How to Unblock Drains Naturally

If you wish to have a go at unblocking your sinks and drains naturally then these 5 tips might be the solution. 

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Baking soda and vinegar create a fizzing reaction when poured down your drain. This can help remove unwanted grime and light blockages. let it sit for 3 or 4 hours then flush away with hot water. 

2. Boiled Water

This is the most simple and we think one of the most effective methods. Simply fill up your kettle and let it boil, then carefully pour it down the blocked drain in stages. Leave for 30 seconds between pours. Adding a little washing-up liquid alongside the boiling water can help strip the drain of oil and grease.

3. Caustic Soda

Make sure you use rubber gloves and eye protection for this one. Put around 3.5 litres of cold water into a bucket and add around 350 – 400g of soda crystals and stir well with a wooden spoon. The liquid should start heating up and fizzing. Pour the mixture down the drain and flush the drain with boiling water after letting the soda mixture sit for at least 30 mins. 

Always keep your hands and exposed skin as far away as possible and protected at all times. 

4. Dish Washing Detergent. 

Put a quarter of a cup / 60ml of detergent down the bowl of your toilet or sink and pour a kettle of boiling water down then use the plunger to move the solution about, this usually is enough to unblock a toilet. Always take care when dealing with boiling water. 

5. Wire Coat Hanger

Hot water and a coat hanger can break up stubborn blockages. Straighten out the hanger and shape one end into a hook then use it to fish out anything causing the blockage. Great for removing hair-causing blockages, just make sure you don’t push everything further down the drain, go easy.

If these home remedies for unblocking your sink or drains have not worked, get in touch with First Response. We are emergency drainage specialists with years of experience doing the dirty work and unclogging toilets, unblocking showers and fixing broken pipes. Call us now on 0800 043 4860.