Drain clogs are a major household nuisance. They can cause a sink or bathtub to overflow and can be costly to repair. Avoid the high price tag and risk of pipe damage by addressing your clogs right away. 

Check for any visible obstructions like a hair or soap scum clog. Remove the foot plug or drain cap to inspect the drain. 

Plunger 

Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance. They can lead to mold, a foul smell, and slow water flow. Fortunately, there are many home remedies that can help you unclog your drains without damaging your pipes. Here are some of the most effective ones: 

Start by removing any physical debris that is blocking the drain. Then place the rubber bell of the plunger securely over the drain and push down forcefully in a quick pumping motion. Repeat this for about 20 seconds. If the clog doesn’t clear, you may need to try plunging again or use a different technique. 

For clogs that are more serious, it is best to call a plumber or use a drain snake. These tools can reach and break up clogs that are more difficult to dislodge with a plunger. They can also be used on a regular basis to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. For example, pouring boiling water down a drain regularly can help to dissolve soap scum and other organic material that can build up over time. 

Snake 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and regularly snaking your sink drain prevents major clogs from forming. However, sometimes even the best practices homeowners encounter a stubborn blockage that requires professional intervention. A plumber in Geelong Links to an external site. can fix the problem and reduce the chance of further issues. 

A snake can get the job done, utilizing its long, flexible metal cable and a coiled auger head to hook, grab, and dislodge whatever is causing the blockage. Often, this is just hair clumps or congealed grease and gunk. 

Feed the snake’s head into your sink drain opening, and slowly turn the crank handle to feed it down your pipe. Be mindful of the curves in your pipes, and avoid shoving it around corners, as this can cause damage. 

Once the snake reaches the blockage, you’ll feel resistance or hear scraping noises. Keep turning the crank and feeding the snake until you reach the obstruction and can retrieve the clog. Once retrieved, clean the snake and its drum, and then test water flow to confirm your clog is gone. 

Vinegar 

Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can dissolve many of the things that clog

drains, such as hair, grease, and soap scum. It's also a great preventive tool when used regularly to clear up odors and keep drains free from blockages. 

The simplest way to use vinegar to unclog a drain is to pour one cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain followed by a half cup of baking soda. The two ingredients react with each other to create carbon dioxide bubbles that often dislodge clogs. 

Just make sure you don’t use a steel pipe, as the acid in the vinegar could damage it. After the fizzing stops, wait a few minutes and then flush the drain with hot water. This step is especially helpful for kitchen sinks, where clogs are typically caused by food waste and grease. It's also a good idea to use this method before using store bought chemical drain cleaners. 

Baking Soda 

Adding baking soda to vinegar triggers an eco-friendly chemical reaction that can force a minor clog out of the pipe. Baking soda is a base that can dissolve mineral deposits and organic materials like grease, while vinegar has acid properties that cut through grime and disinfect your drains. 

Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain followed by a cup of baking soda. Wait a few minutes while the fizzing and bubbling takes place, then flush with boiling water to clear away the mixture and the clog. 

While DIY and natural remedies are great for addressing minor clogs, if you have a severe or deep-seated problem that can’t be resolved with household products, it might be time to call in a professional plumber. Store-bought drain cleaners are also a safe, effective solution for breaking up tough clogs without damaging your pipes Links to an external site. or disassembling the trap. Just be sure to read the label carefully to choose a product that’s right for your home.