How to Unclog a Drain WITHOUT Harsh Chemicals

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By ACGaughen
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Unclog a Drain WITHOUT Harsh Chemicals

Drain clearing chemicals are expensive, and some of the harshest chemicals available on the market. Here is how to clear your drain cheaply, safely, and effectively with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

1 cup baking soda
2 cups vinegar
1 kettle of hot water (about 8 cups)

Step 1

Remove any interference. Remove the drain cap, any matted hair on the surface, and any visible debris.
Step 2

Pour the baking soda down the drain. Slowly pour the baking soda; if your drain curves within an inch or two of the surface, run the smallest amount of water to wash some baking powder further down the drain.
Step 3

Slowly pour the vinegar. The reaction the baking soda and vinegar will be to foam upwards; depending on the drain, this may come out in the basin before it goes downwards, but it will go down.
Step 4

Wait 1 hour and pour a kettle of boiling hot water down the drain to wash out any material the baking soda and vinegar loosened.
Step 5

Run the water to test the drain. If water is still sluggish, repeat steps 1-4.

Tips & Warnings

This is a great, easy and environmentally responsible way to clean your drain with household items.
While you're pouring baking soda, it's also a natural cleanser, and a great alternative to harsh scrubbing chemicals.