It happens to the best of us: we turn on the kitchen or bathroom faucet, only to discover that the sink drain has become clogged. Your first thought might be to run to the store and purchase a chemical drain cleaner. However, many of these products include harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide — otherwise known as lye.
Chemical drain cleaners can cause irreversible damage to your sink and shower drains, so you should avoid using them whenever possible. Fortunately, you can make your own safe and effective drain-cleaning solution with pantry staples.
Let’s go over five homemade drain cleaners that are safe for your plumbing system!
A Pot of Boiling Water
When discussing DIY drain clog removers, it only makes sense to start with the easiest methods first. Believe it or not, a simple pot of boiling water can work wonders on clogged drains. All you have to do is bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Once you’ve done this, slowly and carefully transport the pot of water and pour it down the drain. Be careful not to splash yourself!
You might need to repeat the process a few more times before seeing any results. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that you should avoid pouring boiling water down any plastic pipes, such as PVC, as it can potentially damage them.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
There are many homemade drain cleaners that are safe for your plumbing system, but one of the most effective is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. When combined, baking soda (otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar create a reaction. This reaction can break up a wide range of minor blockages, including grease, food scraps, and hair.
Pour one cup of baking soda into the blocked drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Once you’ve done this, cover the drain with a stopper and let the mixture sit and work on the clog for a few hours (or overnight, if possible). You want the mixture to sit in the drain for at least a handful of hours, allowing the ingredients to thoroughly break down the clog.
After the mixture has had a chance to sit, flush the drain by pouring boiling water down the drain. You might want to repeat the process a few times for maximum effectiveness.
Salt, Borax & Vinegar
Another DIY drain clog remover you can make includes ¼ cup of salt, ¼ cup of Borax, and ½ cup of vinegar. Pour these ingredients into the affected drain and quickly follow it with a pot of boiling water. Let the homemade mixture sit for about an hour or until it seems like the drain has cleared.
Cream of Tartar Mixture
If you’re searching for homemade drain cleaners that are safe for your plumbing system, don’t skip over this unique and effective method. When you hear the words “cream of tartar,” you might think about meringue or whipped cream. However, you might be surprised to learn that this ingredient can be used as a DIY drain clog remover.
Combine ⅛ cup cream of tartar, ½ cup baking soda, and ½ cup salt in a jar or container. Pour one pot of boiling water into the drain, immediately followed by the cream of tartar mixture. Let the mixture sit for an hour, then flush the drain with hot water from the tap.
Dish Soap & Boiling Water
If you’re looking for a DIY drain clog remover that’s tough on grease clogs, this could be the solution for you. Simply measure out a few teaspoons of Dawn dish soap and two liters of hot water. Mix the two ingredients together and carefully pour them down the clogged drain.
Say Goodbye to Tough Clogs With a Drain Cleaning Service
As you can see, there are many homemade drain cleaners that are safe for your plumbing system. However, if you have a particularly stubborn clog in your bathroom or kitchen sink, you might need to try a drain snake — or contact your local plumber.
Pure Plumbing offers professional drain cleanings that will get your plumbing system back on track in no time. We’re proud to offer many top-quality services, which include everything from repairs to emergency plumbing in Dallas, TX.
Although natural drain cleaners can be incredibly effective, they might be too gentle in some instances. Sometimes, tough clogs require a tough approach. Contact us today to schedule a drain cleaning in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, or the surrounding area!
