Best Ways to Unclog a Drain Without Chemicals

Does your drain get clogged all the time? Here’s how you can unclog it without using any chemicals.

A clogged sink can be very stressful to clean especially if you don’t know how to. For some people, the easiest thing to do is to use chemical products to clean them. But these chemicals can be extremely harmful to your health.

On top of that, there is no guarantee that these products can really clean your drain. If you don’t want to use chemical products there are good home alternatives you can do by yourself to successfully unclog your drain.

1. Use Hot Water

drain hot water

If your pipes are made of metal, you can use very hot water to break apart the clog. If the clog is made up of soap scum or grease, pouring a bucket of hot water right down the sink into the trap may dissolve it. Pour the water into the drain in a gradual, steady flow.

  • Step 1. Boil a half-gallon of water. It should be very hot so you need to be extra careful.
  • Step 2. Pour the water slowly into the drain.
  • Step 3. Turn on the faucet and let the water run into the sink. You should notice the water slowly draining. Repeat the process until the drain is unclogged and water drains down the pipe fast.

2. Use a Wire

When something is clogged, we want to push or flush it down the drain to remove it or squish whatever gunk and food remains is causing the blockage. To do this, get a wire hanger or any type of wire that doesn’t easily bend.

  • Step 1. Get a wire and curve the end of it with a needle-nose plyer to form a hook.
  • Step 2. Stick the end of the hook inside the pipe drain
  • Step 3. When you hit the bottom of the pipe, rotate the wire around to break the clogged gunk and food remains.
  • Step 4. Lift the wire and clean the end hook with any dirt.
  • Step 5. Repeat the process until the drain is unclogged.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

drain baking soda

Baking soda is an excellent natural cleanser that dissolves grit and dirt. Baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water make a strong, chemical-free drain cleaning solution. Here’s how to do it:

  • Step 1. Boil a gallon of water
  • Step 2. Pour the hot water down the drain to unclog the drain a little bit.
  • Step 3. Pour 1 cup of baking soda, water, and vinegar.
  • Step 4. Wait for ten minutes.
  • Step 5. Pour another gallon of hot water into the drain.

4. Use a Vacuum

When dealing with exceptionally difficult clogs, a wet and dry shop vacuum is an excellent tool. To efficiently suction away the clog, you may need to make a seal for the hose. 

Set your vacuum to its maximum fluids capacity and leave the rest to the shop-vac. Usually, the intense suction is enough to remove whatever is blocking the pipes.

5. Use a Plunger

drain plunger

Sinks and toilets get clogged most of the time. When the toilet is clogged, you would likely use a plunger to unclog it. You can also do the same for your sink but remember to use a different plunger. You should have a separate plunger for your sink. Here’s how to use a plunger to unclog a sink:

  • Step 1. Open the faucet and let the water rise in your sink for at least an inch.
  • Step 2. Position the plunger in the opening of your drain. Make sure that it covers the entire hole.
  • Step 3. Pump the plunger for half a minute until the water slowly drains down the pipe.
  • Step 4. Continue pumping until the drain is finally unclogged.

6. Use a Drain Snake

drain snake

If a wire hanger isn’t cutting it, you may need to invest in a drain snake. These are made particularly to unblock drains. If you know how to utilize them, they may be quite effective. Here’s how to do it:

  • Step 1. Insert the drain snake’s end into the drain.
  • Step 2. push the tip of the snake drain down the pipe by turning the handle.
  • Step 3. Continue to turn the snake into the drain until you reach the bottom of the pipe
  • Step 4. Continue to rotate the snake and crank until you feel it break through the blockage.
  • Step 5. Once you’ve broken through the clog, turn the drain snake the other direction to draw it out.
  • Step 6. To clear the blockage, pour hot water down the drain for a few minutes.

To summarize quickly, here are things you need to unclog your drain naturally.

  • Hot water
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Wire/hanger
  • Plunger
  • Drain snake
  • Vacuum

Try out these chemical-free drain unclogging methods to solve your problem. However, if you do all this and still have a clogged drain, ask the help of a plumber because there might be another issue with your draining system other than the clog.

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