Nowadays, due to the aging of building sewage pipes and non-standard plumbing systems, drain clogs have become very common.
In this article, we aim to highlight the signs of clogging and the most practical methods for unclogging drains that you can do yourself at home.
Signs of a clogged drain include:
Unpleasant and foul odors coming from bathroom, toilet, or kitchen drains.
Slow drainage in showers and sinks.
Toilets (both squat and Western) not flushing completely or flushing very slowly.
You may have noticed these signs but ignored them. However, your household drains could become fully blocked at any moment, or your septic tank might overflow.
Most people’s first thought after such an issue is to call a plumbing company to unclog the drain. But here, we introduce methods to solve the problem using items that are commonly available at home.
10 Methods to Unclog a Drain
This list is organized by effectiveness so you can reach a solution as quickly as possible.
Hot Water and Detergent
One of the simplest methods is using hot water and detergent. Boil water and pour it into a bucket. Before pouring it down the drain, add some liquid or powdered detergent. Pour the hot water in several stages for better results. If this method doesn’t work after a few attempts, try the following alternatives.Soda
Soda isn’t just a refreshing drink—it can help unclog drains due to its carbonation and chemical composition. Pour a large bottle of soda into the drain and wait 30 minutes. Then, flush with hot water to test if the clog is cleared.Salt and Vinegar
Mix 1/3 cup of salt with 1/3 cup of vinegar to create an acidic solution. Pour it immediately into the drain and leave it for a few hours. It’s best to do this at night so the solution can dissolve hair and grease overnight. Flush the drain with hot, high-pressure water afterward.Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)
If the previous solution isn’t strong enough, mix three cups of caustic soda with 3–5 liters of cold water. Wear gloves to avoid burns. Pour the solution slowly into the drain, wait one hour, and then flush with hot water. Caustic soda can be purchased at chemical or agricultural supply stores.Diluted Acid
Another solution for unclogging drains is diluted acid, available at most stores. Using diluted acid helps prevent long-term corrosion of pipe fittings caused by excessive use of strong acids.Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)
Hydrochloric acid is a strong chemical, so always wear gloves and a mask. Mix three cups of hydrochloric acid with 3–4 liters of water, pour it slowly into the drain, and leave it for one hour. Flush the drain with hot water afterward to clean it and check if it’s unclogged.Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum can be a powerful tool for unclogging drains. Set the vacuum to liquid suction, insert the hose into the drain, and seal around it with a bag to prevent mess. Turn it on at high power to pull out debris. Note that this method may not work for deep clogs.Plunger
Plungers come in different types for toilets, sinks, and floor drains. Place the plunger over the drain opening and push up and down several times. Test the drain with hot water afterward to remove any remaining debris.DIY Wire Hook
Straighten a wire hanger and bend one end into a hook. Insert the hooked end into the drain until it reaches the trap. Twist and pull out debris like a fisherman. Repeat if necessary, and flush the drain thoroughly with water.Hand Auger (Plumbing Snake)
If the above methods fail, use a hand auger, available at hardware stores. Feed the snake into the drain, rotate it slowly, and push it forward until the clog is cleared. Flush the drain with boiling water afterward.
If a single method doesn’t solve the clog, try the other methods. If the problem persists, consider more comprehensive repairs. Oraman Gharb Company, with years of experience producing various types of pipes including urban sewage pipes, offers high-quality solutions for your plumbing needs.
