Unclog your drains with simple pharmacy finds: A guide

Hair, soap, fat, and food residues can clog the sink. Products like cosmetic wipes and plasters can also contribute to blockages. Sometimes, even minor neglect can cause the drain to become clogged. Do you necessarily have to call a plumber for a clogged drain in the bathroom or kitchen? Before doing that, a safe and effective home method is worth trying.

When water does not drain during a shower, it's clear that you're dealing with a clogged drain. These types of problems most often result from neglect. However, they can affect anyone and appear even in a perfectly maintained home.

To prevent this, it's best to clean the drain regularly. However, there's no need to spend money on expensive products. It's enough if you use a mixture of one package of baking soda and a cup (about 250 mL) of hot vinegar once a week. The components of this mixture react with each other and create an active foam that removes dirt. This method works well for pipes in both the bathroom and kitchen. It should be noted, however, that this mixture is mainly effective in the case of more minor blockages caused by organic contamination.

Clogging the bathroom drain isn't tricky. Practically every day, residues of conditioner, soap, and hair accumulate in it. Soda and vinegar may not be sufficient in the case of clogs caused by them. In such a situation, it's necessary to use chemical drain openers. It would help if you were careful when using them—they are adequate but not necessarily safe. They most often contain vital chemical substances whose effects can adversely affect our health. Moreover, using inappropriate products can risk damaging the installation.

So, is it possible to dissolve hair stuck in the pipes using home methods? There is a simple and effective way to deal with this problem. To do this, you will need aspirin and vinegar. First, you should pour two to three crushed aspirin tablets into the clogged drain and then pour a cup (about 250 mL) of hot vinegar over them.

After applying such a mixture, you will usually hear bubbling, and an unpleasant smell will emerge from the pipes. It would help if you didn't worry about this, as it indicates that the mixture is working. After 15 minutes from its application, rinse the drain with a cup (about 250 mL) of boiling water. The combination of aspirin and vinegar effectively removes contaminants and mitigates the unpleasant odour from the pipes.

The old saying goes, it's better to prevent than to cure. Therefore, it's worth knowing ways to avoid clogs in the sink. Here are some of them:

1. Using a strainer: Placing a filter in the sink can effectively prevent significant food residues, hair, and other wastes, which can cause clogs, from getting into the pipes.
2. Avoid pouring fats down the sink: Fats and oils should be disposed of in organic waste or stored in a sealed container for disposal. In the pipes, these fats can harden, creating difficult-to-remove clogs.
3. Regular inspections: Checking the condition of pipes and installations can help identify potential problems before they turn into severe blockages. If necessary, it's advisable to consult with a professional plumber.