline compound that can dissolve grease, hair, and other debris that cause blockages. Vinegar, on the other hand, is acidic and can dissolve mineral deposits and break down any organic matter.
To use this DIY drain cleaner, start by pouring pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen any debris. Then, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with plug or rag to prevent the mixture from escaping and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Finally, pour the pot of boiling water down the drain to flush away the mixture and any loosened debris.
Salt And Baking Soda
Another DIY drain cleaner that you can try is mixture of salt and baking soda. This mixture can help break down any greasy deposits that cause blockages and remove any unpleasant odors from your drain.
To use this DIY drain cleaner, start by pouring pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen any debris. Then, mix half a cup of salt with half cup of baking soda and pour the mixture down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before flushing the drain with another pot of boiling water.
Hot Water And Dish Soap
If you have a mild clog in your drain, you can try using hot water and dish soap to clear it. Dish soap can help break down grease and other organic matter, making it easier to flush away with hot water.
To use this DIY drain cleaner, start by boiling a pot of water on the stove. While the water is boiling, pour a tablespoon of dish soap down the drain. Then, pour boiling water down the drain, allowing it to flush away any debris.
Plunger
A plunger is a simple tool that can help dislodge a blockage in your drain. It works by creating suction in the drain, which can loosen any debris and flush it away.
To use a plunger, start by filling the sink or the tub with enough water to cover the plunger’s head. Then, place plunger over the drain and pump it up and down rapidly. Continue doing this for several seconds or until the water drains freely.
Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is a tool that professional plumbers use to clear stubborn blockages in drains. It consists of a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew or brush at the end, which can dislodge any debris and pull it out of the drain.
To use a plumbing snake, start by inserting the cable into the drain until you feel resistance. Then, turn the handle of the snake to rotate the corkscrew or brush, which can dislodge any blockages. Keep rotating the snake until the blockage has been cleared, then remove the cable from the drain.
