How to Unclog Drains Easily with Simple Household Items

If you find yourself in this situation, there’s no need to worry. Sometimes, all it takes is a cup of regular salt to fix the problem quickly.

Nowadays, most households have several plumbing-related appliances, such as kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and shower drains. Because of frequent use, clogged drains are very common, and it’s safe to say that almost every household has faced this issue at least once.

If you encounter a clogged drain, don’t panic. With just a cup of salt and a few simple steps, you can get everything flowing smoothly again.

Step-by-Step Method Using Salt, Baking Soda, and Vinegar

1. Remove visible debris: Start by clearing any objects or buildup that can be seen with the naked eye. This includes hair, food scraps, or leaves that might be causing the blockage.

2. Prepare the cleaning mixture: Mix equal parts salt and baking soda into a fine powder. This combination helps break down grease and grime.

3. Add vinegar: Pour the mixture down the drain, then add twice as much white vinegar as the salt-baking soda mixture. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

4. Flush with boiling water: After the waiting period, pour boiling water directly into the drain. This will wash away remaining debris and grease, leaving your pipes clear and your drains flowing freely.

If you don’t have baking soda or vinegar, you can simply pour a cup of salt down the drain and follow it with boiling water for a few minutes. While slightly less powerful, this method can still be quite effective.

Other Effective Ways to Unclog Drains

1. Boiling Water

This is the simplest method and requires no special tools or spending. Just boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly into the drain in three stages, waiting a few seconds between each pour. The heat helps dissolve grease and minor buildup, though it may not be as thorough as the salt-and-baking-soda method.

2. Using a Wire Hanger

A metal coat hanger can be a surprisingly useful tool for removing blockages. Simply bend one end into a small hook and lower it into the drain. This can help pull out hair, vegetable scraps, and other debris. Afterward, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to wash away any remaining residue.

3. Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you own a vacuum that can handle liquids, it can be very handy for unclogging drains. First, protect the vacuum hose to prevent damage, then switch it to liquid suction mode. Insert the hose into the drain and vacuum out any dirt, sludge, or buildup. This method can quickly clear the drain, leaving it clean and flowing.

4. Using an Eel or Snakehead Fish

Although this might sound unusual, it can be surprisingly effective. At a local market, purchase an eel or a snakehead fish and carefully place it head-first into the drain. As the fish moves, it pushes debris, hair, and other blockages further down the pipes, helping to clear the drain. While unconventional, some people have found this method to work immediately in severe clogs.

Extra Tips for Maintaining Clear Drains

• Regularly pour boiling water down your drains to prevent buildup.

• Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or large food scraps into sinks.

• Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris before it enters the pipes.

By following these methods and tips, you can keep your home’s plumbing in good shape without calling a plumber for minor clogs. With simple household items and a bit of patience, you’ll rarely have to worry about clogged drains again.