A lot of folks know the baking soda and vinegar trick. Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog.
Clogs can also be caused by buildup in the third, lateral section of the pipe. Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover is effective on these clog types as well. Keep some on hand for its reliable clog-busting power!
When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.
Let hot water run for a minute to warm up the pipes. Drop in 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Pour in 1 cup of vinegar, cover the drain with a plug and let sit for 10 minutes – you will hear fizzing. Rinse with more hot water.
Sprinkle about one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain and wait for 10 minutes. Pour one cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and wait for the foaming to stop. Avoid using the drain for a few hours, if possible. Pour hot water down the drain to flush the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and debris away.
Professional Plumbing Tools 101: Drain Augers
Also known as drain snakes, there are several different versions of drain augers that most plumbers will carry with them at all times. In essence, it's a basic tool, but an auger is best for tough drain clogs that just won't budge and for cleaning out drains, too.
You may be surprised to learn that pouring soda down the drain does work for some clogs. To be specific, you need a dark-colored cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi). This type of carbonated beverage usually contains a good amount of phosphoric acid, which given enough time, can eat away at some types of clogs.
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain. Plug drain and let sit for one hour. Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.
Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.
Clearing the blockage manually
Direct the hose towards the drain and turn the tap on to full power. Use a garden hose attachment to create a jet of water if possible. The force of the water should help to dislodge any mud or soil that is blocking the drain. If the hose method does not work, you can use a plunger.
Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog.
With time, baking soda and vinegar may work as a natural drain cleaner on weaker drain clogs, and the benefits of regular drain cleaning can help keep your drains free of clogs. But for tough drain clogs that need to be dissolved right away, you may want to use a stronger drain cleaner, like Liquid-Plumr.
Can boiling water unclog a drain? If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
Hydrochloric acid is highly effective and can quickly clear even the toughest clogs. However, it is important to exercise caution when working with this acid as it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask when working with hydrochloric acid.
Clearing clogged sink
Just put 2 aspirins into the sink with a bowl full of baking soda and see the magic. The stored water will drain itself and the clogged pipe will clean on its own.
The phosphoric acid present in cola inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria in the sugary liquid. Phosphoric acid is an effective drain cleaning agent, though not as toxic as it sounds. It can clear your blocked drain without any damage on your pipes.
In addition to baking soda and vinegar, you can also add water pressure to this mix. To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.
A force-ball plunger is one of the best tools that could help you unclog that sewer line without using a plumbing snake. This type of plunger will give better results compared to the regular cup-type plungers because it helps you insert more pressure into the pipe to clear any clog available.
It may take 2 or 3 tries for the reaction to successfully remove all of the buildup clogging your drains. To prevent future drain buildups, pour equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let them sit for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water every few weeks or months.
How often should you clean your drains? You can clean drains once a week using boiling water and Dawn dish soap. If you notice that the water is not going down the drain quickly, use the baking soda method to help clear it. You can also use baking soda for monthly maintenance.
Next, pour in 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Foam will start forming as the baking soda and the peroxide start mixing. The bubbling action will help agitate the organic debris that's clogging your drain. For best results, leave the drain overnight or avoid using it for a few hours if you are doing this during the day.
Can you leave baking soda in the drain overnight? It is safe to leave baking soda (and vinegar) to work overnight to unclog a drain.
You can also pour vinegar down the drain on its own.
Pour about 1 cup of vinegar down your drain and let it sit for 30-40 minutes.
Baking soda and vinegar may unclog your drain better than Drano ever could. Start by getting rid of the standing water in your drain. If it will go down slowly, just wait until it's gone. If it isn't moving, use a cup or a spoon to get it out of there.