Home trick to clean the drain and pipes without calling the plumber…

• Dish soap
• Boiling water

How to Use:

1. Pour a generous amount of dish soap down the clogged drain. Let it sit for a few minutes to lubricate the grease buildup.
2. Pour boiling water down the drain slowly to wash away the grease, soap scum, and debris.
3. Repeat as necessary.

Why it works: Dish soap helps break down grease and oils, while the hot water flushes the debris away, preventing further clogs.

6. Wet/Dry Vacuum

For tougher clogs that a plunger can’t handle, a wet/dry vacuum can be an effective tool to suck out blockages.

What You’ll Need:

• Wet/dry vacuum

How to Use:

1. Set the vacuum to “liquid” mode if it has that feature.
2. Cover the vent of the vacuum with a damp cloth to prevent any mess from spraying out.
3. Place the vacuum nozzle tightly over the drain opening and turn it on. It will suck out the blockage or debris from the pipes.
4. After a few minutes, check to see if the clog has been removed.

Why it works: The vacuum creates suction powerful enough to remove stubborn blockages and clear out the drain.

7. Use a Plumbing Snake or Drain Auger

For more persistent clogs, a plumbing snake or drain auger can be used to physically remove blockages deep within your pipes.

What You’ll Need:

• Plumbing snake or drain auger

How to Use:

1. Insert the end of the snake or auger into the drain opening.
2. Slowly rotate the handle to push the snake down into the pipes.
3. When you feel resistance, you’ve likely reached the blockage. Keep turning the handle to break through the clog, or use the hook to pull out any debris.
4. Once the clog is cleared, run hot water down the drain to wash away any remaining debris.

Why it works: The snake or auger physically breaks up and pulls out the clog, allowing for a thorough cleaning.

8. Regular Maintenance to Prevent Clogs

To keep your drains and pipes clean and flowing smoothly, regular maintenance can help prevent blockages before they become serious problems.

Tips for Ongoing Maintenance:

• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, as they can solidify and cause clogs.
• Use drain covers or screens to catch hair, food, and other debris.
• Run hot water down the drain regularly to keep oils and soap from building up in the pipes.
• Once a month, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar as a preventive cleaning solution to keep the drains clear.

Conclusion

Clogged drains don’t have to be a headache, and you don’t need to call a plumber every time you experience a slow drain. By using these simple, natural home remedies, you can quickly and effectively clean your pipes and prevent future clogs. Whether it’s using baking soda and vinegar, boiling water, or a plunger, these methods will help you maintain clean, efficient plumbing without breaking the bank.