How many times a day do you turn on the water at your home? Washing dishes, washing hands, taking showers, or watering the plants… Your house drainage system is constantly at work! With such heavy use, it’s no surprise that clogs and dirt buildup can become a regular nuisance.
While a clogged drain might seem costly and frustrating, it doesn’t always have to be the case!
This guide will show you how to unclog drains without harsh chemicals, using simple household items you likely already have. We'll focus on the two most dirt-prone drainage systems in your house – the shower and kitchen sink – and walk you through easy, affordable, homemade plumbing repairs that anyone can do.
How to Clean Shower Drain?
Taking a hot, refreshing shower after a long day is one of the most pleasing moments of the day. Unfortunately, some bad shower habits can ruin your plumbing, with washing hair down the drain being just one example. Over time, hair and debris can create blockages, leading to stagnant water, mold growth, unpleasant odors, pests, and slippery hazards. These issues highlight why keeping your shower drain clean is essential.
The good news? Cleaning your shower drain is quick, easy, and affordable. No fancy cleaners are needed! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the process:
Good to know before getting started:
- Working time: 5-10 mins
- Total time: 10-15 mins
- Skill level: Beginner
- Estimated cost: $5-20
Equipment needed:
- Screwdriver
- Rubber gloves
- Wire hanger
- Garbage bag
- Optional: All-purpose cleaner
- Optional: Sponge or toothbrush
The cleaning process:
- Protect Yourself: Put on rubber gloves and clear away any visible debris around the drain. Place the waste in the garbage bag for easy disposal.
- Remove the Drain Strainer: Unscrew and remove the shower drain cover. For covers without screws, use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pop it off.
- Dig In: While wearing rubber gloves, remove visible hair and debris trapped under the strainer and around the drain. For deeper clogs, straighten a wire hanger into a hook shape and gently remove trapped hair or buildup inside the drain.
- Clean the Strainer (Optional): Wash the drain cover with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner. For stubborn grime, scrub with a sponge or an old toothbrush.
- Reassemble and Rinse: Reinstall the drain cover and use hot water to flush away loosened dirt and debris.
Tips to prevent clogged shower drains:
- Install a hair catcher insert to trap debris before it enters your plumbing.
- Place a dryer sheet over the drain while you shower to allow water through while catching hair. Bonus: A scented sheet can leave your bathroom smelling fresh!
- Read more about how to prevent clogged shower drains before they happen.
How to Clean a Kitchen Sink Drain?
Your kitchen should be a welcoming space filled with the delightful aromas of cooking and spices. However, a clogged kitchen sink drain, often caused by grease or organic waste, can quickly disrupt this atmosphere. Not only can blockages affect your kitchen drainage system, but water backup can also foster bacteria growth and unpleasant odors, which may even compromise food quality.
But we have good news in this area too, with an easy and quick natural solution to tackle this problem. So, how to clean the kitchen sink drain? Follow these steps:
Good to know before getting started:
- Working time: 10 mins
- Total time: 25 mins
- Skill level: Beginner
- Estimated cost: $5
Equipment needed:
- Rubber gloves
- Garbage bag
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
The cleaning process:
- Prepare the Area: Put on rubber gloves and remove any visible debris or trash from the sink. Place the waste in the garbage bag for easy disposal.
- Flush with Boiling Water: Carefully pour boiling water down the kitchen sink drain to help dissolve grease and loosen grime.
- Apply the Cleaning Combo: Pour ½ cups of baking soda directly into the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Note: This combination of baking soda and vinegar is an amazing homemade drain cleaner that does wonders! Cover the drain opening with a microfiber cloth to trap the fizzing action inside the pipes.
- Wait: Allow the baking soda and vinegar mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. This gives it time to break down stubborn buildup.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Pour another round of boiling water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
Tips to prevent a clogged kitchen sink drain:
- Avoid pouring cooking oils down the kitchen sink drain as they solidify and contribute to blockages (get a full list of items to avoid putting down the drain).
- Regularly pour boiling water down the drain to prevent grease buildup and maintain clear pipes.
- Read more about how to keep your sink unclogged.
What If It Doesn’t Help? Call a Pro to Inspect Your House Drainage System
Sometimes, trying to fix draining problems yourself isn’t enough to tackle persistent or severe clogs. If your drains are still slow or blocked after experimenting with these solutions, it might be time to call a professional to ensure your house drainage system is functioning properly. Continuing to use a drain with underlying issues can lead to pipe damage and costly repairs.
At Ken's Plumbing, we offer comprehensive drain services and 24/7 emergency plumbing support. Our dedicated plumbers specialize in diagnosing and resolving even the toughest plumbing issues. Whether you need drain line repair, replacement, or maintenance, we will do the job right. Call us at (864) 242-5511 or schedule a service online.
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