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Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog

The Best Ways To Unclog a Drain Without Chemicals

Person using a drain snake to unclog a bathroom sinkHow To Unclog a Drain Naturally

Using chemical cleaners to clear a drain clog can often do more harm than good. These chemicals can eat away at your pipes, causing them to deteriorate over time. Instead, homeowners should seek out alternative methods for unclogging a drain that do not rely on the use of chemicals.

But what chemical-free methods are the most effective for eliminating stubborn blockages? Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical highlights some of the best ways to unclog a drain without chemicals in the blog below!

Method #1 – Try a Plunger

Bathroom sinks and shower drains are notorious for accumulating hair and soap scum. While the plunger might be the go-to tool for clearing out a clogged toilet, plungers can also be used to get rid of stubborn blockages in your drains.

Here’s how you can use a plunger to unclog your bathroom drains:

  1. Remove the plug or drain stop cover from the drain.
  2. Allow the faucet to run until there is approximately 1 inch of water in the sink or tub.
  3. Cover the drain with the plunger to create a seal around the entire drain opening.
  4. Pump the plunger rapidly for up to 30 seconds.
  5. Remove the plunger and watch the water drain. If there is still water in the basin, repeat steps three and four again.

Method #2 – Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda is an all-natural cleaner that’s excellent for eating away stubborn sludge. By combining this natural cleaner with some vinegar and boiling water, homeowners can concoct a chemical-free clog removal solution in no time.

Follow the steps below to use baking soda and vinegar to clear your drains:

  1. Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain to loosen any debris.
  2. Boil an additional kettle of water.
  3. Make a solution with 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water.
  4. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and the solution down the drain.
  5. Plug the drain and wait 10 minutes.
  6. Pour the second kettle of water down the drain.

The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar should be enough to loosen a minor clog. By sending down the boiling water afterward, all the loosened materials are then flushed out of the pipe.

Method #3 – Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake is often the best DIY option unclogging a drain. Drain snakes are specifically designed to travel to hard-to-reach parts of your pipes to unclog your system. When used correctly, they can do wonders for removing difficult blockages. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Put the end of the drain snake into the drain.
  2. Turn the handle, pushing the tip of the snake further into the drain.
  3. Keep cranking the handle until you begin to feel resistance.
  4. Rotate the snake, continuing to crank until you feel it break through the blockage.
  5. Crank the handle in the opposite direction to pull the snake out of the drain once it makes its way through the clog.
  6. Run hot water into the drain for a couple of minutes to flush out any remaining debris.

How to use a drain snake

When To Call a Professional Plumber for Help

In some cases, a drain clog requires professional help to clear entirely. Contact a plumber for help if:

  • Multiple drains are backed up simultaneously.
  • You smell sewage odors in the home.
  • You see particularly lush areas of your lawn.
  • None of the DIY methods worked.
  • You have an old plumbing system that needs professional attention.

These symptoms could point to a larger problem within your plumbing system, including sewer line blockages, a sewer line break, or tree root infiltration. Each of these problems requires the skilled attention of a qualified plumbing professional to diagnose and repair properly with methods including hydro/sewer jetting.

Have a Stubborn Drain Clog? Call the Plumbers at Peaden!

If you’re experiencing stubborn drain clogs in your home, don’t hesitate to contact the plumbers at Peaden to put your problems to rest.

Our team has over 50 years of experience eliminating blockages from Florida Panhandle plumbing systems. Using our sophisticated video camera pipe inspection technology and state-of-the-art hydro jetting equipment, our team can effectively remove even the most stubborn drain blockage from your system.

From professional drain cleaning to sewer line clog removal, we’ll resolve your plumbing clog in no time. Call Peaden at (855) 557-7878 to request drain clog removal services in Pensacola, Panama City, or Fort Walton Beach today!

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