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How to Unclog a Drain
Slow drain? Skip the plumber. This takes 15 minutes.
Time 15 minsDifficulty EasyTools Plunger, baking soda, vinegar
The short version
- Remove any visible hair and gunk from the drain.
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with half a cup of white vinegar. Wait 15 minutes.
- Flush with boiling water.
- If still slow, use a plunger with firm, quick pumps.
Directions
- Clear the surface. Pull out any hair or gunk you can reach. Most clogs start right at the top.
- Baking soda first. Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Try to get it down, not sitting on top.
- Add vinegar. Pour half a cup of white vinegar. It'll fizz, that's the point. Let it work for 15 minutes.
- Flush with boiling water. Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to wash everything through.
- Plunge if needed. Still slow? Fill the sink with a few inches of water and plunge with firm, quick pumps for 30 seconds.