When faced with a clogged toilet or slow drains, many people panic. However, there’s no need to worry. With just a simple household ingredient—salt—you can often solve the problem quickly and effectively. Surprisingly, what seems like a strange method actually has real benefits when it comes to keeping your bathroom and kitchen drains flowing smoothly.

In most households, there are several plumbing fixtures connected to the water system, such as kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and shower drains. Over time, these pipes can accumulate residue, grease, hair, and other debris, causing water to drain slowly or even completely clogging the pipes. This is a common problem that nearly every household has experienced at least once.

Fortunately, there are several simple, affordable ways to unclog drains without harsh chemicals, starting with a technique that involves using salt.

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1. Salt and Baking Soda Method

This method is simple, safe, and highly effective for minor blockages.

Steps:

1. Clean visible debris – Remove any objects or residue visible at the drain opening.

2. Mix salt and baking soda – Combine salt and baking soda in equal parts. Make sure the mixture is finely ground for best results.

3. Pour into the drain – Sprinkle the mixture into the clogged drain.

4. Add vinegar – Pour a generous amount of vinegar over the salt-baking soda mixture. You will notice fizzing and bubbling as the reaction breaks down grime and residue.

5. Wait 15 minutes – Allow the mixture to sit and work on loosening the buildup.

6. Flush with boiling water – Carefully pour boiling water down the drain to wash away debris and clean the pipes.

This method works well for removing grease, soap scum, and general dirt. If you don’t have baking soda or vinegar on hand, pouring a cup of salt followed by continuous hot water for several minutes can still be surprisingly effective.

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2. Boiling Water Method

One of the simplest ways to unclog a drain, and it’s completely free.

• Boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly into the drain in stages, with short pauses between pours.

• The hot water helps dissolve grease and other minor blockages.

• For best results, repeat this process a few times.

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3. Clothes Hanger Method

A simple metal clothes hanger can also be turned into a drain-cleaning tool:

1. Straighten the hanger and create a small hook at the end.

2. Carefully insert it into the drain to pull out hair, vegetable matter, or other debris.

3. After removing the blockage, flush the drain with boiling water to remove any remaining residue.

This method is particularly useful for bathroom sinks and shower drains where hair often accumulates.

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4. Wet-Dry Vacuum Method

If you own a wet-dry vacuum capable of handling liquids:

1. Wrap the vacuum nozzle carefully to prevent damage.

2. Place the nozzle over the drain and turn the vacuum on to suck out dirt and sludge.

This method is highly effective for drains that are deeply clogged and difficult to reach with manual tools.

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5. Using Live Eels or Fish (Optional)

Though it sounds unusual, some people use a live eel or fish (like a snakehead fish) to help unclog pipes. The movement of the fish can push debris through the drain.

Important: This method is rarely necessary and should only be used as a last resort. Proper cleaning and mechanical methods like salt, baking soda, or a vacuum are usually safer and more practical.

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Additional Tips

• Regularly maintain drains with monthly applications of salt and boiling water to prevent buildup.

• Avoid pouring grease or large food scraps down the kitchen sink.

• For stubborn clogs, combine multiple methods: for example, use a hanger to remove debris and then flush with boiling water.

By incorporating these simple, inexpensive methods, you can keep your drains clean and flowing without relying on harsh chemicals. Salt, combined with other household items like baking soda, vinegar, or boiling water, proves that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.