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.
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:
Best for: Grease and soap scum in kitchen sinks.
Not effective for: Hair or solid debris.
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:
Great for: Dissolving minor clogs without harsh chemicals.
Won’t fix: Heavy-duty blockages.
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:
Best for: Kitchen sinks with grease buildup.
Not effective for: Hair or large debris.
A plunger is one of the most effective tools for dislodging clogs using suction pressure.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Best for: Sinks, tubs, and toilet clogs.
Not effective for: Grease buildup.
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:
Best for: Hair clogs in showers and bathroom sinks.
Not ideal for: Grease blockages.
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:
Best for: Shower and bathroom sink clogs.
Not effective for: Grease or deep blockages.
Dish soap is designed to break down grease, making it a great choice for greasy sink clogs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Best for: Kitchen sink grease buildup.
Not useful for: Hair clogs.
A wet/dry vacuum can suck out stubborn blockages in your drain.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Best for: Pulling out larger debris.
Won’t help if: The clog is deep in the pipes.
Enzyme-based cleaners use natural bacteria to break down organic material like food, hair, and soap.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Best for: Preventative maintenance.
Too slow for: Immediate clog removal.
Chemical cleaners are strong but harsh on pipes. Use only when all other methods fail.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Best for: Deep, stubborn blockages.
Can damage pipes with repeated use.
A little prevention can save you from future headaches. Follow these simple habits:
If none of these methods work, it’s time for professional help. Call a plumber if:
These could be signs of a bigger plumbing issue that requires expert attention.
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.
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.
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.