4 Easy Ways to Unclog a Drain

A stopped-up sink or bath drain is frustrating but doesn’t always necessitate a call to a plumber. Try these home remedies before bringing in a pro.

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Don’t underestimate the simple effectiveness of boiling water. Pipping hot water can loosen gunky build-up to get your drain flowing again.

• Fill a tea kettle and heat the water to boiling

• Pour the water slowly down the drain in several stages, waiting between pours to let the hot water work its way through the clog

• Repeat until the drain is flowing again

Use a Coat Hanger

If the clog is closer to the drain opening, you may be able to work it loose with a coat hanger.

• Straighten out a wire coat hanger

• Bend one end to make a small hook

• Guide it through the drain cover

Work the wire hanger around until you feel it take hold of something, then gently bring it back up. You’ll likely have a glob of hair dangling from the end.

Use a Drain Snake

If the coat hanger failed you, it’s likely the clog is further down the line. To reach it, try using a drain snake. This is what plumber use to dislodge drains.

• Unwind the cable to feed it down the drain until you feel butt up against an obstruction

• Gently move the head around until it snags the clump and carefully reel it back up

Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

When vinegar and baking soda combine they create a fizzy reaction that helps break apart stubborn build up in your pipes. This is best used as a preventative measure, but it occasionally does the trick after the fact.

• Mix ⅓ cup of vinegar and ⅓ cup of baking soda

• The reaction is immediate so pour it down the drain quickly

• Wait an hour and flush with hot water

Bottom line: Did you notice how none of these tips involved using a chemical drain cleaner? That’s because drain cleaners are loaded with toxins and can corrode your pipes with repeated use. There are safe, natural ways to remove clogs and they’re just as effective. If stopped-up drains are a frequent occurrence, your home is due for a professional drain cleaning. For that, turn to the experts at Aztec Plumbing & Drains. Call 239-212-0299 to set up your appointment.