How to Unclog a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals

A slow or blocked drain is annoying, but most clogs are caused by hair, grease or soap build-up and can be cleared at home.

Work through these methods in order, from the gentlest to the most hands-on.

1. Remove what you can see

Take out the drain cover or plug and pull out any hair or debris. A cheap plastic drain-cleaning strip with small barbs works brilliantly for shower drains.

2. Hot water

Pour a kettle of very hot water slowly down the drain. This often melts grease and soap scum in kitchen sinks.

3. Baking soda and vinegar

1. Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
2. Follow with a cup of white vinegar.
3. Cover the drain and wait 15–30 minutes while it fizzes.
4. Flush with hot water.

4. Use a plunger

Fill the sink with a few centimetres of water so the plunger can seal. Block the overflow hole with a wet cloth, then plunge firmly up and down for 20–30 seconds.

5. Try a drain snake

A drain snake (auger) reaches deeper clogs. Push it in, turn the handle to grab the blockage, then pull it out slowly.

6. Clean the U-bend

Under the sink, place a bucket below the curved pipe. Unscrew it by hand, clean out the gunk, and screw it back on firmly.

Prevent future clogs

• Use a drain strainer in sinks and showers.
• Never pour cooking fat or oil down the sink.
• Flush drains with hot water once a week.

If water backs up in several drains at once, or nothing works, call a plumber — the problem may be further down the pipes.