When it comes to plumbing issues, dealing with a clogged drain is one of the more annoying ones to encounter. Having a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink disrupts the everyday flow of life and renders the room itself unusable. We put together our top five tricks to unclog a drain so you don’t ever have to deal with this issue again.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: The Dynamic Duo
One of the oldest and most reliable tricks in the book is using baking soda and vinegar. This method is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and usually works wonders on mild to moderate clogs.
How to do it:
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with half a cup of vinegar (you’ll hear a fun fizzing sound as they react!). Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper to trap the fizzing action inside. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then flush with hot water to clear out the debris.
This method works by breaking down grease, soap scum, and other organic materials. It’s gentle enough to use in most types of drains, including sinks, bathtubs, and even garbage disposals.
Use a Plunger (Yes, Really!)
When all else fails, a plunger can be a drain’s best friend. It’s a straightforward tool, but it’s surprisingly effective when used correctly. You can use a plunger for both sink and toilet clogs, although a sink plunger (which has a flat bottom) works best for drains.
How to do it:
Fill the sink or tub with a little water (just enough to cover the rubber part of the plunger). Position the plunger over the drain and create a strong seal. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 20 seconds, then lift it quickly. Check if the water starts draining. If not, repeat a couple more times.
The suction and pressure from the plunger help loosen the clog, pushing it out of the pipe. For tougher blockages, you may need to try a few rounds.
Snake the Drain
A drain snake (also called a plumber’s snake or auger) is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into pipes to break up or pull out stubborn clogs. It’s especially useful for hair blockages in bathroom sinks or shower drains.
How to do it:
Insert the snake into the drain and gently turn the handle to feed it down the pipe. Once you hit the clog, continue twisting to either break it up or hook onto it. Pull the snake out and discard any debris it pulls up. Run hot water through the drain to clear any remaining bits.
If you don’t have a snake, you can often find them at hardware stores, and they’re usually very affordable!
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum (or shop vac) is another great tool for clearing out a drain. It’s ideal for pulling up larger clogs or debris, like hair or food particles, that might be stuck in your pipes.
How to do it:
Set the vacuum to “liquids” mode. Create a tight seal around the drain using the vacuum hose (you can use a rag or tape to help create the seal). Turn the vacuum on and let it suck out the clog.
Note: Be sure to empty the vacuum container after use, especially if you’ve collected a lot of debris.
Hot Water for Grease or Soap Build-Up
Sometimes, the culprit of a slow-draining sink or tub is soap scum or grease build-up. If your drain is sluggish but not completely clogged, pouring hot water down the drain can often break down the greasy substances causing the blockage.
How to do it:
Boil a pot of water (or use hot tap water). Carefully pour it down the drain in stages, allowing each pour to sit for a few seconds before adding more. Follow up with a good rinse of cold water to solidify any remaining grease and flush it away.
This method works best for drains with minor blockages, but if the issue persists, you may need to try something more powerful.
Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Clogs
Once you’ve unclogged your drain, it’s always a good idea to take steps to prevent future blockages:
Use drain covers to catch hair, food scraps, and other debris.
Avoid pouring grease down the drain—dispose of it in the trash instead.
Run hot water regularly to keep pipes clear of soap and grease build-up.
Conclusion
You don’t need to stress anymore when you encounter a clogged drain. Trying out these five tips is almost guaranteed to work! Using a plunger, snaking the drain and using a baking soda and vinegar solution will be your go to allies in defeating a clogged drain. Following our bonus tips for prevention is also very helpful, incorporating things like adding drain covers, avoiding pouring grease down the drain and running hot water daily regularly are all great preventative measures.
If you have a clogged drain and all these tricks did not work, contact us at TYS Plumbing & Heating. We are your #1 solution for all things plumbing and can tackle your clogged drain today!
