Clogged clogs | Cleans plumbing by clearing clogs in sinks, showers and toilets) (2024)

FAQs

Why is my toilet and shower both clogged? ›

When the shower and toilet are both clogged, the obstruction will likely be downstream from the area where the shower and toilet connect with the underlying sewer main. Such simultaneously clogging is a sign the obstruction is so deep that it backs up both drains.

Hydro-Jetting Tools

Basically, it's a device that feeds a supply of high-pressure water through your clogged drain via a hose and nozzle. A plumber inserts the hose and nozzle into your pipes and blasts high-pressure water through it to scour out the drain pipes.

When you mix baking soda and vinegar, the resulting chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas can build up inside your pipes, causing pressure to build up and potentially leading to cracks or leaks in older pipes.

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.

Use a drain snake

A drain snake can help unclog most drain lines. Start by carefully feeding a toilet serpent into the toilet drain - be careful not to leave permanent marks on your toilet finish! As it enters the drain, spin the snake clockwise and then counterclockwise before pulling out slowly.

Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover

Drano's Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover works quickly too, without any elbow grease on your part. Simply pour the formula down a backed-up sink or drain and let it go to work. For minor clogs and slow-flowing drains, the gel works in 15 to 30 minutes.

Using a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water

For more stubborn clogs, a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water may do the trick. Because vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, mixing the two will cause a chemical reaction that will create pressure and possibly dislodge the clog.

Baking soda and vinegar

Right after, follow the water with 1/2 cup of baking soda and leave for 5 minutes. Then, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and let sit for 20 minutes. You hear a fizzing sound because mixing the two ingredients creates a noticeable chemical reaction.

When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.

Vinegar is made up of water and acetic acid, which is (you guessed it) an acid. When you combine these, a reaction happens where molecules get exchanged, creating carbon dioxide and water that bubbles through the clog, breaking it up to create loose material.

Is it safe to pour boiling water down the drain? ›

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a strong acid that is commonly used to dissolve clogs in drains. This acid works by breaking down organic materials such as hair, grease, and soap scum that can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages.

Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.

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.

Using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain is an effective and natural cleaning method, which some people prefer over harsher chemicals. It works great for weaker drain clogs. By using this mixture periodically, you may be able to avoid clogs altogether (and the need for a more powerful cleaner like Drano).

Hydrogen peroxide may already be in your medicine cabinet, and it is gentle enough to use in your pipes. If you notice your sink draining sluggishly, you can reach for a bottle of hydrogen peroxide instead of a more expensive chemical drain cleaner.

Combine Borax, Salt & Vinegar

Many DIY drain cleaning methods involve using baking soda. However, if you've used up the last of your baking soda, Borax can be a useful alternative.