Natural Ways to Clear a Clogged Drain

A clogged drain occurs when debris, hair, grease, or other materials block the flow of water through pipes. This can lead to slow drainage, standing water, foul odors, and eventually, a complete blockage.

A clogged drain can be a major inconvenience in any home, causing water to back up and potentially leading to foul odors. While chemical drain cleaners can be effective, they can also be harsh on pipes and harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to clear a clogged drain without resorting to harsh chemicals. In this article, we will explore some of these natural solutions to help you keep your drains clear and flowing smoothly.

Boiling water

Boiling water is one of the easiest and most natural ways to clear a clogged drain. Simply boil a pot of water on the stove or in the microwave, and then carefully pour it down the clogged drain. The hot water can help to dissolve and flush away any clogs or blockages that may be causing the drain to slow down or back up.

It is important to use caution when pouring boiling water down a drain, as the steam and hot water can cause burns. Make sure to slowly and carefully pour the water down the drain to avoid splashing.

Baking soda and vinegar

If you have a clogged drain and prefer to use natural methods to clear it, an effective and environmentally friendly solution is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Here's how you can do it:



• Start by pouring boiling water down the drain to help loosen and flush away any debris or buildup.
• Measure out 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain.
• Follow the baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar. You will see a fizzing reaction as the two ingredients react together. This reaction helps to break down any blockages or clogs in the drain.
• Let the mixture sit in the drain for about 30 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
• After 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water again to rinse away any remaining residue.

This method can be repeated as needed to fully clear the clog It is a safe and effective way to clear drains without using harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your pipes and the environment.

Salt and baking soda

Here's how you can use these common household ingredients to help unclog your drain:

• Mix together 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda in a bowl.
• Pour the mixture down the drain.
• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the salt and baking soda to work their magic.
• Follow up by pouring boiling water down the drain to help flush out any remaining debris.
• Repeat this process a few times if necessary, until the drain is clear and flowing smoothly.

Salt and baking soda can help break down and dissolve clogs, and the abrasive nature of salt can help scrub away any build-up in the drain. This natural solution is safe for your pipes and the environment, making it a great alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners.

Use a plunger

A plunger can be a handy tool for clearing clogs in sinks and drains.

• Start by filling the sink or tub with enough water to cover the top of the plunger. This will create a good seal and help with the plunging action.
• Place the plunger over the drain opening and make sure it is completely covering the hole. Press down firmly on the plunger to create a tight seal.
• Begin plunging by pushing and pulling the plunger up and down rapidly, creating a suction action. Continue this motion for about 20-30 seconds.
• After plunging, remove the plunger and see if the water begins to drain. If the clog has been cleared, the water should start to flow freely. If not, you may need to repeat the plunging process a few more times.
• Once the drain is clear, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris.
• If the clog persists, you may need to use a plumbing snake or call a professional plumber for assistance.

Remove and clean the trap

The trap, also known as a P-trap, is the curved section of pipe located underneath your sink. Its purpose is to trap debris and prevent it from clogging the rest of your plumbing system. Over time, the trap can become filled with hair, food particles, grease, and other gunk, leading to a clog.

To clear a clogged drain by removing and cleaning the trap, you will need a few simple tools: a bucket, a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench, and a wire coat hanger or pipe brush.

Start by placing the bucket underneath the trap to catch any water or debris that may spill out. Use the pliers or pipe wrench to loosen the slip nuts on either side of the trap and carefully remove it from the pipe. Be prepared for some water and gunk to come out once the trap is removed.

Once you have the trap in hand, inspect it for any visible blockages. You may be able to use a wire coat hanger or pipe brush to dislodge and remove any debris stuck inside. Make sure to clean both the trap and the pipes connected to it thoroughly before reattaching the trap.

After the trap is cleaned and reattached, run water down the drain to see if the clog has been cleared. If water is flowing freely, congratulations – you have successfully cleared a clogged drain! If the drain is still slow or clogged, you may need to try a more aggressive approach such as using a drain snake or chemical drain cleaner.

Use a drain snake

A drain snake is a tool that can be used to manually remove clogs from drains.

Here's how you can use a drain snake to clear a clogged drain:

• Purchase a drain snake that is appropriate for the size of your drain. You can find these at hardware stores or online.
• Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from any debris that may come up from the drain.
• Extend the snake by following the manufacturer's instructions. Most drain snakes have a handle that you can turn to extend and retract the snake.
• Insert the snake into the drain and slowly push it through the pipe. You may encounter some resistance as you push the snake through the clog, so be patient and continue to push and twist the snake.
• Once you have reached the clog, you can begin to twist and push the snake to break up the blockage. You may feel or hear the snake hitting the clog, which is a good sign that you are making progress.
• Continue to work the snake through the clog until you feel the blockage break up and the snake moves freely through the pipe.
• Once you have cleared the clog, slowly retract the snake from the drain. Run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
• Repeat the process if necessary to ensure that the drain is completely clear.

Using a drain snake can be an effective way to clear a clogged drain, but if you are not comfortable using one or if the clog is particularly stubborn, it may be best to call a professional plumber for help.

Use a natural drain cleaner

You can use a combination of baking soda and vinegar to naturally clear a clogged drain.

Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, working to break down any clogs. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

After the mixture has had time to work, pour boiling water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris. This should help clear the clog and leave your drain running smoothly again.

You can also try using a mixture of salt and hot water, or a combination of lemon juice and baking soda, to help break down and clear clogs in your drain. These natural options are effective and safe alternatives to chemical drain cleaners.

Prevent future clogs

To prevent future clogs, avoid pouring grease, oil, and food scraps down the drain. Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris, and regularly clean your drains with hot water and vinegar to prevent buildup.

Do I Need to Call a Plumber to Unclog the Drains?

It depends on the severity of the clog and your own level of experience with plumbing repairs. If you have tried using a plunger or drain snake to unclog the drains with no success, or if the clog is causing multiple drains to back up, it is probably a good idea to call a plumber. A professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to effectively clear the clog and ensure that your drains are flowing smoothly again.

Let Tru Flo Plumbing Unclogged your Drains

Tru Flo Plumbing specializes in unclogging drains and can quickly and efficiently solve any issues you may be experiencing. Our team of experienced plumbers uses professional tools and techniques to effectively remove any blockages in your drains, preventing further damage and inconvenience. Don't let clogged drains disrupt your daily routine any longer – contact Tru Flo Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.