The short version
Work from gentle to strong: first mechanically (plunger, drain snake), then home remedies (baking soda and hot water, a little vinegar), and only as a last resort the chemical drain cleaner. That protects pipes and the environment.
The most common cause is hair and soap residue in the bathroom, grease in the kitchen. Both form a tough plug. Before you reach for chemistry, mechanics and home remedies clear most blockages, more cheaply and more gently on the material.
From gentle to strong
Plunger
Cover the overflow, place the cup over the drain, with it covered in water pump firmly. The pressure often frees the plug.
Drain snake
For stubborn hair plugs feed in the snake, turn it and pull it out, that brings the dirt straight out.
Baking soda & hot water
A few spoons of baking soda down the drain, add a little vinegar, let it foam, after 15 minutes flush with plenty of hot water.
Drain cleaner as a last resort
If that fails, use a drain cleaner per the instructions, sparingly, with gloves, well ventilated and never mixed with other products.
Prevent it
A strainer in the drain catches hair, once a week hot water with a little dish soap keeps the pipe clear.
Never mix
Never combine chemical drain cleaners with other cleaners or vinegar, dangerous gases can form. With standing water most granules work poorly anyway, then work mechanically first.
What helps
What to look for:
- A plunger and a drain snake for the mechanical work
- Baking soda as a cheap home remedy
- A drain cleaner for the stubborn emergency
Frequently asked
Do baking soda and vinegar really help against a blockage?
Is chemical drain cleaner harmful to the pipes?
How do I prevent blockages?
When home remedies reach their limit
From the drain to limescale stains: the right fix for every annoyance.
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