Hydrogen peroxide has several uses: it can be an antiseptic, oxidizing bleach, and more. You can find this affordable chemical compound in various concentrations in most drugstores and supermarkets. Did you know you can also use it to unclog a clogged drain?
Clogged drains are unpleasant and can smell. Hydrogen peroxide may already be in your medicine cabinet and is gentle enough to use in your pipes. If you notice that your sink is draining slowly, you can reach for a bottle of hydrogen peroxide instead of a more expensive chemical drain cleaner.
Using hydrogen peroxide on a clogged drain
Hydrogen peroxide dissolves organic matter to loosen and flush away dirt such as skin cells. It also disinfects drains as it works by reducing bacteria in your pipes and keeping your sinks smelling fresh and clean.
To use hydrogen peroxide on a clogged drain, look for a formula with 3% hydrogen peroxide. You can try pouring something directly into the drain, but for more effective drain cleaning, follow these steps:
- Sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the clogged drain and wait 10 minutes.
- Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and wait for the foaming to stop.
- If possible, avoid using the drain for a few hours.
- Pour hot water down the drain to rinse away baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dirt.
- Repeat the process if the drain is still clogged.
The combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda loosens organic debris in the drain so you can rinse it away. You can use this technique every few weeks to deodorize and prevent clogged drains.
Get professional service when you need it
Hydrogen peroxide effectively clears clogged drains caused by hair, skin and more. If there is a solid object in your drain, the drain is severely clogged, or there is a serious plumbing problem, please contact Mr. Root Plumbing of Greater Syracuse.
We are certified by Onondaga County to diagnose and fix any plumbing problem in your home. Whether you have a clogged drain or a potential plumbing problem, the licensed plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbers provide courteous, efficient assistance.Contact us todayfor more information about our services.
FAQs
Using Hydrogen Peroxide on a Clogged Drain
What's the strongest thing to unclog a drain? ›
- Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner. $9.47. Amazon. ...
- Green Gobbler Drain Clog Remover & Cleaner. $11.84. ...
- Professor Amos' Superfast Drain Cleaner. $22.92. ...
- Thrift Drain Cleaner. $21.30. ...
- Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel Clog Remover. $6.99. ...
- Xion Lab Safer Drain Opener. $21.49. ...
- Bio-Clean Drain Treatment. $49.95.
Pour one-half cup table salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. Or try a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar—let it bubble, wait 15 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. You can also try a cup of baking soda and a half-cup of salt; let it sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water.
Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve hair in the drain after? ›
Can Hydrogen Peroxide Dissolve Hair In A Drain? Another method that people sometimes use is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a very effective way to unclog a drain that is clogged with hair. It is a great chemical to use because it breaks down the hair very easily and it doesn't produce any harmful fumes.
What is the best homemade drain cleaner? ›
Baking soda and vinegar is a tried-and-tested mixture for unclogging drains. Since you probably have these ingredients lying around, this is also one of the most cost-effective drain cleaners you can make at home. Pour one cup of baking soda down the affected drain, immediately followed by one cup of white vinegar.
Can hydrogen peroxide unclog a drain? ›
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is safe to use for unclogging a drain. It will dissolve and loosen natural matter—like skin cells—stuck in the pipes.
What do plumbers recommend for clogged drains? ›
Drain Snakes
Also known as plumbing augers, these versatile, budget-friendly tools are great for hard-to-reach or stubborn clogs in toilets, sinks, tubs and showers. There are several different types: Drum augers or snakes have a motor that rotates the cable.
Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain? ›
Consistent use of acidic solutions, like vinegar, can accelerate the corrosion of these metal pipes, leading to weakened integrity and potential breaks or leaks over time. The reaction between baking soda and vinegar can also produce salt, which may further contribute to the corrosion process.
What can I pour down my drain to unblock it? ›
4 Steps to Unclog Your Drain with Baking Soda & Vinegar
- Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
- Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
- Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain again.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions can be disposed of with no special treatment. You can safely pour them down the drain of a sink or into a toilet. When preparing liquid chemical wastes for disposal, wear protective gear, and be careful not to splash. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde can cause cancer and death.
The answer is yes! Dawn dish soap is a great product for unclogging and cleaning your drains because it contains chemicals that break down grease and oil. It has a unique blend of ingredients that makes it an effective cleaning agent for greasy surfaces.
Why does hydrogen peroxide bubble in drain? ›
Hydrogen peroxide destroys bacterial cells by attracting electrons from the cell membranes. This breaks the cell open, releasing the enzyme catalase, which then reacts with the hydrogen peroxide to create that satisfying fizz.
How to unclog a clogged drain deep in a pipe? ›
Pouring a cup of baking soda and then a cup of vinegar into a drain pipe can produce a chemical reaction that is sometimes effective at clearing deeper blockages. Make sure to follow up with hot water to melt away any remaining debris.
What is the best home remedy for clogged drains? ›
Method 1: Pour baking soda, salt, then vinegar individually down the drain. Wait 15 minutes, then pour boiling water. Method 2: Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain quickly so the chemical reaction helps dislodge any gunk. Let it sit for an hour, then wash it down with hot water.
What is the common household ingredient that can unclog slow draining sinks and tubs? ›
Baking Soda & Vinegar – A well-known method recommended by moms everywhere, a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and vinegar poured down your drain and then left to sit for half an hour will help break down any soap scum or clogs that are in your pipes.
What will dissolve a blocked drain? ›
Loosen clogs by running hot water down the drain for two to three minutes. Pour 1/2 a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the cleaning solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
What is best to unclog main drain? ›
First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then run hot water down the drain.
