10 Ways To Fix Clogged Drains at Home

Uh-oh. The water in your sink isn’t going anywhere. The shower is turning into a bathtub. And that funky smell? Not great.

Clogged drains are annoying, messy, and inconvenient. But you don’t always need a plumber. In fact, most blockages can be fixed with tools and ingredients you already have at home.

Let’s get straight to it—here are 10 ways to clear your drains fast.

 

Close up of a working drain

1. Boiling Water – The Quickest Fix

Sometimes, the simplest method is all you need. Boiling water can break up minor blockages caused by grease and soap scum.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Fill a kettle or a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
  2. Carefully pour the boiling water directly into the drain in three slow stages.
  3. Allow each pour to work for 10–15 seconds before adding more.
  4. After pouring, turn on the tap and see if the water is draining properly.

Best for: Grease and soap scum in kitchen sinks.
Not effective for: Hair or solid debris.

2. Baking Soda & Vinegar – The Fizzy Reaction

This method uses a natural chemical reaction to loosen debris in the drain. It’s safe for pipes and the environment.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain. Use a spoon if necessary to push it down.
  2. Slowly pour one cup of vinegar into the drain.
  3. The mixture will start to fizz—let it work for at least 30 minutes.
  4. After 30 minutes, pour a pot of hot water down the drain to flush out the loosened debris.

Great for: Dissolving minor clogs without harsh chemicals.
Won’t fix: Heavy-duty blockages.

3. Salt & Hot Water – A Scrubbing Effect

Salt acts as a mild abrasive and, when combined with hot water, can help break down clogs caused by grease or soap buildup.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pour ½ cup of salt directly into the drain.
  2. Heat a kettle or pot of boiling water and carefully pour it down.
  3. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes to allow the salt to break down residue.
  4. Flush with warm tap water to see if the drain clears.

Best for: Kitchen sinks with grease buildup.
Not effective for: Hair or large debris.

4. The Plunger – A Reliable Fix

A plunger is one of the most effective tools for dislodging clogs using suction pressure.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain and press down firmly to create a tight seal.
  3. Pump the plunger up and down forcefully 10–15 times.
  4. Pull the plunger away and check if the water drains. If not, repeat the process

Best for: Sinks, tubs, and toilet clogs.
Not effective for: Grease buildup.

5. Drain Snake – The Deep Dive Solution

A drain snake, also called a plumber’s auger, is a flexible tool designed to reach deep clogs that are stuck inside pipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Insert the drain snake into the drain slowly.
  2. As you push it in, twist the handle to help it grab onto debris.
  3. If you feel resistance, rotate the snake and gently pull it out.
  4. Dispose of any gunk and flush the drain with hot water.

Best for: Hair clogs in showers and bathroom sinks.
Not ideal for: Grease blockages.

6. Wire Hanger – A DIY Alternative

If you don’t have a drain snake, a simple wire hanger can work just as well for hair and small debris.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Unwind a wire coat hanger and straighten it out, leaving a small hook at one end.
  2. Insert the hook into the drain and fish around for hair or debris.
  3. Pull out anything stuck and discard the gunk.
  4. Rinse with hot water to clear any remaining residue.

Best for: Shower and bathroom sink clogs.
Not effective for: Grease or deep blockages.

7. Dish Soap & Hot Water – Grease Cutter

Dish soap is designed to break down grease, making it a great choice for greasy sink clogs.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pour ½ cup of dish soap directly into the drain.
  2. Heat a pot of water until it reaches a boil.
  3. Pour the hot water into the drain, letting the soap work its way through the pipes.
  4. Let it sit for a few minutes, then run warm water to flush out the grease.

Best for: Kitchen sink grease buildup.
Not useful for: Hair clogs.

8. Wet/Dry Vacuum – A Powerful Suction Fix

A wet/dry vacuum can suck out stubborn blockages in your drain.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Set the vacuum to liquid mode.
  2. Place the nozzle over the drain and create a tight seal.
  3. Turn the vacuum on at full power to pull out the clog.

Best for: Pulling out larger debris.
Won’t help if: The clog is deep in the pipes.

9. Enzyme Drain Cleaners – A Long-Term Fix

Enzyme-based cleaners use natural bacteria to break down organic material like food, hair, and soap.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pour the enzyme cleaner as directed on the packaging.
  2. Let it sit overnight for the best results.
  3. Flush with warm water the next morning.

Best for: Preventative maintenance.
Too slow for: Immediate clog removal.

10. Chemical Drain Cleaners – The Last Resort

Chemical cleaners are strong but harsh on pipes. Use only when all other methods fail.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Read the label carefully before use.
  2. Pour the recommended amount into the drain.
  3. Let it sit for the instructed time.
  4. Rinse with plenty of water.

Best for: Deep, stubborn blockages.
Can damage pipes with repeated use.

What can i do to Prevent Future Clogs?

A little prevention can save you from future headaches. Follow these simple habits:

  • Use drain strainers to catch food and hair.
  • Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
  • Flush drains weekly with hot water to prevent buildup.
  • Clean monthly with baking soda and vinegar.

When Do I Call a Plumber?

If none of these methods work, it’s time for professional help. Call a plumber if:

  • Multiple drains in your home are slow.
  • Water backs up into different fixtures.
  • You smell sewage from your drains.

These could be signs of a bigger plumbing issue that requires expert attention.

FAQs: Clogged Drains Questions Answered

What do you pour down a drain to unclog it?

It depends on the type of clog. For grease and soap buildup, pouring boiling water down the drain can help break it down. If the clog is organic debris like food or hair, try a baking soda and vinegar mixture to create a fizzing reaction that loosens blockages. Enzyme-based drain cleaners are another safe option, as they use bacteria to break down clogs naturally. Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners too often—they can damage pipes over time.

How do you unblock a clogged drain at home?

Start with boiling water—this works for mild clogs caused by grease and soap residue. If that doesn’t work, try baking soda and vinegar for a chemical-free reaction that helps dissolve buildup. Plungers are great for stubborn clogs in sinks and tubs, while a drain snake or wire hanger can remove hair and solid debris. For kitchen sinks clogged with grease, use dish soap and hot water to break it down. If none of these methods work, a wet/dry vacuum or enzyme-based cleaner can help clear deeper blockages.

What is the best thing to put down a clogged drain?

  • Grease & Soap Clogs: Boiling water, dish soap & hot water
  • Hair & Organic Debris: Baking soda & vinegar, drain snake, wire hanger
  • Food Particles: Wet/dry vacuum, enzyme-based cleaner
  • Deep or Stubborn Clogs: Plunger, drain snake, enzyme cleaners

Can you fix a clogged drain yourself?

Yes! Most clogged drains can be fixed at home using simple, DIY methods. Start with boiling water for grease buildup, baking soda and vinegar for minor clogs, or a plunger for more stubborn blockages. A drain snake or wire hanger can help pull out hair and food debris. Enzyme drain cleaners work well for long-term prevention. If these methods don’t work, a wet/dry vacuum can create strong suction to clear blockages. If the clog persists after multiple attempts, it might be time to call a plumber.