Green ways to unblock a drain

Blocked drains can be a nightmare. From stagnant water in the sink to unpleasant odours wafting through your kitchen or bathroom, a clogged drain disrupts your home’s comfort and function. But before you reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners, consider this—many of these products can harm the environment, corrode your pipes, and pose health risks.

Thankfully, there are green, eco-friendly ways to tackle this issue. This blog will walk you through effective solutions that are not only safe for your home but also for the planet. Whether you’re a homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable living, these tips are sure to help. 

8 green ways to unblock a clogged drain 

Blocked drains don’t have to mean harmful chemicals. These methods rely on natural ingredients and tools, ensuring your pipes stay clear without compromising the environment. 

1. Clear your blocked drain with boiling water 

Boiling water is one of the simplest methods to clear a clogged drain, especially if the blockage is caused by grease or soap build-up. 

How it works 

The heat melts away grease and dissolves residue lining the inside of your pipes. 

Step-by-step instructions: 

1. Bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil. 
2. Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain in two to three stages, allowing it to work for a few seconds between each pour. 

Safety precautions: 

• Ensure no standing water remains in the sink before pouring boiling water. 
• Avoid this method for PVC pipes, as they may warp or melt under intense heat. 

Baking soda and vinegar 

Vinegar and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a  natural cleaning duet that relies on a chemical reaction to break up your drain clog and relieve you of a slow drain.

How it works 

When baking soda (a base) meets vinegar (an acid), the reaction produces bubbles that help dislodge grime and residue. 

Step-by-step instructions: 

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. 
2. Follow this with half a cup of vinegar. 
3. Cover the drain with a plug or damp cloth to keep the reaction confined to the pipes. 
4. Wait 15–30 minutes before flushing with warm water. 

Tips for stubborn clogs: 

For tougher blockages, repeat the process or follow it up with boiling water. 

Salt and baking soda 

Similar to baking soda and vinegar,  this combination relies on a chemical reaction to tackle clogs. 

How it works 

The grit of the salt mixed with baking soda creates an abrasive solution that scrubs away residue. 

Step-by-step instructions: 

1. Mix half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda. 
2. Pour the mixture down the drain. 
3. Follow with boiling water and leave it for several hours (ideally overnight). 
4. Rinse with warm water in the morning. 

Best uses for this method: 

Salt and baking soda work well on greasy blockages and minor clogs near the surface. For an added fragrant touch you can also add lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice further helps to break blockages in your drain pipes.

Plunger power 

Sometimes, you need a more physical solution—and a plunger can be the perfect tool. 

Types of plungers 

• Standard cup plunger for flat surfaces (e.g., sinks). 
• Flange plunger for toilets or curved drains. 

Best practices for effective plunging: 

1. Cover the drain completely with the plunger. 
2. Create a strong seal with firm pressure against the surface. 
3. Push down and pull sharply but steadily in quick repetitions. Repeat as necessary. 

Drain snake/auger 

For deeper or more stubborn clogs, a drain snake or auger is your go-to tool. 

How to use it safely: 

1. Insert the end of the snake into the drain and push gently while rotating the handle. 
2. Once you reach the clog, continue twisting to catch the blockage. 
3. Pull the snake out slowly, removing any debris.
4. Flush with cold water

Tips for success: 

Go slow to avoid damaging your pipes and always clean the snake after use. 

Enzyme cleaners 

For a store-bought yet eco-friendly approach, enzyme-based cleaners are a great option. 

How enzyme cleaners work: 

Enzymes break down organic matter like food, grease, and hair into smaller particles that water can flush away. 

Recommendations for different drain types: 

Enzyme cleaners are gentle on all kinds of pipes, making them ideal for everything from bathroom sinks to kitchen drains. Look for biodegradable brands to ensure maximum eco-friendliness.

Dish soap/dish detergent/washing powder

If the clogged drain is in your kitchen, chances are you have one of these products on hand.  And best of all? It smells great!

How it works: 

Adding a few tablespoons of dish soap, detergent or washing powder to a pot of boiling water can help melt away grease and grime. 

Instructions: 

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. 
2. Add 3-4 tablespoons of dish soap, detergent or washing powder to the boiling water and mix well. 
3. Slowly pour the mixture down the drain in two to three stages, allowing it to work for a few seconds between each pour. 
4. Repeat if necessary. 

Tips and precautions: 

• This method is not suitable for PVC pipes as the hot water can cause them to warp or melt. 
• Use caution when handling boiling water. 

The trusty wire coat hanger

If you don’t have a drain snake or auger on hand, a wire coat hanger can be a helpful substitute. 

How to use it: 

1. Straighten out the coat hanger and form a small hook at one end. 
2. Insert the hooked end into the drain and wiggle it around to try and catch the clog. 
3. Pull out any debris that comes out with the hook. Repeat until your drain is clear.
4. Flush with hot water to remove any remaining residue. 

Safety tip:

Be careful not to scratch or damage your pipes with the wire hanger.

Green methods and tools professional plumbers use to clean drains

Sometimes, DIY solutions aren’t enough. That’s when it’s time to call in professionals, like the team at Plumbernow, who prioritise green, sustainable methods to clear blocked drains. 

Hydro jetting

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to remove years of grime, grease, and build-up. 

Environmental benefits: 

This method eliminates the need for chemical cleaners while using minimal water compared to traditional methods. 

Enzyme-based cleaners 

Professional-grade enzyme cleaners work faster and more effectively than their store-bought counterparts. 

Benefits: 

These cleaners keep your pipes safe and protect local waterways from harsh chemicals. 

Video camera inspection 

Using advanced video technology, plumbers can inspect your pipes without invasive digging or guesswork. 

Benefits of precise diagnostics: 

By pinpointing the exact location and cause of the blockage, there’s no wasted effort or unnecessary environmental disruption. 

The environmental impact of commercial drain cleaners 

Chemical drain cleaners might seem convenient, but they often cause more harm than good. Here’s why they should be avoided in favour of green methods. 

• Environmental harm: Many contain toxic substances. Their chemical reaction produces water that is poisonous for many aquatic lifeforms.
• Health and safety risks: Fumes can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. 
• Damage to pipes: Overuse can corrode your plumbing over time. 

Green alternatives provide safer, equally effective options, preserving both your home and the environment. 

Make the switch to green drain-cleaning solutions 

Blocked drains are inevitable, but harming the planet doesn’t have to be. By using natural and eco-friendly techniques like boiling water, baking soda, and enzyme cleaners—or calling green-conscious professionals when needed—you can fix clogs responsibly and effectively. 

At Plumbernow, we’re committed to sustainable plumbing practices, including environmentally friendly drain-cleaning solutions. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, contact us today to learn how we can help. Together, we’ll keep your home and our planet clean. 

Reach out to Plumbernow for professional, green plumbing solutions!