Nobody likes a clogged drain. You can unclog a drain without resorting to pouring bottles of harsh chemicals down the pipes. There are some everyday household products you can use to try to unclog a drain. When that doesn't work, you can play do-it-yourself plumber and try to unclog your own sink. Stopping clogs before they start or return is another way to keep your sink and shower drains from clogging.

Natural Approaches to Unclogging Drains

If water is backing up when you try to drain the sink or tub, the clog may be close by. A clog near the drain may be removed by using everyday household products.

Instead of pouring chemicals down the sink or into the bathtub to dislodge the clog, try using a quarter cup of white vinegar. Let the vinegar sit in the drain for about half an hour and then flush it out with hot water. Use a plunger in conjunction with the vinegar to coax the clog out of place.

Another option is to use a baking soda and vinegar solution. The baking soda will add a clean smell, which helps when the clog is stinky.

Do-It-Yourself Plumber

For a sink clog, you can try to play do-it-yourself plumber. Remove the drain cover or drain plug and clean it off. Hair and other objects may have accumulated.

Get a bucket or large bowl. Go under the sink and remove the part of the drain which is under the sink, which is called the trap. A wrench may be needed. Loosen the pieces until you can remove the trap. Look for any visible clogs in the remaining pipes. Use a long wire to poke around and move any clog. Clean out the trap and put it back.

If you cannot unclog a drain or have a bathtub clog, consider calling a plumber.

Stop Clogs Before They Start

Preventive action can help stop drains from clogging. Women with medium to long hair can brush their hair before taking a shower or bath to reduce the amount of loose hair that falls into the drain. Minimizing the use of super thick conditioners and hair dye at home can also help minimize drain clogs.

Purchase a small shower drain catcher if you have an old bathtub which uses an external drain plug. There are also external drain covers for standing showers. These covers can catch hair, paper from toiletry labels and any other objects which don't belong in the drain.

Fix a broken sink drain or replace a missing one to keep objects from going in the drain. Keeping it clear of debris will keep it from going down the drain.
Pam Gaulin is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:ga('send', 'pageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/1169452');" href="/links/?u=http://www.local.yodle.com/articles"> plumber</a> or more <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:ga('send', 'pageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/1169452');" href="/links/?u=http://local.yodle.com/articles/topics/contractors-construction/plumbing-contractors-construction/"> plumbing</a> articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.