Although chemical drain cleaners are often an effective method of unblocking blocked drains, they contain strong, corrosive chemicals that are not very environmentally friendly. There are some effective methods of unblocking a slightly blocked drain without flushing toxic chemicals into the waste water.

 

1. plunger. The most effective way to unblock a drain where the water has stopped flowing is with a plunger. There are smaller plungers for sinks, but a toilet plunger also works. Place the plunger in the centre of the drain hole and press the handle down to create pressure inside. Pulling up the handle creates a suction that loosens the blockage. Repeat the process until the water drains normally again.

 

2. baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda and vinegar mixed together react by fizzing, making it easier to loosen oily blockages. Neither vinegar nor baking soda are harmful to the environment. First, pour half a cup of baking soda dry into the drain pipe, preferably using a funnel. Then pour in the same amount of vinegar and immediately put the plug on the drain pipe. Leave the two substances to react for about half an hour, then slowly pour in a pan of boiling water.

 

3. manual cleaning. If the blockage is in the S-piece of the drain pipe or a relatively easily accessible point outside the wall, you can also unscrew the piece yourself and clean it thoroughly with a bottle brush.

 

4. natural pipe cleaners. In some natural products shops there are products that effectively clear blocked pipes and only contain plant-based ingredients.