Drain Unclogging Tricks

A clogged drain can be a major inconvenience, especially because the slow-draining water allows dirt and grime to build up on the surface of the tub or sink, creating a slick and slimy coating that is as unappealing to the eyes as it is to the touch. This means you will find yourself having to clean your tub or sink even more often than usual and to be honest, who wants to do that?

When faced with a clogged drain, your first reaction may be to simply head to your local mart to pick up some industrial drain cleaner. But, before you go and do that, consider the damage that those chemicals do to the environment. After all, the water that goes down your drain ultimately ends up at a processing plant where it’s filtered and used for other applications. And when you use toxic agents to clear your drains, the chemicals enter the processing plant too and can often get dispersed into the environment. Therefore, it always pays to try a few alternative tricks to unclogging your drain before you call in the toxic big guns.

Safe, Effective Drain Unclogging

By and far, the most common culprit for causing a clogged drain is hair. And believe it or not, in most cases, the clog is right below the drain; not in the J-bend like they show on television commercials all the time. This can be easily cleared by using a metal clothes hanger.

Simply unwind the hanger so it’s one long length of metal. Bend the end of one side into a tight hook using a pair of needle nose pliers. Then, insert the hook down the drain and pull it back up. Along with the hanger will come a ton of nasty hair and other junk. Depending on how bad the clog is, it may take a couple of passes before the clog is entirely cleared.

If the clog is located beyond the drain and in the J-bend, then there are a few eco-friendly tricks to resolving that problem as well.

Alka-Seltzer and Vinegar

Take three tablets of Alka-Seltzer and drop them down the drain (break them up if you have to). Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain and wait for 15 minutes. While the solution is bubbling up, it’s dissolving the grease that’s binding the clog together. After the 15 minutes is up, pour a small pan full of boiling water down the drain to break the clog up further so it can be washed away.

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid 

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add three to four tablespoons of Dawn liquid to the pot. Slowly pour the heated solution down the drain and let it sit for about a half-hour. The Dawn will start loosening up the grease that binds the clog. Flush the clog with hot water from the tap and it should break clear.

Baking Soda and Salt

Pour a half-cup each of baking soda and salt down the clogged drain. Bring six cups of water to a boil and pour the liquid down the drain. Allow the mixture to sit overnight and then in the morning flush the clog with hot water from the tap. The baking soda and salt act as abrasives that will force the clog out while at the same time scrubbing your pipes clean.

The next time you get a clogged drain, give one of these environmentally friendly tricks a try. You’ll not only save yourself some money, but  you’ll also rest easy knowing that you’re not sending toxic chemicals down the drain and into your area’s water filtration system.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, NJ.  An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.