How to Unclog Drains by Yourself 

Clogged drains are a household headache, but a few simple pantry staples can solve them. These natural methods are also safer for your pipes than chemical drain cleaners. 

Boiling water: Fill your sink with hot water and let gravity and the force of the water help dislodge or push a clog along. Add some dish soap if the clog is composed of grease or other sticky substances. It is important to note that unclogging basic clogs may be done at home but for major drain clogs, it needs to be handled by a professional plumber. Fix-It Right plumbing, top plumbers for blocked drains in Melbourne are known for their expertise in plumbing solutions. 

Plungers 

Plungers are one of the most effective DIY tools for clearing minor drain blockages. They work using the power of pressure and suction. When the rubber bell of the plunger seals over a drain opening, it decreases the volume and increases the pressure inside your pipes. This moves water and clogs downward, which can dislodge most blockages. 

Before you begin, ensure that the water level in your toilet is low enough to allow plunging. If not, manually remove some of the water before proceeding with the process. 

For shower drains, you can also use a straightened wire coat hanger to clear hair clogs. Bend the hook of the hanger into a small hook no larger than a half-inch wide. Push the hook down into the drain until it reaches the bottom of the trap. Then twist it back and forth and up and down to loosen and pull out the clog. If these methods fail to clear your clogged drain, it may be time to call a professional plumber. 

Baking soda and vinegar 

Baking soda and vinegar are household staples that can be used for many cleaning tasks. They are effective, inexpensive, and safe to use around the home. 

In fact, many TikTok videos feature this household concoction being used to clean drains. Unfortunately, the chemistry doesn’t back up these claims. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, reacts with vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas and a weak acid (sodium acetate) that can dislodge some food residue and grime. 

However, baking soda and vinegar are unlikely to be able to handle a heavily clogged drain. These household cleaners can cause damage to pipes, and they are unlikely to resolve the root cause of the clog. 

For a safer, faster way to clean a drain, try using a professional drain cleaner, like Liquid-Plumr(tm). This product combines two strong liquids that are safe for pipes to dissolve hair and funk. It also releases heat to help melt and loosen the clog. 

Dish soap 

One of the most basic and effective techniques for addressing minor blockages, this method relies on the degreasing power of dish soap combined with the force of hot water to dislodge and break down clog-causing residue. To use this method, first boil a substantial amount of water (a full kettle should suffice). Squirt a liberal amount of liquid dish soap down the drain while the water is boiling, and allow it to sit for several minutes to penetrate the clog. 

After a half hour or so, pour the hot water down the drain to flush out loosened debris and restore full functionality. Repeat if necessary. Remember, though, that a persistent or recurring clog might signal a larger problem, and it’s important to know when to call in professional help. Avoid expensive plumbing repairs by proactively addressing minor issues with the right tools. For instance, scrape plates and cookware into the trash instead of the drain before rinsing, and invest in shower or bath screens to keep hair and soap scum out of the pipes. 

Wire 

While drain clogs are annoying and often inconvenient, most can be resolved by yourself without the use of harsh chemical drain cleaners. Try some of the methods listed above and don’t be afraid to get a little hands-on! 

If you don’t have a plunger, try using a bent wire coat hanger to create suction in the drain. Start by removing the shower drain stopper (get underneath and release the spring clip that keeps it in place). Once the stopper is removed, use the wire to fish out as much gunk as you can. You can also use a plumber’s snake to break up and pull out hair, soap residue, and other debris. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves! These techniques work best for small to medium sized clogs. For larger clogs, it’s usually best to call a professional.