When you encounter a slow-draining sink or shower, your first instinct may be to grab the drain cleaner. However, we advise against this. Contrary to popular belief, many drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes over time and also to you and your family if there’s an accidental spill. Next time you have a drain clog, try some of these natural drain cleaners recommended by the Axsom Air team!
3 Ways To Unclog A Drain:
Dish Soap And Hot Water
This method works best for grease clogs in the sink. Make sure you keep in mind what kind of pipes you’re pouring the water down- too hot of water could damage your pipes. Water higher than 140 degrees should never be used. It would be best to let your boiling water cool for a couple of minutes before mixing it with the dish soap.
- Check the water level.
- Take 3-4 tablespoons of dish soap and mix with about eight glasses of hot water.
- Pour the mixture down the drain slowly.
- Make sure to pour carefully- you don’t want any of the hot water to splash on you.
- Depending on the size of the clog, you might have to repeat this process a couple of times.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This combination may ring a bell from science class- when the two of these are mixed, they form a chemical reaction producing carbon dioxide. The gas from this reaction creates bubbles that will work to break up whatever clog is in your drain. You’ll know it’s in action when you hear fizzling from the drain!
- Check the water level of the sink. If the water is too high, scoop some out to prevent it from spilling over.
- Pour hot water down.
- Pour one cup of baking soda and then one cup of vinegar down.
- Let it settle in for up to one hour.
- Pour hot water down the drain again.
- If the clog persists, repeat the process.
Baking Soda Salt And Cream of Tartar
This concoction calls for materials you’ll most likely have sitting in your kitchen. The baking soda and salt will interact to break down the clog, while the cream of tartar cleans the metal of the pipes.
- Combine ⅛ cup of cream of tartar with ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of baking soda in a jar.
- Cover the jar, and shake well.
- Pour half of the jar into the drain.
- Carefully pour two cups of hot water down the drain.
- Let the concoction sit for one hour.
- Run the sink or tap to flush any residue left over.
Clogged Drain? Fixed Right, Or It’s Free!
We hope that these remedies worked for you- not only are they safer for your pipes, but they’re also more affordable than store-bought drain cleaners. If you find yourself still struggling with a clog after trying these natural drain cleaners, give the plumbers in Natchitoches at Axsom Air a call! Our team of professionals is here to help with any of your plumbing needs.
