Question from Andi
Any suggestions as to what to use to unclog a kitchen drain? Actually it is not really clogged, but very sluggish. Had someone use a plunger, didn’t help. Then he wanted to use dawn detergent, I said no way, so he used my 7th Generation Dishwashing Liquid – didn’t help and he said to use a cup everyday – outrageously expensive to do that! I did the baking soda, vinegar, boiling water – helped slightly but the guy said don’t use – baking soda just gums it all up. Next thing suggested to snake it – quite expensive. So does anyone know of anything to use down a drain that is scent free and non toxic and that works?
Lisa’s Answer
You can get a drain auger that is easy to use and doesn’t require any chemicals.
You can buy your own snake device at hardware stores that is inexpensive and do it yourself. There are many different types out there. You can watch a “how to” video on YouTube.
Found this online…”Surprise! Coke or Pepsi are great for vanquishing a clog! Everyone’s heard about how a nail will dissolve in a glass of coke over time, and although most of us know this is a stretch, coke is arguably better than many commercial chemical clog removers because of its strong dissolving agents!
To get started, purchase a two liter bottle of Coke and allow it to acclimate to room temperature. After pouring it down the drain, let it fizz and work its corrosive power for an hour or two before running hot water. Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down buildup that can clog your drains! Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and other tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with. This is a effective and refreshing home remedy if we ever saw one!”
ECOS
2 lb. Earth Enzymes Drain Opener.
There are directions on the back label that tell you how to use it for the maintenance of drains, and drains that are clogged. I think it is toxic free?
https://bluebiodraincleaner.com/shop/bluebio-drain-cleaner/
Looks like you would have to inquire about Blue Bio Drain Cleaners ingredients.
Hope this helps.
Awesome tips everyone!
Drainbo has worked for me, every time. It’s enzyme-based.
Follow directions on label. After using, be sure you use a fine mesh drain strainer. And don’t put hot water down, as it will kill Drainbo’s enzymes.
Please note: years ago when I used Drainbo, I never had to de-clog again for an entire decade. But now I use Drainbo ever few weeks to maintain my drain– only because now I have a convoluted pipe that seems to easily trap debris. Even with my fine-mesh drain strainer.
Hope that helps!
Please note that I have not evaluated the ingredients in this product. It claims to be natural and non-toxic but does not list ingredients on the website. More research needs to be done.
You’re right Lisa– I wonder too about Drainbo ingredients.
Meanwhile, when my handyman’s around, first I have him empty the P-trap. Which works! When he’s not around, I reach for Drainbo. But will now re-read all the other comments, and reconsider my approach.
Awesome job Lisa! Thanks for all your hard work.
Zip it drain declogger might work.
Yes its called EM-1 made in US by Teraganix. Its a bacteria solution with over a hundred uses and was used by whole communities in Japan to clean homes, plumbing and then on to clean everything it touched. I brew it and use it on our better than organic farm.
It was discovered by Dr Higa in Okinawa
It is used worldwide and it is spreading, it’s miraculous!
There are many videos to explore, I flush, put it down each drain and in the dishwasher and in laundry too. It cleans our plumbing and treats our septic and leach field pipes. It also grows giant plants and produce.
https://youtu.be/v-ZH0b1vJWY
Here’s a video on how to stretch it as I do
https://youtu.be/5MAD4CF3iOA
Can you please tell me if it has any smell? I listened to the you tube but unless I missed it, it didn’t mention if it did or did not smell. Thank you.
Continuous gallons of just boiled water combined with hand plunger. This takes me about 1/2 hour but the effect lasts for 6 months.
I came across a long, thin plastic device with teeth on each side that I use to unclog the drain. The ones from the dollar store don’t work very well. I wish I kept the package so I can pass on the brand info. You might be able to google it. Our clogs are from hair so it pulls all the hair right up.
i use about 1/2 cup of dr bronners sal suds and a large pot of boiling water. I keep doing it until the water is flowing down the drain. slippery unclogs whatever is stuck usually.If you can force very hot water down the pipe with a hose that’s good too. keep adding small amounts of soap with hot water.if difficult try plunger and this method.
Hi, Have you cleaned the p-trap? That generally clears up my slow drains. I would avoid putting any chemical concoction down my drains, whether it was unscented or not. However, I recall seeing (at Home Depot) a type of enzymatic drain maintenance liquid in a gallon jug.
Also, there are little snakes sold at all the big box hardware stores for very reasonable prices, some under $10. Maybe you could try that before paying a lot of money to a plumber.
And, of course, going forward, it is essential to use mesh drain covers and wipe oils/crumbs off dishes before washing. Good luck!
I’m not sure how much in the way of chemicals you’d want to use, but I recently ended up having to use Green Gobbler for a stubborn clog, and that + one of the sturdier plungers was quite helpful. The Green Gobbler scent was minimal, if any (I’m rather sensitive to scents, so I can’t be sure if I was picking up on something from it, or something else). Hope that helps you! 🙂
I’m not sure how safe this is. It contains bacteria and enzymes and added surfactants but does not disclose what the surfactants are. More information is needed.