Unclogging a drain without chemicals (2024)

Knowing how to clean a drain will come in handy when one of your drains inevitably stops flowing as well as it used to. Drains can become clogged with dirt,soapy water, dander, hair and other dirt. And unclogging a drain is essential to keep the water flowing and prevent overflows.

There are many good advertisem*ntsdrain cleanerson the market, even some with plant-based formulas. But if you're trying to choose more eco-friendly DIY cleaning solutions, haven't restocked your bathroom supplies lately, or want to save money, follow this guide to cleaning a drain without using harsh chemicals like Drano.

How often should a drain be emptied?

Unclog and clean the drain as soon as you notice that the drain is draining slowly or slowly. The kitchen sink drain and the bathroom drain are flushed with warm water every week. Then, flush the pipes monthly with boiling water after cleaning the drain with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

What you need:

• Substitutionsor hand stamp (not flanged)
• Sodium carbonate
• white vinegar
• Manually operateddrain hose
• Emmer
• Adjustable wrench

How do you clean a drain without chemicals?

Instead of reaching for a bottlechemicals for drain cleaning, which are bad for the environment and can damage pipes or cause a blockage to move further down, try these methods – from the easiest to the most challenging.

Step 1: Try diving

Remove the strainer or plug from the drain and fill the container halfway with water. Begin diving and gradually increase pressure to (hopefully) clear the blockage. If you have a double sink, connect the other side to get enough pressureclear the clogged drain.

Step 2: Clean with baking soda and vinegar

If that makes no difference, drain 1 cupsodium carbonatedown the drain, followed by 1 cupwhite vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and fizz for at least 30 minutes. Then pour a kettle of boiling water directly into the drain.

Step 3: Use a drain hose

If none of these simple techniques have worked, try using a drain snake to manually remove the clog. It is a stiff metal wire that runs through the drain and grabs or loosens the clog so you can hopefully pull it out. Be careful when using a drain hose, especially if the pipes are older.

Step 4: Separate the pipes

If using a drain hose does not clear the clog and you are comfortable with it, you can dismantle the pipes under the sink to clean them.

• First close the shut-off taps under the sink before starting work. (Do not skip this step.)
• Look under the sink for the pipe that connects the sink to the wall. Take a photo (so you don't forget where things go).
• Place a bucket under the bent pipe (p-trap) and unscrew the pipes if necessary with the adjustable wrench (turn counterclockwise).
• Clean the tube and then reassemble it.
• Turn the shut-off valves back on and let the water run to ensure the pipes are tight and not leaking.

How to Remove and Prevent Odors in a Drain

If you clean your drains regularly, odors will be rare. However, despite our best efforts to keep the drain clean, odors sometimes occur. Try these ideas to remove unpleasant odors from your drain and ensure it stays odor-free.

• Carry out your renovation. If it is a kitchen drain, running the garbage disposal regularly will help eliminate food odors. Be sure to run cold water through the drain before, during and after using the drain.
• Add boiling water and soap. Boil water in a pan and add dish soap to the water. Slowly pour the mixture into the sink and wait a few minutes. Finish with cold running water.
• Use salt and lemon zest. Add salt to the drain and run the trash can to scrub the sides. Cut off a few lemon peels and throw them down the drain. Run the garbage disposal (again) for a fresh, citrusy scent.

How to keep your drain clean for longer

In addition to flushing pipes with boiling water every month, there are occasional chores that can help maintain drains. Follow this list of things to do to keep your drain flowing.

• Add a strainer to the drain (if not present) to catch the hair and prevent the soap from clogging.
• If you have onewaste processing, it's a good idea to run cold water before and after each use to completely clear the drain.
• Do not pour oil or grease from food down the drain as this will cause a blockage.
• Don't throw eggshells down the sink; they candamage to the renovation.
• Likewise, you should not throw the coffee grounds down the drain or in the trash.
• Use a garden hose to wash hands when working in the garden or yard. Grass clippings, mud and dirt can clog drains.
• Do not attempt to flush hair (from shaving or otherwise) down the drain. Although small hairs can easily get into the drain, they can eventually build up and cause blockages.