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Few household issues are as frustrating as a slow or completely blocked drain. The temptation to reach for a heavy-duty chemical drain cleaner is strong, but these products can be harsh, potentially damaging your pipes and exposing your family to toxic fumes. At Swift Brothers, we specialize in keeping your plumbing system safe and running efficiently. That’s why we always recommend starting with natural, gentler methods that are highly effective for most common clogs. Before you call us at (919) 750-0506 for a professional drain clearing, try these proven, chemical-free techniques to get your water flowing freely again.
Start with Simple Mechanical Methods
The majority of clogs are caused by hair, soap scum, or grease build-up close to the drain opening. These mechanical tools can often remove the blockage entirely.
The Trusty Plunger
A cup plunger is your first and often best line of defense against clogs in both sinks and tubs.
Create a Seal: Ensure you have enough water in the sink or tub to fully cover the base of the plunger, creating a tight seal around the drain opening.
Plunge Vigorously: Push down gently to expel the air, then plunge vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. The alternating pressure can dislodge the clog.
Rinse: Remove the plunger and run hot water to check the flow. You may need to repeat the process a few times. For double sinks, remember to plug the second drain opening to ensure maximum suction.
Use a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
For clogs slightly deeper down the pipe, a drain snake (or auger) is designed to physically break up or pull out the debris.
Insert Slowly: Carefully feed the snake or plastic zip-it tool down the drain until you meet resistance.
Hook and Pull: For the zip-it tool, gently pull it out—its barbs are designed to snag hair and gunk. For a manual snake, crank the handle to push the cable into the clog, then rotate it to hook the debris before pulling it out.
Clean the Debris: Always remove the clog debris and dispose of it in the trash, not back down the drain.
Harness the Power of Natural Solutions
For mild to moderate clogs caused by grease or general sludge, the combination of common household ingredients creates a powerful foaming action that can dissolve the blockage.
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
This classic remedy is safe for all types of pipes and highly effective at breaking down fatty acids from grease and soap.
Start with Baking Soda: Pour one cup of baking soda directly down the clogged drain.
Add Vinegar: Follow the baking soda with one cup of white vinegar. You should see a fizzing, foaming reaction begin immediately.
Let it Sit: Cover the drain loosely and let the mixture work its magic for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for a stubborn clog. The chemical reaction helps dissolve the gunk.
Flush with Hot Water: Boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain to flush away the remaining debris and the cleaning solution.
Boiling Water Flush
Sometimes, all a slow drain needs is a powerful hot water flush to melt light grease or soap build-up.
Heat Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Pour Slowly: Slowly and carefully pour the boiling water directly down the drain in two or three stages, giving the hot water a moment to work between pours.
Caution: Avoid this method if you have old, fragile PVC pipes that could be damaged by the extreme heat, or if you suspect the clog is completely impenetrable, as the water will simply back up.
If you’ve tried these methods and the drain remains stubbornly clogged, it's time to call the certified plumbing professionals at Swift Brothers. A persistent blockage may indicate a deeper issue in your main line that requires the advanced tools and expertise of our team. We offer same-day service and are ready to provide the swift, reliable solution you need. Contact us at (919) 750-0506 for all your professional drain clearing needs.