Unique Ways to Unclog Any Drain – DIY Solutions for Homeowners

Clogged drains are a common household issue that many homeowners face. Instead of reaching for a chemical-based drain cleaner or calling in a plumber, try these unique home solutions.

For light to moderate clogs, try using baking soda and vinegar. This solution is effective and safer for your pipes than commercial drain cleaners.

1. Plunger

You don’t need to break out the chemical drain cleaners if you’ve got a standard, bell-shaped plunger on hand. Simply seal the plunger over the drain or toilet opening, use quick plunging motions, and repeat as necessary until the clog is dislodged.

Choose a plunger with a sturdy rubber material and a comfortable handle. Also make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves to prevent getting germs or bacteria on your hands.

2. Drain Snake

If the plunger fails, try snaking the drain. A plumber’s snake is a long flexible cable that dives down the drain to the clog and pulls it out of the pipe. Homeowners can purchase a manual snake that’s about 25 feet long for a fraction of the cost of a professional-grade one.

Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. The sharp end of the snake then snags any objects in the line. Rotate the handle and manually feed more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Continue rotating the snake and feeding until the clog is removed. You can then run water down the drain to assess its functionality.

3. Wire Hanger

Over time, sink drains can clog with soap scum, hair, laundry lint, and other debris. This can cause a lot of damage to pipes.

Rather than buying chemical-based drain cleaners, try these DIY solutions to unclog any drain. They’re cheaper and safer for your plumbing system.

If your plunger doesn’t work, try using a wire coat hanger. Straighten it out except for the hook, then bend one end into a small hook. Send the hook end down the drain to fish out the clog. This works best on bathroom and other sink drains, but it may not be effective on toilets. Once you remove the clog, run hot water down the drain to clear it.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an inexpensive and natural way to dissolve organic compounds like hair and grease that accumulate in your drain pipes. It also makes an effective household cleaner and can help remove stains from pots, pans and dishwasher dishes.

For stubborn clogs, mix baking soda with vinegar to create a chemical reaction that loosens the blockage. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar down your drain, then flush with boiling water.

Be careful not to use this method on your toilet, as it can crack or damage the porcelain. You can also try a bent wire coat hanger to fish out the clog by feeding it down the drain. This can be especially effective on bathroom and kitchen sinks that are prone to hair or food clogs.

5. Vinegar

Vinegar is an inexpensive, kitchen staple that works well as a natural cleaner. It has acidic properties that help dissolve mineral deposits, and it has slight disinfectant abilities. It also has the advantage of being a safe alternative to chemical drain cleaners.

Baking soda and vinegar have been used as a lifehack for generations (and was even the basis for a science fair experiment) to create a foaming, clog-busting chemical reaction. It’s nontoxic, biodegradable, and chances are you already have these two ingredients in your pantry!

Sprinkle baking soda directly into your drain, and then pour down vinegar. This will activate the baking soda and begin breaking down greasy, organic materials. Allow this to sit for about an hour, and then flush with boiling hot water.