How to Unclog a Drain Without Using Chemicals?

A clogged drain can damage your property. A clogged sink, bathroom, or toilet can disturb your daily routine if not fixed immediately. The accumulation of unwanted products in the drainage area causes a stoppage in water flow. It includes oily wastage, soapy foams, broken hairs & roots of trees. 

Chemical drain cleaners include harsh, acidic chemicals that can harm your skin, eyes, etc. Here are the details on how to unclog a drain without using chemicals:  

1. Plunger

A plunger is a tool utilized to clean the drains of sinks & toilets traditionally. They are made of steel or rubber cups to provide the force to clean the toilets & sink. There are two types of plunger: 

• Toilet plunger 
• Sink or tub plunger

How to Use a Plunger:

• Add enough water to the plunger cup to create a vacuum seal. 
• Push the plunger hard to seal the drain. 
• Approximately five or six fast pumps are needed to raise and lower the plunger handle.
• Pull back to release pressure and check for water removal. 
• Repeat until clean water is released through the drain.  

A plunger pushes out clogs by applying pressure and suction. Try changing the seal or using extra water to increase the suction if you’re experiencing issues. 

2. Wire Clothes Hanger

A wire clothes hanger can unclog the blocked drains, particularly ones blocked by hair and debris. 

How to Use a Wire Hanger:

• A wire clothing hanger should be unwound and straightened.
• To help in grasping the clog, make a tiny hook at one end.
• Take off the stopper or drain cap.
• Carefully press the hooked end down into the drain until you encounter resistance.
• To dislodge the clog, gently twist the hanger.
• Pull the hanger back out slowly, removing the clog as you go.
• Continue as needed to clear the drain. 

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Natural chemical reactions between baking soda and vinegar break blockages and dissolve debris. This procedure works best for slow-draining bathroom sinks and showers but may not work for grease-prone kitchen drains. 

How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:

• Take a saucepan of boiling water and dump it down the drain first, saving about a cup for later.
• To the drain, add half a cup of baking soda.
• Give it five minutes or so to sit.
• Down the drain, pour one cup of vinegar.
• As the combination reacts, a fizzing sound will be heard. Give it 20 minutes or so to sit.
• Finally, use the leftover hot water to flush the drain. 

Preventing Future Clogs

Use these easy maintenance tips to keep your drains operating smoothly: 

To trap hair and debris, use a drain cover.

Do not throw oily products into the drain.

To avoid collection, flush drains often with hot water and baking soda.

To avoid blockages, clean out strainers and drain stoppers. 

Conclusion

Unclogging is quite important to properly manage the maintenance of the toilets, bathroom, or kitchen drainage. Chemical-based solutions may harm the property, thus, environmentally friendly alternatives should be used to treat it. By using chemical-free options, the risk of excess expenses can be avoided.