“Stop wasting money on drain cleaners.” There’s a simple kitchen trick that clears clogged sinks in minutes—no plumber, no harsh chemicals 🛠️💧 Curious what it is? See the method in the article 👇
Clogged drains are something we all run into eventually. Whether it’s your kitchen sink or bathroom drain, blockages can be frustrating—and expensive—if you end up calling a plumber. But here’s something most people don’t know: there’s a simple trick that can clear most clogs in just a few minutes, using common household items. And no, you don’t have to buy pricey chemical cleaners.
These days, store shelves are packed with powerful cleaning products designed to dissolve hair, grease, and food waste. But the truth is, you likely already have what you need at home. Before rushing to spend money, consider trying a few old-fashioned tricks that have worked for decades.
One of the main causes of blockages is hardened grease mixed with food scraps. In many cases, this can be broken up by using hot water.
If your plumbing is made of metal, carefully pour a liter of boiling water directly down the drain. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes before running the faucet again. If you have plastic pipes, avoid using water hotter than 65°C (149°F), as it could cause damage.
If that doesn’t fully clear the clog, try using a plunger. Repeat the same process: pour hot water, wait, create a vacuum with the plunger to help shift the clog.
This next method is as popular as it is effective. Pour about 150 grams of baking soda into the drain, vinegar should be added in the same amount. Quickly seal the opening with a drain cover or a damp cloth to trap the fizzy reaction inside the pipe. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, pour hot water to finish the process. The chemical fizz helps loosen whatever is stuck down there.
If you’re out of vinegar, no worries—there’s another trick. Mix half a cup of baking soda with a full cup of salt, then stir them into some warm water and pour the mixture into your sink. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, and then rinse with hot water.
Another variation? Simply pour dry salt and baking soda into the drain, leave it alone until morning, and flush it out in the morning. It’s slower but still effective for mild clogs.
When natural solutions just aren’t enough, some people turn to caustic soda (also known as lye), which can be found at many cleaning supply stores. This chemical is powerful and can cut through heavy clogs all the way down to the deeper pipes.
Here’s how to use it:
Put 2 to 3 kg (4.4 to 6.6 lbs) of caustic soda into a metal bucket.
Add cold water and stir well until fully dissolved.
Carefully heat the mixture on the stove—but don’t let it boil.The recommended warmth is around 70°C (158°F).
Remove from heat and pour half of the solution into the clogged drain.
Wait two hours, then pour in the rest.
After another two hours, pour a generous amount of water down the drain.
Be extremely careful when handling caustic soda, as it can be dangerous if misused.
If none of these DIY solutions do the trick, it may be time to bring in the experts. Plumbers have access to specialized tools like plumbing snakes and high-pressure equipment that can deal with the toughest blockages without risk and with great results.
Restoring the drain flow doesn’t always mean reaching for harsh chemicals or calling in help right away. Sometimes, the fix is sitting right in your kitchen cupboard. If you’ve used a homemade trick that worked wonders, share your tips in the comments—we’d love to hear what worked for you!
