How to Unclog a Drain with Household Items

Another technique you can use is to mix a half cup of salt with one cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Leave it alone overnight so the materials will have time to work on the clog. The next day, pour a couple of cups of hot boiling water and see if the clog is dislodged.

2. A Bowl Or a Cup

If your sink is clogged and has standing water in it, you can use a bowl or a cup to bail out the water (make sure to wear a pair of rubber gloves when doing so). Once your sink is empty, you can then pour baking soda down the drain and follow it up with vinegar. Don’t forget to discard the bowl or cup afterward to ensure you won’t accidentally use it for food or drinks.

3. A Plunger

You probably already have one in your supplies closet, so get it out and start pumping. Position it in a way that it completely covers the drain and, holding it upright, give it around ten vigorous pumps. Once you’re done, take out the plunger to see if the water can now flow through the drain; if the clog is still there, resume pumping until it becomes dislodged.

Remember that your plunger will work better if it’s surrounded by liquid so, if your drain doesn’t have standing water, add hot water to ensure your plunger functions properly.

4. A Wire Hanger

If you have metal wire hangers in your closet, get one and unbend it to form a straight piece of metal. Once you’re done, push the wire through your drain until it meets resistance. You can pull up the wire to try bringing up the clog along with it; if this doesn’t work, push the wire down so the clogged item goes through your pipes.

Use these household items now and see how they can help you unclog a drain.