5 Chemical Free Ways to Unclog a Drain

Are you tired of dealing with clogged drains in your home? Do you want to avoid using harsh chemicals to clear out your pipes? Look no further because we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll provide a complete guide on chemical free ways to unclog your drain that you can try before reaching out to professional drain cleaning experts.

Chemical Free Ways to Unclog Your Drains

Use a Plunger

This tool may sound obvious when it comes to a clogged toilet, but maybe not so much for a clogged drain. Well, the truth is, there are plungers designed for toilets and plungers designed for drains and a drain plunger should be your first plan of attack when water starts to back up.

As a general rule of thumb, the plungers with the wooden handle and the red suction cup are typically designed for drains while plungers with an elongated flap around the cup are designed for toilets.

Using a plunger is one of the easiest and most effective ways to unclog your drain. Place the plunger over the drain and push down and up repeatedly until the clog is cleared. Make sure to create a tight seal between the plunger and the drain for maximum effectiveness.

Clean Out the Trap

The trap is a curved section of your plumbing system located underneath your sink. It’s designed to catch debris and prevent it from going down the drain. Over time, the trap can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. To clean it out, remove the trap and clean it with a brush and hot water.

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a flexible tool that can remove clogs from your drain.

Not all homeowners have these on hand, but if you do, and the plunger won’t do the trick, this should be your plan B. Simply unravel the snake into the drain and once you feel it hit a blockage, give it a twist and then reel it back up to pull the snake out, and any debris causing the clog should come out with it.

This should help dislodge anything that might be caught in the drain — usually it’s a combination of hair, dirt and other debris.

Coat Hanger

If you don’t have a plunger or a drain snake on hand, a coat hanger just might do the trick. Head to the closet and look for a wire hanger. Unravel it, leaving the hook intact and use it to fish out food or hair particles that could be causing the blockage.

Make a DIY Drain Cleaner

To avoid harsh chemicals, you can make your own drain cleaner using natural ingredients. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. Wait for 10-15 minutes and then flush the drain with hot water.

This combination works wonders in lots of household situations and the same is true for drains. 

Similar to the baking soda and vinegar trick, this combination will help break down what might be causing the backup in the pipe. Mix ½ cup of table salt and ½ cup of baking soda in a cup or bowl and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, or overnight if it’s a stubborn clog, and then wash it down with a pot of hot water.

Call in the Professionals

If all else fails, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Aztec Plumbing & Drains, we offer a variety of services to help you unclog your drain without using harsh chemicals. From hydrojetting to camera inspections, our team has the tools and expertise to get the job done.

In conclusion, unclogging your drain without harsh chemicals is better for the environment and safer for you and your family. With the tips provided in this guide, you’ll be able to clear out your clogged drain in no time. And if you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to call Aztec Plumbing & Drains for professional help. 239-932-2959

Learn More in Our Drain Cleaning Series:

• Why Do My Drains Gurgle
• Why Does My Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs
• Is Drain Lining Worth It?
• How to Clear Drains
• Why Is My Drain Pipe Leaking
• What Causes Drain Flies
• Is Drain Cleaner Dangerous
• Can You Put Paint Thinner Down the Drain
• Why Do My Drains Back Up When it Rains?
• Is Hydro Jetting Better than Snaking?