Homemade Drain Cleaner Recipes You Need to Know

In Orange, NSW, we all know the frustration of a slow-draining sink or shower. One minute you’re rinsing dishes or enjoying a hot shower, and the next, you’re ankle-deep in water because your drain isn’t working as it should. Ignoring a clogged drain can lead to more serious plumbing problems down the line, not to mention that lingering smell.

When faced with a blocked drain, it’s tempting to grab a store-bought chemical drain cleaner. But these harsh chemicals can sometimes do more harm than good. If misused, they can damage your pipes, leading to expensive repairs. Luckily, there are effective, natural alternatives you can try at home. In fact, all you need is a little bit of bicarb soda, vinegar, or detergent to get the job done. Plus, these solutions are safe for the environment and your pipes.

So, before you call a plumber, try these two simple homemade drain cleaners. They’re easy to make and can be whipped up with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Baking Soda and Vinegar DIY Drain Cleaner

If you’ve ever searched for a DIY solution to clean drains, you’ve probably come across the baking soda and vinegar trick. This homemade drain cleaner has gained popularity for a reason – it really works! It’s perfect for those dealing with stubborn clogs or just wanting to freshen up their drains regularly without using chemical-laden products.

What You’ll Need:
1 cup baking soda (bicarb soda)
1 cup vinegar
A pot of hot water (not boiling)
A drain plug or duct tape

Instructions:

Step 1: Pre-Rinse

Start by running hot tap water down the drain for a few minutes. This will help soften up any grease, fat, or oils that might be clogging the drain. If you cook often with oils or fats, this step is crucial to loosening up blockages.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Next, pour 1 cup of bicarb soda down the drain. Bicarb soda is a natural cleaning agent that works wonders for breaking down gunk and grime that build up in your pipes.

Step 3: Add Vinegar

Follow the bicarb soda with 1 cup of vinegar. The combination will cause a fizzy reaction that helps dislodge debris stuck to the drain walls. This bubbling action can clear even the toughest blockages, making it a go-to for Orange locals dealing with clogged drains.

Step 4: Seal the Drain

Once you’ve poured in the vinegar, cover the drain with a plug or some duct tape to keep the reaction inside the pipes. This will help intensify the cleaning power of the bicarb-vinegar combo.

Step 5: Let It Sit

Allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how severe the blockage is. The fizzing action will work on the clog while you relax.

Step 6: Flush With Hot Water

Slowly pour a pot of hot water (not boiling, as it can damage PVC pipes) down the drain to flush away the residue. If necessary, repeat this process to ensure the blockage is fully cleared. This DIY solution will leave your drains fresh, clean, and functioning like new.

Hot Water and Detergent

If you don’t have bicarb soda or vinegar on hand, don’t worry! You can still create an effective drain cleaner using just hot water and dishwashing detergent. This method is perfect for clearing drains clogged with grease or oil. It’s a natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners and works just as effectively.

What You’ll Need:
A pot of hot water
2 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

Mix two tablespoons of dishwashing detergent into a pot of hot water. The detergent contains surfactants that break down oils and grease, which are often the culprits behind slow-moving drains.

Step 2: Pour the Solution

Pour the hot water and detergent solution directly down the drain. The hot water will help melt away any grease build-up, while the detergent works to break down the oil.

Step 3: Rinse with Hot Water

Run your hot water tap for a few minutes to flush out any remaining soap and grease residue. Repeat this process if necessary until the drain flows freely again.

This homemade drain cleaner is safe to use regularly, especially if you cook with oil or use oil-based products at the bathroom sink. By using this method weekly, you can prevent stubborn grease clogs from forming in the first place.

Why Choose Natural Drain Cleaners?

If you’ve got kids or pets running around, you might want to avoid chemical drain cleaners. These homemade alternatives offer a safe solution for unclogging your drains without the harsh chemicals. Plus, they’re cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Another advantage is that natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar or detergent and hot water are less likely to damage your pipes compared to chemical drain cleaners. When you’re using these natural ingredients, there’s no need to worry about overdoing it – they’re gentle but effective.

When To Call a Professional Plumber in Orange for Drain Cleaning?

While homemade drain cleaners can work wonders, sometimes the blockage is just too tough to tackle on your own. If your drain is still clogged after trying these methods, it might be time to call in the professionals. Eddie’s Quality Plumbing in Orange, NSW, is always ready to assist. We have licensed plumbers with years of experience in handling blocked drains.

From high-tech CCTV cameras to electric drain snakes, our team can quickly diagnose and resolve even the most stubborn clogs. Whether it’s a blocked kitchen sink or a slow shower drain, we’ve got the tools and expertise to get your water flowing smoothly again.

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain and need immediate assistance, contact Eddie’s Quality Plumbing for same-day service. We’ll have your drains clear and your home running smoothly in no time.