Safer, effective methods to unclog sinks without chemicals

When a sink gets clogged, most people reach for popular drain cleaners. However, plumbing experts argue that there are much better, safer, and more effective methods for dealing with a clogged drain.

Sinks do not clog overnight. They are usually the result of long-term neglect. The most common causes are food scraps, grease, hair, small objects, and hygiene products like cotton pads. To avoid this, it's important to ensure these items do not go down the drain daily. But what should you do when the sink is already clogged?

A clogged sink is easy to notice—the water stops draining, the pipes gurgle, and the drain has an unpleasant smell. Instead of immediately reaching for popular chemical agents, it's worth trying less invasive methods. They are much more eco-friendly and safe for the environment.

Most people have vinegar and baking soda at home, so a homemade drain cleaner is easy to make. Mix 500 millilitres of vinegar with four tablespoons of baking soda. This mixture should be immediately poured into the drain as the soda and vinegar react chemically. Then, boil about 1.5 litres of water and pour the boiling water into the drain. This mixture should remove the remaining scraps.

An alternative could be citric acid. Simply pour two small packets of citric acid into the drain and pour hot water over it. The citric acid will dissolve any remaining food or grease.

Mechanical cleaning may be necessary if homemade methods do not bring the desired effect. It's best to start with the most straightforward solutions, such as a rubber plunger, which can help remove excess standing water. While plunging, remember to block the overflow hole with one hand.

If the plunger is insufficient, it may be worth using a larger tool – a plumbing snake. You can buy it at hardware stores in the plumbing section. The snake should be inserted into the exposed drain trap and moved reciprocally to clear the pipe. This procedure often requires two people: one holds the snake, and the other guides it into the installation.