1. The Boiling Water Flush (Yes, It Still Works)

Let’s kick things off with the easiest method out there — boiling water. It sounds too simple to work, but in many cases, it’s incredibly effective, especially for light clogs caused by soap scum, oils, or toothpaste buildup.

How to do it:

Boil a full kettle or pot of water

Slowly pour half down the drain

Wait 30 seconds

Pour the rest

The heat helps soften and dislodge grease or minor blockages, allowing water to flow freely again.

✅ Best for: Bathroom sinks, tubs, and mild kitchen clogs

⚠️ Avoid if you have PVC piping, as repeated heat exposure can soften the plastic and weaken joints.

2. Baking Soda + Vinegar = Fizzy Force

The famous fizzy duo isn’t just a fun experiment — it’s a safe, chemical-free cleaning method that’s ideal for eco-conscious households. When combined, baking soda and vinegar react to create fizzing action that can break down organic matter like hair and grime.

How to use it:

Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain

Add 1 cup of white vinegar

Cover the drain with a plate or rag

Wait 10–15 minutes

Flush with hot (not boiling) water

This combo is especially good for bathroom sinks and tubs and won’t damage your pipes, making it perfect for regular maintenance.

3. The Wet/Dry Vacuum Method

Got a shop vac? You’ve got a powerful ally in the fight against clogs. A wet/dry vacuum can be surprisingly effective at pulling gunk out of pipes — especially if the blockage is close to the surface.

How it works:

Set your vacuum to “wet” mode

Seal the hose over the drain using a damp rag or towel

Turn it on full power and listen

If the clog is loose enough, the suction may pull it straight out, saving you a plumber’s visit. It’s especially handy for toilets, tub drains, and double sinks.

💡 Bonus tip: This works best for clogs just past the P-trap — the curved part under your sink.

4. Plastic Drain Snakes: Cheap and Effective

Hair is one of the most common culprits for bathroom drain clogs — and no solution is more direct than a plastic drain snake. These inexpensive tools (often under $10) are flexible, barbed strips designed to pull clumps of hair and gunk out of your pipes.

How to use one:

Insert the snake into the drain slowly

Wiggle it to catch the blockage

Pull it out slowly and be prepared for… surprises

✅ Best for: Showers and bathroom sinks

⚠️ Don’t push too hard — if it meets resistance, pull back gently to avoid pipe damage.

5. Dish Soap + Hot Water Hack (For Greasy Kitchen Sinks)

Kitchen drains are notorious for grease clogs, especially after washing pans, dishes, or baking trays. Dish soap acts as a degreaser, loosening fatty buildup so hot water can flush it down.

How to do it:

Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the drain

Follow with a kettle of hot (not boiling) water

Let it sit for a few minutes and repeat if needed

This trick is perfect for those slow-draining sinks that bubble or smell funky — and it’s safe to repeat weekly as a preventative measure.

When to Call in a Pro

Tried all the above and still stuck? If you notice any of the following, it may signal a deeper plumbing issue that DIY can’t fix:

Gurgling sounds from multiple drains

Water backing up in other fixtures

Foul sewage smell

Toilets bubbling when other drains are used

Slow drainage throughout the house

These symptoms may point to a clogged main line, which requires specialized tools and a licensed plumber to resolve safely.

🛑 Pro tip: Don’t keep trying home remedies repeatedly if they’re not working — doing so can make the clog worse or even damage your pipes.