If you’re feeling exhausted from your sink draining, and you’re still on a waiting line for water to pass from your sink. That awful smell creeping from the drain? Or worse, a full-on blockage just when you’re running late? If you’ve dealt with any of the good news? But on the other hand, you don’t need a plumber every time so that you can clean the drain yourself. In our opinion, you can spend a little on it and get a quick and easy clean drain. Here, we’re going to explore the proper ways to clean drains effortlessly. We’ll share with you the process of fixing the mess using simple tools and proven methods.
So, how do you clean drains? It’s the process of removing blockages, dirt, grease, and buildup from the drainage pipes to allow smooth water flow. In this guide, you’ll learn practical, DIY ways to clean your drains, prevent future clogs, and save money. From using natural solutions to handling tougher blockages.
Why Do Drains Get Clogged?
When we’re going to clean the drain, it helps to know why it gets dirty. Drains usually clog because of grease buildup, hair, soap, scum, food waste, and mineral deposits. With the passage of time, all these things reduce water flow and lead to bad smells. Regular drain cleaning prevents these problems and saves us from the expensive services, with these services also keep your kitchen and bathroom hygienic and fresh.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
Here’s a quick list of basic tools and items you should keep ready:
- Rubber gloves
- Plunger
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Hot water
- Drain snake or plumber’s auger
- Screwdriver
- Bucket
- Old toothbrush or cleaning brush
These are simple household items and tools. You don’t need anything expensive or fancy to clean your drains effectively.
Method 1: The Boiling Water Trick (Best for Minor Clogs)
As we know, this is a simple method to start with. It works well for small clogs caused by soap or grease.
Steps:
- Boil a full kettle of water.
- Slowly pour it down the drain in two to three stages.
- Wait a few seconds between each pour.
- This method helps melt a simple grease buildup and push it down the drain. It’s safe and chemical-free.
Method 2: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar (A Natural Fix)
This is a powerful natural combination that works wonders for cleaning smelly or slow-draining pipes.
Steps:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar right after.
- Cover the drain and wait for 15–20 minutes.
- Flush the drain with boiling water.
This fizzy reaction helps break down soap scum, grease, and dirt. It also removes bad drain odors.
Method 3: Try a Plunger (Quick Manual Fix)
Plungers aren’t just for toilets! You can also use them to clear clogs in kitchen sinks or bathroom sinks.
Steps:
- Fill the sink with some water (just enough to cover the plunger).
- Position the plunger over the drain.
- Push and pull rapidly for 30 seconds.
- Lift to see if the water drains.
This creates pressure and dislodges small blockages, especially in the sink or shower.
Method 4: Use a Drain Snake (Best for Hair Clogs):
Hair is a common reason for shower drain clogs. A drain snake or auger can pull it out easily.
Steps:
- Remove the drain cover with a screwdriver.
- Insert the drain snake into the pipe slowly.
- Rotate and push it until you feel resistance.
- Pull it out, and the clog should come with it.
- Flush with hot water.
This works great for bathroom drains and can remove even stubborn clogs.
Method 5: Clean the P-Trap (For Deeper Kitchen Sink Issues)
As we discussed already, the are different ways applied to clean your kitchen sinks. The p-trap is the curved pipe under your kitchen sink. Messy gunk and greasy things mostly get stuck in the pipe and can cause a disturbance.
Steps:
- Place a bucket under the trap.
- Unscrew the connectors using your hands or pliers.
- Clean the inside using a brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and reassemble.
This is one of the best ways to clean blocked kitchen drains when other methods fail.
Bonus Tips to Prevent Future Drain Clogs:
You’ve cleaned the drain, now here’s how to keep your drains clean:
- Don’t pour grease or oil down the sink.
- Use drain strainers to catch hair and food scraps.
- Run hot water after using the sink.
- Clean your drains monthly with baking soda and vinegar.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners; they can damage your pipes over time.
These habits reduce the need for frequent cleanups and prevent recurring drain clogs.
When to Call a Plumber:
If you’ve tried all the above and the water still won’t drain, it might be time to call a professional. Signs you need expert help:
- Water backs up in multiple drains
- Strange noises from pipes
- Persistent sewer smell from drains
- Recurring clogs even after cleaning
Professional drain cleaning may involve hydro-jetting or inspecting the sewer line. Don’t wait too long if nothing else works.
FAQs:
Can I use bleach to clean drains?
It’s not recommended. Bleach doesn’t remove clogs and can damage pipes if used often.
What’s the best way to clean smelly drains?
Use baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. This removes odor and buildup.
How often should I clean my drains?
Every 1–2 months is ideal for preventative drain maintenance.
Are chemical cleaners safe?
Not really. They can be harsh on pipes and harmful to the environment.
Conclusion:
Cleaning your drains doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right methods and regular care, you can keep all your home’s drains flowing freely. Whether it’s grease in the kitchen, hair in the shower, or just everyday gunk, the tips in this guide will help you fix it fast. By using natural solutions and simple tools like a drain snake or plunger, you’ll save time, money, and frustration. Make drain cleaning a part of your routine and avoid future problems.