Top 6 Natural Drain Cleaners That Actually Work

Drain clogs represent a significant source of frustration for property owners in and around Winnipeg. Our King’s Services team understands the importance of clearing these clogs quickly. We also know that many homeowners immediately consider chemical clog removers to handle the issue.

However, a natural drain cleaner often does the job just as well and helps you avoid issues associated with chemical clog removers, which can:

• Introduce unwanted chemicals to your water supply
• Damage your pipes
• Cause new problems

Review the top natural drain cleaners for your property with our team when you call 204-815-5886.

#1: Stay Simple with Boiling Water

A pot of boiling water solves a number of plumbing problems. However, the experts say not to attempt this solution if you have PVC lines or a sink full of water. Otherwise, boil a pot full of water and then pour it down the drain.

The hot water often melts substances that line the walls of your pipes, dissolving a clog in moments. What if pouring boiling water down the sink does not help?

Consider adding up to five tablespoons of dish soap to about two liters of water before you pour it into the drain. The soap helps break up grease clogs, making the boiling water more effective.

#2: Try Chemistry and Baking Soda

Baking soda reacts chemically with several substances to generate a cleaning effect. We recommend two separate baking soda mixtures to help with clogs:

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mixing baking soda with vinegar causes fizzing bubbles as the substances blend. In addition to looking intriguing, the mixture often cuts through clogs. Try it by:

• Pouring ½ cup of baking soda into the drain
• Letting it sit for five minutes
• Pouring 1 cup of vinegar down the drain
• Adding 1 cup of boiling water
• Covering the drain

Wait about ten minutes for the solution to work on the clog, and then pour another pot of boiling water into the sink.

Baking Soda and Salt

Homeowners mix baking soda and salt in a 1-to-1 mixture to create another natural drain cleaner. For example, you could blend one cup of baking soda with one cup of salt. This process creates a powder that you pour down your clogged drain. Leave the sink alone for up to 8 hours before pouring boiling water into it.

#3: Add Borax to Clean Your Drain

Finding the right natural drain cleaner often gives you a chance to experiment with supplies in your kitchen. Gather your supplies before preparing this mixture. You’ll need:

• A boiling pot of water
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• ½ cup of Borax
• ½ cup of salt

Bring the water to a boil first. Once it’s boiling, add your dry ingredients and mix them. Then, take the pot off the heat and allow it to sit and cool for about an hour.

As the mixture cools, it should become clear. Once you notice that the water appears clear, it’s ready for you to use as a drain cleaner. Pour the mixture down your clogged drain, boil another pot of water, and pour that down the drain to rinse the mixture away.

#4: Pop Open a Soda

Sodas are very acidic. Their acidic nature means they have corrosive properties that make them suited to drain cleaning. For best results, choose dark cola and avoid any diet options.

Use soda to remove a drain clog by pouring it down the sink and waiting for a few hours. Then, use boiling hot water to wash away the left-over soda.

While the soda does have corrosive properties, it’s still less damaging to your pipes and septic systems than many name-brand clog removers. Learn more about septic tank sizing and the best ways to maintain the health of your plumbing system with our team.

#5: Plungers—Not Just for Toilets!

Many natural drain cleaners involve chemical compounds, but some rely solely on elbow grease. You may use a toilet plunger to remove a drain in bathroom sink drains. Generally, this strategy does not work for a kitchen sink, especially if you have a garbage disposal.

You use the plunging method by filling the clogged sink to cover the plunger’s suction cup. Insert the plunger and plunge away once you have water in the sink. Your plunging causes the pressure to change around the clog. This action may dislodge it without the need for chemical drain cleaners.

#6: Dig the Clog Free With a Coat Hanger

Plungers do not remove every clog in Winnipeg. Fortunately, you have more options at your disposal if you have a particularly persistent clog. First, check your closets and see if you have a wire coat hanger, and then get ready to do some fishing.

Use a coat hanger to remove a clog by:

• Setting up a trashcan nearby
• Straightening the hanger out, leaving only the hook
• Sticking the hook into the drain and snagging the clog

Throw the clog into the waiting trashcan once you get it out. We recommend this strategy if you believe the clog chiefly stems from hair. Flush the drain with boiling water after removing the clog to get rid of buildup on the pipes.

Prevent Drain Clogs in Winnipeg

Removing a clog allows you to get your drain working correctly once more. However, many homeowners prefer to prevent clogs instead. Keep your sinks clog-free by monitoring what you put down the drain. Do not attempt to wash away:

• Grease or oil
• Bones
• Eggshells
• Potato or banana peels
• Seeds or pits

Avoid using hot water when running your dish disposal and consider adding hair traps to drains in your bathroom.

Get Professional Help Clearing a Drain

You can use a natural drain cleaner to get your sinks working correctly again. However, if a clog resists your best efforts, get help from drain cleaning experts in Winnipeg.

Reach our team at King’s Service to set up an appointment by calling 204-815-5886. We take care of drains in your bathroom, kitchen, mudroom, and more.