How to Make Your Own Drain Cleaning Solution

Whether you find yourself standing in a bathtub ankle deep in water or in front of a kitchen sink full of murky dish water, one thing’s for certain – there’s never a good time to deal with a clogged drain.

But before you rush out to the hardware store for a bottle of costly, corrosive, and potentially toxic drain cleaner, check your kitchen cabinets first. You just might have all you need to make your own chemical-free concoction that can break up even the toughest clog.

Here is what you will need:

• Small bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Roll of paper towels
• A mason jar
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ cup table salt
• ½ cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar

1. First, use a small bucket to remove as much of the standing – or slowly draining – water as you can from the bathtub or sink. Take off the drain cover and use a paper towel to pull out as much hair or gunk from the drain as possible. Clean around the inside of the drain using an old rag, small brush, or sponge.

2. Combine the salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar in the mason jar, put the lid on, and give it a good shake. Slowly pour half the mixture down the drain, cover the drain, and save the other half for another time. The salt and baking soda work together to break up the clog, while the cream of tartar helps clean metal.

3. Put on your rubber gloves and pour the two cups of boiling water down the drain. Let that all sit for at least an hour.

4. After an hour, turn on the water to clear the mixture from your drain and make sure that the clog is gone. Wipe up any mess with a paper towel. And keep future clogs away by routinely cleaning all drains.

If, on the other hand, the DIY approach doesn’t do the job, the next step is just as simple: pick up the phone and call the professional drain cleaners at Your 1 Plumber. No matter what the cause or location of the clog, we’ll get rid of it for you and give you some friendly advice for keeping your toilets and other drains clog free.