sink drain unclogged with clear water running freely

6 Ways to Unclog a Drain Without Using Caustic Chemicals

/Updated /28 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt

A plugged-up sink, shower, or tub drain sends most people running for either a bottle of caustic drain cleaner or a plumber’s phone number. But wait. Unclogging a drain could be a job you can do yourself successfully without caustic chemicals or a big bill.

sink drain unclogged with clear water running freely

You have several options, each one outlined below. It makes sense to start with the easiest, most likely solution. Then, if that doesn’t work, move to the next option.

Assess the situation

Turn on taps to allow water down other drains in the house. If everything else is flowing freely, you can be fairly certain you have a localized clog—and probably near that clogged drain’s opening.

If this involves other drains, you could have a bigger problem that may require a professional. Assuming it’s only one drain, let’s move on.

1. Boiling water

It makes sense to start with the cheapest option: Get a large pot and boil up as much water as it will hold. Now carefully and slowly, pour boiling water down the drain in two to three stages so that the hot water can work for a few minutes between each pour. This is the easiest and quickest way to unclog a drain if it works, which usually it does with a satisfying swoosh.

Caution: If you are dealing with a very old, antique porcelain sink and/or PVC pipes, there’s a slight chance that boiling water could cause damage. In this case, fill the pot with your hottest tap water.

Still not running freely? Let’s move to the next option.

2. Blue Dawn plus boiling water

Pour 1/2 cup of Blue Dawn detergent (no substitutes for best result) into the drain. For tough clogs, use a full cup. While that sits, bring a half pot of water (about 4 cups) to boil. Pour this directly into the drain very slowly but steadily to avoid getting burned by splashing water. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then run water down the drain to check how freely water flows.

If the clog remains or seems to be clearing, but the drain is still slow-running, repeat the boiling water step above until the drain runs free.

3. Baking soda, vinegar plus boiling water

Measure out 1/3 cup baking soda and get as much of it down the drain as you can. Follow with 1/3 cup white vinegar. It will fizz up and make quite a show. Allow it to sit for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. In the morning, follow with one or two quarts of boiling water.

You will be tempted to overdo it with the baking soda and vinegar assuming that if a small amount is good, more is better. Learn here why that might be a bad idea, and to get a good chuckle.

4. Reach in

Remove the strainer that is part of the drain plug, then reach into the drain with your fingers (latex gloves would be a good idea here) and pull out any solids. As gross as this might be, it is often all that’s needed to clear a slow-moving or clogged drain. If this sink has a pop-up, reaching in may not be possible. In that case, move to the next option.

5. Drain Snake

If you cannot reach the clog with your fingers, your next best friend is this cheap plastic tool called a drain snake for drain rooter. These come in various brand names such as Zip-It, available at some home improvement centers or online.

Instead of paying $8 or more, look for Drain Rooter Plastic Drain Snake at most dollar stores for $1.25. Check your local DollarTree for the tool pictured, which as I write is $1.25. You can order online from DollarTree.com  but keep in mind that with an online order you will have to pay for a pack of 24.

This simple tool is flexible enough to allow you to push it down into the turns of the drain. It has teeth along each side; once you’re in and twist it, you’ll be able to pull out all drain offenders. Keep working at it, until you pull out as much as possible. Now run the hot water and that should clear things up nicely.

The drain snake can be used in a sink drain with or without a pop-up, because it is thin enough to fit in the drain along side a pop-up.

This handy dandy tool is worth its weight in gold. It’s great to clear drains but also works well to maintain drains before they get clogged.

Drain Snake Saved the Day

“I recently dropped my sterling silver cross with cabochon jewels down my bathroom drain. I did not take it off before washing my hair! First mistake. I was heartbroken since I’ve had it a long time. I could not use a magnet since it was silver. I tried bending a clothes hanger. Second mistake. Did not work. I was ready to call a plumber to take the drain apart and then remembered something from in your column. ‘Before calling a plumber, try this…’

“I went to Walmart, spent $2.94 on a plastic, toothed snake, came home, and guided it into the drain. On the third try, my necklace was on one of the teeth! I washed it three times and put it on, still grinning like a loon. Thank you, thank you!”

Fast and easy, no expensive plumber required. Made in the USA.

The original Zip-It Hair Clog Remover 25-inch Overall Length Drain Snake Cleaner (3-Pack), Unclog Your Sink, Shower, & Tub Drain In Seconds – Non-toxic, Made in the USA
The original Zip-It Hair Clog Remover 25-inch Overall Length Drain Snake Cleaner (3-Pack), Unclog Your Sink, Shower, & Tub Drain In Seconds – Non-toxic, Made in the USA
    $14.95
    Buy on Amazon

    6. Wet-dry vacuum

    If you have a wet-dry vacuum, it just might help you to clear the drain without having to get your hands dirty. First, set it to “wet” so it vacuums liquids. Cover or close the drain’s vent. Make the tightest seal you can with the hose end of the vacuum over the drain.

    Get creative with duct tape or the like. With the vacuum set to its most powerful setting, it can be powerful enough to pull that clog right out of the drain. Don’t forget to clean the vacuum tank!

    No guarantees

    While I offer no guarantees because not all clogged drains are created equal, attempting to clear a clogged drain yourself (before spending money or just living with it until you have a major disaster) is worth a shot. The worst thing is that you will still have a clogged drain.

    I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve successfully cleared a stubborn clogged drain—especially in a bathroom sink or shower—by first using my trusty Zip-It, followed by the Blue Dawn and boiling water trick. Seriously awesome!

     

    First published: 1-29-19; Updated and republished 2-7-24

     

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    28 replies
    1. Beth says:

      Question: Won’t pouring boiling water down the sink cause it to crack? That is what comes to mind when I read your suggestion. Question #2: I have several bottles of 10% vinegar–can I use them in the same propoertions as I use regular 5% vinegar? For this question, I am especially thinking about the bathroom tub scum cleaner. Many thanks for all your help over many years, since you were the speaker at our Pastor & Spouse’s Retreat. We retired with no debt, thanks to your encouragement to keep paying off mortgage, Lines of Credit and credit cards.

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        From the post:

        Caution: If you are dealing with a porcelain sink and/or PVC pipes, there’s a slight chance that boiling water could cause damage. In this case, fill the pot with your hottest tap water.

        How nice to hear from you Beth! I think that retreat was in Ohio? We go way back! So happy to hear of your financial success. Thanks for the update.

        Reply
    2. Kathy C says:

      Thanks so much for the recipes, Mary. I had an issue in the kitchen. When I used the garbage disposal (and I rarely put anything down there) the other sink backed up. GROSS. I went through your suggestions above in order, and the 3rd one was a charm. Totally cleared out the issue. Thank you!!!

      Reply
    3. Barbara J Pire says:

      Mary thanks to you a couple of years ago my toilet got clogged and I ran to the kitchen and grabbed my bit bottle of Dawn and poured it in and voila!! It flushed on it’s own!! Thank you for the greatest tips!! xxoo

      Reply
    4. Caye Cooper says:

      All these ideas sound great. I’ve made a copy and have posted it on the inside of the door under the counter.
      One problem I have is that a small lighted candle which was left uncontained, melted. I have older plumbing so I’m wondering if very hot water treatments might melt the wax. Any suggestions?

      Reply
    7. JC says:

      Im 77 years old and always looking for ways to clean. I tried the baking soda and vinegar method for my kitchen sinks. At first I didn’t seem to have much success. Then I shoved the plastic cleaning tool down the drain and bingo it opened the drain right up. I also used it in my shower drain and it fixed that also. Thanks for all your help,

      Reply
    10. Luis Keeton says:

      At times it happens we might not have access to caustic chemicals, and we are facing issues with clogged drains. In such cases, I feel the 6 ways that you’ve shared are good to go. I make use of vinegar plus boiling water. Trust it cleans up the drains well, I use this technique at night as it takes up to one hour. I would like to try out the Zip-it tool for once at least, it sounds interesting.

      Reply
    11. Mer says:

      I did get the zip it but it got stuck in my drain, it was hard to pull out. I used a Mighty cable tie and it works wonders. Cannot believe how well the drain runs freely now.

      Mer Hoff

      Reply
    12. Snowbound says:

      A plumber gave me this tip decades ago. As a monthly preventative to ward off toothpaste and soap scum buildup in the bathroom sink, pour baking soda down the drain, followed by the vinegar. The chemical reaction will dissolve the buildup.

      Reply
      • Shannon Maynard says:

        Just thought I would share this with you. To remove soap scum and leave a nice scent and shiny shower walls.
        Wet a dryer sheet and wipe the shower walls and tub. Rinse with water.

        Reply
    13. LW says:

      I clicked over to see why using copious amounts of baking soda and vinegar might be a bad idea and had the best laugh I’ve had in a long time. I can just imagine all the guests…literally laughing out loud …

      Reply
    14. Kathleen A French says:

      “STRANGELY HORRIFIED and SATISFIED all at the same time, LOL”. I have tried several of these methods and they really have worked for me. I now use the Blue Dawn and boiling water as a preventive measure monthly, particularly for my bathroom where 4 adults with long hair shower daily! I am certain that it has saved me MANY plumber dollars because, when I first read Mary’s article on this issue, I did the “Zip It” method and was STRANGELY HORRIFIED and SATISFIED all at the same time. LOL!

      Reply
    15. Alba says:

      Recently, a plumber friend told me off the record that if it’s a shower or bathroom sink that’s clogged try pouring baby oil down the drain let it sit an hour and follow with hot water.
      I haven’t needed to try it yet but it makes sense that the clogs are probably mostly just hair and the baby oil would make is slick and possibly untangle the knots.
      Thanks for all you do❣️❣️

      Reply
    16. Libby M says:

      I love the Zip it!!! It has unclogged my drains and found the worst yucky hair…I love it! My family thinks I’m nuts but I get excited to go use it, lol!

      Reply
      • Pat C says:

        The sewer smell may be the result of a u-bend, p-trap, j-trap, what ever you cal,l it drying out and allowing air to come up from the sewage system. U-bends are designed to have water in them to stop the fumes from the sewer wafting into your house. Generally, drains that are used regularly will have water in them. but if you have a tub or shower that you don’t use, make sure to pour a bucket of water down the drain every month or so to keep water in the u-bend.

        Reply

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