Getting Out of a Hairy Situation
No one wants a clogged drain—from the kitchen sink to the bathroom shower; drains always seem to back up at the worst moments. Fortunately, there are hacks for cleaning a clogged drain that can help you avoid calling in a costly plumber.
Household items such as baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or dish soap provide simple solutions that don't require expensive and dangerous chemical products. Keep these hacks handy when your drains start to act up—they could save you time and money!
The Best Hacks for Cleaning a Clogged Drain
When dealing with a clogged drain, you may feel frustrated and overwhelmed. But don't worry; below are some helpful hacks to get your clog taken care of.
1. Wire Hanger
Wire hangers are easily one of the most versatile tools for any household. Some may not realize a wire hanger can clean out hard-to-reach clogs in your drain. While there are many ways to unclog a drain, some simple hacks can go a long way with limited supplies.
Simply unbend and straighten the wire hanger and use the hook on the end to fish out any blockages. Then, to get the most leverage, loop it around anything in your drain, including hair or clumps of soap scum.
Once you have fished out the obstructions, run hot water to flush the drain. With this easy hack, you can tackle any DIY plumbing project with only a wire hanger and running water!
2. Baking Soda with Lemon Juice
Baking soda and lemon juice can be powerful allies against clogged drain pipes. These two ingredients can do wonders for a slow or clogged drain - pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of lemon juice.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes, during which the mixture of baking soda and lemon juice will react to create carbon dioxide gas, pushing through any blockage in the pipe and handling your clog problem.
Sometimes, it may take several attempts before the clog is successfully cleared, but it's worth trying this method since it's effective and inexpensive!
3. Boiling Water
Boiling water is an oft-forgotten and overlooked tool for unclogging drains. Hot temperatures will break up clogs and remove grease and other buildups inside the pipes that could otherwise lead to recurring problems requiring chemical solutions. Hacks for cleaning a clogged drain often include topical and direct treatments of the pipe’s exterior.
However, boiling a large pot of water can take less time than expected, with maximum benefit. Watch out: As you pour the boiling water down the drain, wait between each pouring session to allow any trapped objects or food particles to escape before pouring again.
With some patience and a hot pot of H2O, your sink will be as good as new!
4. Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide or lye can be used as a hack for cleaning a clogged drain. It is a powerful cleaning agent used in industrial-grade cleaners and for everyday household cleaning tasks, such as unclogging a clogged drain.
The method involves mixing the caustic chemical with hot water and pouring it directly down the drain. This solution helps break down organic matter that might be stuck in the pipes netting you an immaculately clean set of drains. However, extreme caution should be taken despite its effectiveness when handling it due to its hazardous nature.
Individuals should wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation throughout the process to ensure safety.
5. Baking Soda with Cream of Tartar
Are you looking for a way to clean the flush drain? Well, cleaning a clogged drain doesn't necessarily involve toxic chemical substances. A great alternative is using baking soda with cream of tartar to break down the buildup in pipes and restore functionality.
Mix two cups of baking soda, half a cup of salt and an eighth of a cup of cream of tartar in a jar, making sure everything is well incorporated. After letting the mixture sit for an hour or more, pour it into the drain and let it do its magic!
6. Dish Soap
With some dish soap and ingenuity, you can hack away clogged drains quickly! All you need is to fill the drain with hot water and pour in a generous dollop of dish soap—make sure it's not an anti-bacterial kind, as those may damage your pipes. After plugging the sinkhole, let it sit for 15 minutes.
The soap will help loosen up any debris caught in the drain! Finally, take out the stopper, turn on the hot water and run it back and forth until it runs freely. Keep an eye out for large chunks as you do this—you may need to fish them out eventually. In no time, your clogged drain will be as good as new!
The Bottom Line
Gathering the right supplies and knowing what hacks to use will make all the difference when it comes time to clear that clogged drain. All of the hacks for cleaning a clogged drain, such as boiling water, lemon and baking soda, wire hangers, dish soaps, baking soda and cream of tartar or sodium hydroxide, can help alleviate clogs.
However, making sure to follow safety protocols and measure out proper measurements are essential steps in the cleaning process. No matter which hacks you choose to try first, proper guidance will have your drain running like new in no time!