Best Ways to Clean a Drain

Drains can easily become clogged by buildup of grease, debris and food particles that buildup over time and eventually completely block and clog up the affected drain. There are many commercial products as well as home remedies that are excellent at assisting you in clearing stubborn drains yourself.

There are a couple of methods for naturally removing clogs from your drain that are both economical and environmentally friendly.

• Vinegar & Baking Soda - Vinegar and baking soda when combined provide a chemical combustion that is excellent at unclogging food and other debris that may be the culprit of your clogged drain. First, sprinkle three-quarters of a cup of baking soda into the drain that is clogged; immediately follow the baking soda with two cups of any type of vinegar that you have on hand in the house. Place a wet rag in the drain to seal the drain off. Allow the vinegar and baking soda to sit in your drain undisturbed, and covered for 30 minutes; then remove rag and check to see if the drain is unclogged. Repeat if needed.

• Cola - A great alternative method for cleaning your drain is common cola. Simply pour a two liter of cola into your clogged drain and allow it to sit overnight. Check the drain in the morning to see if the phosphoric acid in the cola was able to remove the blockage in your drainage pipe.

Commercial Cleaners

There are many commercial cleaners on the market that work well at unblocking your drain. Products such as Drano contain harsh chemicals unlike the natural alternatives. You should take proper care to protect yourself by wearing safety material such as protective eyewear and rubber gloves when using them. Follow the manufacturer’s directions detailed instructions for the particular commercial drain cleaner you purchased.