Leftover food, cooking oils, fats and hair can, if not disposed of properly, lead to annoying drain blockages.
But did you know that you may not have to spend a lot of money on cleaning supplies (or even a plumber) to fix the problem?
Expert Ryan McNicholl from plumbing parts supplier Spares Direct reveals how you can quickly unblock your drains with a simple and inexpensive trick that will cost you just £1.
@nicole_hohenstein Sink clogged? Baking soda-vinegar ratio 1:2, then boiling water! #poisonfreehome #poisonfreelife #poisonless #poisonlesslife #cleaningtiktok #cleaninghacks #clean ♬ Original sound – Nicole | Holistic Wellness
What is the most cost effective way to unclog a drain?
“Unpleasant smells, strange gurgling noises or slow-draining water are signs that your drain may soon become clogged,” explains McNicholl.
“Baking soda (65 pence) and vinegar (35 pence) are common household remedies that can be used to clear minor blockages in the drain.
“It works by creating a chemical reaction that can dissolve blockages, and it is cheap and effective to use.”
You will need baking soda (Stockwell & Co. Bicarbonate Of Soda, 200g for 65p at Tesco), white vinegar (Tesco Distilled Vinegar, 568ml for 35p) and boiling water.
- Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain
- Immediately pour in the same amount of white vinegar. This will create a bubbling reaction
- Let the mixture rest for about five minutes
- Slowly pour boiling water into the drain. The heat will help loosen the blockage.
Is cooking with an air fryer or an oven cheaper?
McNicholl added: “This is a natural method so try that first as chemical cleaners can be very harmful to your pipes and the environment.
“If the baking soda and vinegar method doesn't work, you may need to use a drain cleaning snake for stubborn clogs.”
Reading tip:
How effective is a drain cleaning spiral?
McNicholl says a drain cleaning snake is “great” if hair has clogged your drain.
He revealed: “To clear a clogged drain, insert the tip into the drain opening and slowly turn the handle. As you push the spiral in deeper, you will feel resistance – this could indicate a blockage.
“If you encounter resistance, rotate the spiral to release the blockage. Continue pressing and rotating until the blockage is released.
“After removing the drain snake, flush the drain with hot water to make sure it is clear. Always wear gloves and use caution when using a drain snake to avoid injury.”
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