A clogged drain is one of those problems that starts small and gets worse fast. What begins as slow draining water turns into a completely blocked sink, shower, or bathtub if you ignore it. Most drain clogs can be cleared in under 30 minutes without a plumber using simple tools and household products.
What Causes Drains to Clog?
Kitchen sinks clog from grease and food particles. Every time you wash dishes, small amounts of grease coat the inside of the drain pipe. Bathroom sinks and showers clog almost exclusively from hair and soap scum.
What You’ll Need
A drain snake, baking soda, white vinegar, rubber gloves, a bucket, and dish soap.
Method 1: Boiling Water
Pour a full kettle slowly down the drain in three stages, waiting 10 seconds between each pour. The heat dissolves grease and soap buildup and often clears minor clogs completely.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda directly down the drain followed immediately by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug to force the reaction downward. Wait 30 minutes then flush with hot water.
Method 3: Hair Clog Remover
Insert a plastic drain snake into the drain and push it down as far as it will go. Twist and pull slowly to hook the hair clog and pull it out. Repeat two or three times until nothing more comes out.
Method 4: Dish Soap and Hot Water
Squirt a generous amount of dish soap down the kitchen drain followed by the hottest water your tap produces. Run for a full minute. The dish soap breaks down grease coating the pipe walls.
Method 5: Clean the P-trap
Place a bucket under the P-trap. Unscrew the slip nuts on either side by hand or with pliers. Pull the P-trap down and empty it into the bucket. Clean out any buildup inside. Reattach and test.
Preventing Future Clogs
Install a hair catcher drain strainer in every shower and bathtub drain. Pour boiling water down your kitchen drain once a week. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain.