8 Homemade Drain Cleaners That Are Safe & Effective: Cheap, Natural Solutions For Clogged Drains

Drain cleaners can be a lifesaver when your sink or tub is backed up and you need to get the water moving again. However, many commercial drain cleaners are harsh and toxic and can damage your plumbing if misused.

Thankfully, Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer suggest some safe and easy homemade drain cleaners that you can use to clear obstructions. Try one of these eight homemade drain cleaners that are safe for your plumbing and won’t cause any damage.​ Keep reading for some helpful tips.

Salt and Baking Soda:

One of the most effective and cheapest drain cleaners is a mixture of salt and baking soda. 

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, 
2. Pour ½ cup of salt. 
3. Then, add boiling water to help flush away the obstruction.

Lemon Juice:

Lemons are not only great for flavoring food, but they can also help clear clogged drains. 

1. Pour a cup of lemon juice down the drain and let it sit for an hour. 
2. Then, run hot water down the drain to flush away the obstruction.

Vinegar and Baking Soda:

It is a great drain cleaner for really tough clogs.

1. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Add a cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
3. Add boiling water to help flush away the obstruction.
4. Run hot water down the drain to clear any remaining residue.

Salt and Boiling Water:

This method can help speed things up if you have a slow drain.

1. Pour a half cup of salt down the drain.
2. Add boiling water and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
3. Run hot water down the drain to flush away the obstruction.

Cream of Tartar:

It is an excellent option if you have a clog that’s preventing water from draining at all.

1. Pour a cup of cream of tartar down the drain.
2. Add boiling water and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
3. Run hot water to flush away the obstruction.

Enzyme Drain Cleaners:

These are great options for organic materials like hair or food causing your clog.

1. Pour the enzyme drain cleaner down the drain.
2. Add hot water and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
3. Run hot water down the drain to flush away the obstruction.

Wire Hook:

If you can see the clog but can’t reach it, a wire hook can help.

1. Straighten out a wire hanger and create a small hook at the end.
2. Insert the hook into the drain and try to snag the clog.
3. Pull the clog out of the drain and dispose of it properly.

Rubber Plunger:

A rubber plunger is a classic tool for unclogging drains.

1. Ensure enough water is in the sink or tub to cover the plunger.
2. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down.
3. Run hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining obstruction.

If you’re not confident about tackling this project alone and looking for a plumbing contractor near you, Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer is here to help. We offer comprehensive plumbing services in Winnetka and the surrounding area, including expert drain cleaning.

Contact us today for a free estimate on our services.

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