How To Clear Your Drains Without Harsh Chemicals?

Clogged drains are a common household headache. They can turn a relaxing shower into a frustrating puddle, whether it's a slow sink or a toilet that's not flushing. Dealing with slow-draining sinks, often caused by hair, grease, and food particles, can be frustrating, especially after filling a bathtub. However, unclogging these drains doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With the right tools and techniques, it can be a straightforward task. While many commercial drain cleaners are available, they often contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your health and the environment. Although these cleaners can be effective, their drawbacks are significant. Fortunately, there are other effective methods to clean your drains without using harsh chemicals, such as drain strainers and other eco-friendly solutions

Understanding the Causes of Clogged Drains

Before stepping into the solution, it is necessary to understand the main cause of clogged drains. Here are some mentioned below:

• Hair: One of the main causes of clogged bathrooms. 
• Oil: Oil is the main cause of kitchen clogging as it sticks to the sides of pipes, which collects food particles and other items, creating a big mess.
• Soap Scum: A combination of minerals and soap is called soap scum. When minerals make the bond with soap, Scum sticks to bathrooms, kitchens, tubs, showers, laundry room surfaces, sinks, etc. That buildup narrows the drain passage and causes the reason for clogging the drains.
• Foreign Objects: Other items like toys and jewellery find their way, which then becomes the cause of blockages in the drain.

Methods/Tips to Clean Your Drains

1: Use of Plunger

The trustier tool for your drain to stop the clog in the sink and bathtubs is a plunger. It helps in creating a tight seal by covering the water, which results in the dislodging of the clogged drain. 

Steps:

1. Fill the whole sink with enough water.
2. It will cover the plunger's rubber cup.
3. Place the plunger over the drain and create a tight seal.
4. Gradually push and pull the plunger to create suction and pressure vigorously.
5. Try a few attempts and check if the water starts to drain or not.
6. Repeat the process if necessary.

2: Boiling Water

The most effective way to clean your drain is especially useful when the pipe is greasy, oily, and has a buildup of social scum.

Steps:

1. Take a pot filled with water and boil it.
2. Now, gradually pour the water into the blocked drain.
3. Allow the hot water to do its work through blockage.
4. Repeat the process if necessary.

3: The baking soda and vinegar:

This is a trick for drain openings. The chemical reaction between these two substances can easily clean the minor clogging.

Steps:

1. All you need to do is take a cup of baking soda and add a cup of vinegar.
2. As a result, a fizzy texture will appear.
3. Cover the drain.
4. Let that fizz sit for at least 30 minutes to clean the drain properly.
5. At last, flush it out with hot water.

4: Baking soda and salt

Baking soda and salt can also be an effective combination for clearing drains. The abrasive nature of salt helps to scrub the interior of the pipes, while baking soda aids in breaking down debris.

Steps: 

1. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of salt.
2. Pour the mixture down the drain.
3. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes.
4. Flush the drain with hot water.

5: Wet/Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum is another effective way for clearing

Steps: 

1. Set the vacuum to wet mode.
2. Create a tight seal over the drain using the vacuum.
3. Turn on the vacuum and allow it to suck out the clog.
4. Check the vacuum and then dispose of it properly.

6: Drain Strain

Drain strains are the protective tools. Putting these drain screens or drain strains over the sink will avoid clogging as it will directly catch hairs, food particles, and debris before they enter the drain. 

Steps:

1. Install the drain strainers.
2. Regularly clean them to avoid clogging.

Professional call:

Remember, these tips are for everyday use, but if you have the toughest clog, you may need to call a plumber instead of trying all the home techniques, which may cause problems with your pipe, too.

Here are some signs that you may need to call a plumber:

• The clog is located deep in the drain.
• The clog is causing water to back up into your sink or toilet.

Summing Up: 

Unclogging of clogging drains regularly seems like a daunting task, but by cleaning them regularly to avoid harsh chemical techniques, you can keep your family and environment safe. You can handle minor clogs by yourself by using boiling water or plungers. Additionally, by using drain products, you can reduce future clogging, like drain strain. Regular maintenance can help keep your drains clean and functional. By following these guidelines, you can save both time and money. Next time you encounter a similar issue, remember these tips to tackle any clogs confidently.

Read our other Blogs: 

• How to Save Money on Plumbing With Drain Buddy
• How to Keep Your Bathroom Stain-Free All Year?
• How to Install a Drain Hair Catcher: A Step-by-Step Guide?