You’re ankle-deep in water. The drain won’t budge. You’ve already yelled at it. That didn’t work either.
Most people reach for chemical drain cleaners. But those damage your pipes, stink up the room, and rarely fix the problem long-term.
Here’s a better way. Below are ten home remedies that actually work. These are simple. They’re cheap. And they don’t eat your pipes alive.
The 9 Best Home Remedies for Clogged Drains
You don’t need a chemistry degree. You need hot water and what’s already in your kitchen.
1. Baking Soda + Vinegar (Classic Combo)
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it with 1 cup of vinegar.
- Plug the drain and wait 15 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain.
Why it works: The acid-base fizz breaks up gunk.
Best for: General drain clogs and odor control.
2. Baking Soda + Salt + Boiling Water
- Mix ½ cup baking soda with ½ cup salt.
- Dump it in the drain.
- Wait 20 minutes.
- Pour boiling water slowly down the drain.
Why it works: Salt scrubs. Heat melts grease.
Best for: Greasy kitchen drains.
3. Lemon Juice + Baking Soda
- Use ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup lemon juice.
- Same steps as above.
Why it works: Lemon is a natural cleaner that smells better than vinegar.
Best for: Bathroom sinks and smelly drains.
4. Dish Soap + Boiling Water
- Squirt dish soap down the drain.
- Follow with a kettle of boiling water.
Why it works: Soap breaks up grease like it does on dirty dishes.
Best for: Kitchen sinks and slow-moving drains.
5. Salt + Boiling Water
- Pour ½ cup salt into the drain.
- Chase it with boiling water.
Why it works: Quick fix when you’re short on supplies.
Best for: Small grease clogs.
6. Plunger Power
- Add water until the drain opening is covered.
- Plunge hard with a tight seal.
Why it works: Force breaks the clog loose.
Best for: Hair clogs or minor toilet backups.
7. Drain Snake or Wire Hanger
- Straighten a hanger.
- Bend one end into a hook.
- Fish out hair and debris.
Why it works: Pulls out gunk that sits near the top of the drain.
Best for: Bathroom sinks and tubs.
8. Wet/Dry Vacuum (Shop-Vac Method)
- Set to vacuum liquids.
- Create a seal over the drain with a wet cloth.
- Vacuum the clog out or push it through.
Why it works: Pressure moves the blockage.
Best for: Tricky clogs with no standing water.
9. Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners
- Buy a natural, enzyme-based cleaner.
- Follow the instructions on the label.
Why it works: Enzymes eat organic buildup without harming pipes.
Best for: Maintenance and deeper gunk.
Recommended brands: Earthworm, Green Gobbler Bio-Flow.
Why Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Chemical drain cleaners look easy. But they cause long-term damage.
- They eat away at PVC and old metal pipes.
- Fumes can make you sick.
- They pollute the water supply.
- They’re more expensive than baking soda.
Pro Tips to Prevent Clogs
- Don’t pour grease down any drain.
- Use hair catchers in showers and sinks.
- Run hot water after using the sink.
- Compost food scraps instead of grinding them.
- Do a monthly baking soda flush.
You’ve Got a Buddy in Plumbing (Akron, OH)
If the clog doesn’t budge… or water starts backing up into other drains… or your sink smells like a sewer—call a plumber.
Buddy’s Plumbing Excellence handles deep drain cleaning, fast.
- You call. We come. It’s fixed. Guaranteed.
- Serving Akron and nearby cities.
- Friendly, fast, and honest work.
Don’t wait for a backup. Get it fixed right the first time.
FAQs
How often should I clean my drains?
Once a month. Use baking soda and hot water for routine maintenance.
What if my drain still won’t unclog?
Try a drain snake or wet/dry vacuum. If that fails, call a plumber.
Is baking soda and vinegar safe for pipes?
Yes. It’s safe for PVC and metal. But don’t overuse it on rubber gaskets.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes. It smells better and still reacts with baking soda.
Do these methods work on toilets?
Some do. Use a plunger or enzyme cleaner for toilets. Avoid pouring vinegar into the tank.
Are store-bought enzyme cleaners safe?
Yes—if labeled safe for home plumbing. Stick with natural options.
Should I avoid chemical drain cleaners completely?
Yes. They damage pipes and don’t always work.
Final Thoughts
Clogged drains are a hassle. But you don’t need harsh chemicals or overpriced products.
Start with what you have. Baking soda. Salt. Hot water. A little patience.
And if nothing works, you’ve got a Buddy in plumbing.
