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Best Home Remedies For Unclogging Drains (2024 Update)

Clogged drains are a nuisance that can quickly disrupt your home’s plumbing system. While commercial drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution, they often contain harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes and cause damage over time. For a safe, eco-friendly way to unclog drains, many homeowners are turning to homemade remedies that harness the power of common household ingredients.

When choosing a DIY drain cleaner, there are a few key factors to consider. Look for options that will dissolve clogs without damaging pipes. Avoid anything too abrasive or corrosive. The remedy should also be safe for the environment, simple to prepare, and inexpensive. Some of the best home ingredients for the job include baking soda, vinegar, salt, and boiling water.

How can you know if a homemade drain cleaner will work before trying it? Start by identifying the possible cause of the clog. Is it composed of grease, soap scum, or debris? Understanding what type of gunk is likely causing the blockage will help you select the best remedy to break it up. Additionally, consider the location of the clogged drain. Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs, and outdoor drains may require slightly different approaches.

Ready to unclog your drains without harming the environment or your plumbing? Try starting with a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Or opt for a salt and boiling water treatment to break up soap scum. Homemade drain cleaners may require a bit more time and effort than commercial liquid plumber products, but the trade-off is well worth it for many homeowners.

20 Best Home Remedies For Unclogging Drains (20 Sellers)

1. Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver – 2 Pack, 15.5 Fl Oz Bottles

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Specifications:

Units in Package 2
Unit Size 15.5 fl oz bottles
Directions Instructions for Use: For sinks and tubs: Pour one full chamber of product slowly into the drain. Allow product to sit in drain as long as possible (at least 15-30 minutes) and then flush with hottest water possible. For extremely difficult obstructions, pour second treatment and allow to sit in drain overnight. Then flush with boiling hot water. (use caution when handling boiling water). For toilets: Pour both chambers slowly into the toilet, allow product to work at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Once water has come down to a normal level flush. Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials. Do not mix with any other drain openers or cleaning chemicals. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. After using the first chamber replace cap.
Warnings Danger! Harmful if swallowed. Can cause burns. Keep out of reach of children. Carefully read precautions on rear panel. Danger! Contains lauramine oxide (derived from plant based material) & other proprietary ingredients. Read label before use. Can cause eye and skin burns. Harmful if swallowed. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not take internally. Wash hands after use. First Aid: Eye Contact: Immediately flush with water at least 15 minutes. Get immediate medical attention. Skin Contact: Immediately wash with plenty of water for several minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If swallowed: Call a Poison Control Center or a doctor. If person is alert, have them rinse their mouth out with water. For question or in case of exposure, call 1-800-424-9300.

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2. Liquid Fire Drain Line Opener 32 Oz

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Specifications:

Assembled Product Weight 48 lbs
Form Liquid
Container Type Bottle
Retail Packaging BTL IN BAG PLSTC

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3. Instant Power Hair Clog Remover – 33.8 Fl Oz

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Specifications:

Units in Package 1
Unit Size 33.8 fl oz
Directions Remove standing water down to opening. Pour in 1/2 bottle. Wait one hour – overnight is best. Flush with hot water to clear drain. Wear safety goggles and long rubber gloves to protect form possible eruption of lye. Remove standing water. Pour drain opener slowly directly into drain. Repeat if necessary. Bathroom Sinks, Tubs & Showers: Slowly pour 2 cups (1/2 bottle) directly into drain. Wait at least 1 hour before flushing with hot water. Overnight is best. Instant Power will continue to dissolve hair deposits as long as it is in the drain. If the clog is further down the drain pipe, more Instant Power will be needed to reach the clog. Opening: Always keep bottle on stable, flat surface and hold by handle. Do not squeeze sides. Doing so may cause eruption of liquid. Remove cap by pressing down and unscrewing. Use a sharp instrument to completely remove silver heat seal by gently cutting out from the inside of neck. Always replace cap after use. If liquid comes in contact with your skin, refer to first aid instructions.
Warnings Poison. Contains concentrated lye. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Causes severe burns on contract. Keep out of children's reach. Drain chemicals can cause severe burns and blindness. Always wear protective safety goggles and long rubber gloves when using and when working on drain pipes that remain clogged and contain drain chemicals. 1. Keep locked up & out of the reach of children. Do not use in the presence of children or pets. 2. Do not use where other drain openers or chemicals are present or have failed to clear the drain. Doing so can result in dangerous eruptions of lye or the creation of toxic gasses. Call a plumber. 3. Because of possible eruption of lye, do not stand over, or look into any drain opening while using. 4. Immediately after pouring drain opener into drain, cover opening with a non-aluminum dish, pan or bucket to protect from possible eruption of lye. 5. Do not use in garbage disposers, toilets, dishwashers or other appliances. Do not plunge because splashing may cause injury. First Aid – Internal: Do not induce vomiting. Drink a couple of glasses of water or milk. If vomiting occurs, keep airway clear. (Call physician immediately.) Call your poison control center, 800-222-1222. Eyes: Flush with water immediately for at least 15 minutes. If wearing contact lenses, remove first. (Call physician immediately.) Skin: Immediately flood with water and wash with vinegar. Remove contaminated clothing. (Call physician immediately.) Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. (Call physician immediately.) Contains sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide.

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4. Instant Power – Hair & Grease Drain Opener 2 Liter

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5. Insta-Flo Drain Cleaner – 1 Pound

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6. Instant Power Heavy Duty Drain Opener

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7. Rooto Drain Cleaner – 64 Oz Jug

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8. Instant Power 20 Oz. Hair And Grease Drain Opener

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Size 20 oz.

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9. Clr Compressed Gas Drain Opener 4.5 Oz

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Specifications:

Units in Package 1
Unit Size 4.5 oz
Directions Read entire label before use. If blockage is not cleared after third application, call a qualified plumber. Canister nozzle must be pointed down (into drain) when using. Directions for using CLR Power Plumber without universal kit. Blocked sinks and tubs: 1. Fill sink with enough water to submerge can's cap. 2. Block overflow with damp rag or sponge and hold firmly. 3. Place can's cap over drain opening and press firmly for one second. Repeat if necessary. Slow-Moving Drains: 1. Place stopper in drain. 2. Fill sink or tub with 6-7 Inch of water, remove stopper. 3. Block overflow with damp rag or sponge and hold firmly. (Fig. 1 and 2). 4. Place can's cap over drain opening and press firmly for one second. Repeat if necessary. Double Sinks: 1. Place stopper in sink and hold. 2. Follow the same directions as a blocked sink. For toilets, floor drains and garbage disposals, a Power plumber universal kit is needed.
Warnings Flammable aerosol. Pressurized container: May burst if heated. Read carefully other warnings on direction back panel. Warning: Flammable aerosol. Pressurized container may burst if heated. Keep away from any source of ignition, heat, sparks and open flames including pilot lights. Do not smoke. Prevent the buildup of vapors – open windows – use only with cross ventilation. Do not use in clogged drains where any other chemicals may have been used and may be present. Splash back of chemicals can burn skin and eyes. If a chemical comes into contact with skin or eyes, flush area with water immediately and consult Physician. Keep out of reach of children. Vapor harmful. Avoid inhalation. Use in a well ventilated area. If inhaled: Increase fresh air circulation or leave area. Avoid stimulants. Do not give ephedrine or similar drugs. Call a physician immediately. Eye or skin contact with liquid may cause cold burns and frostbite. If eye or skin contact occurs, flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If eye is irritated or skin frostbitten, get medical care immediately. While waiting for medical care, warm affected skin area with warm (not hot) water until all sensation returns. Treat frozen parts gently – do not rub them. If medical advice is needed have product container or package at hand. Contents under pressure. Do not pierce or burn even after use. Do not expose in temperatures exceeding 50 Degrees C/122 Degrees F. Protect from sunlight Store in well ventilated place. Do not store in car or vehicle. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling contents may be harmful or fatal. Such misuse could cause death to occur without warning. Contains 1, 1 Difluoroethane (CAS no. 75-37-8).

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10. Rooto Household Lye Drain 1lb

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11. Instant Power Drain Hair Clog Remover 33.8 Oz.

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Capacity 33.8 Oz

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12. Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover – 17 Fl Oz Bottle

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Specifications:

Units in Package 1
Unit Size 17 fl oz
Directions Directions for Use on Slow-Running Drains: (1) Slowly pour entire contents of bottle down drain. (2) Allow product to work for one hour. (3) Flush with hot tap water. (4) Repeat steps if necessary. Do not use on standing water clogs. For standing water clogs, use Drano Max Gel Clog remover. Important: Open carefully. Do not squeeze bottle. Avoid splashing. Clean up spills at once. Keep hands, face, children and pets away from drains when using Drano Dual Force Foam. Product may foam up from drain. This is normal. If foam is visible after use, rinse foam completely down drain with water. Do not use product with a plunger because Drano Dual Force Foam may still be present. Do not use in a toilet. Do not reuse empty container. Rinse container and replace cap before discarding. Garbage Disposal Drains: Follow same directions. If drain has not cleared, do not turn on disposal since product may splash back. Consult plumber. (1) Pour 1 bottle slowly into drain. (2) Wait for 1 hour. (3) Flush drain with hot water. Repeat steps if necessary.
Ingredients Sodium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Silicate, Surfactants and Hydrogen Peroxide, Water, Bleach, Cleaning Agent, Caustic, Foaming Agent, Corrosion Inhibitor, SCJ Formula 35 4604, Palmitamine Oxide, Myristamine Oxide, Etidronic Acid.
Warnings Danger: Keep out of reach of children. Can cause burns on contact. Harmful if swallowed. Read back label carefully. Danger: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Can cause burns on contact. First Aid – Give immediately, then call a poison center, physician or emergency room: eyes & skin: Rinse with water, remove contacts, then rinse with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes. If Swallowed: Rinse mouth. Immediately drink a glass of water or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Danger: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Can cause burns on contact. Avoid contact with liquid, foam or residue around the drain. Wash thoroughly after handling. If product contacts clothing, immediately remove and wash clothing. Harmful if swallowed. Do not taste or swallow. Chemical Hazard: Contains sodium hypochlorite (bleach), a strong oxidizer. Never use or mix with other household products such as acids, bowl cleaners, rust removers or products which contain ammonia. Hazardous gases may result. If this occurs, leave the room immediately and ventilate area if possible.

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13. As Seen On Tv Sani Sticks Drain Cleaner, Lemon Fresh – 24 Count

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Specifications:

Units in Package 24
Directions Drop 1 stick per month. Directions: Administer once monthly by dropping one Sani Sticks down the drain of the sink or tub.
Ingredients Contents: Non-Pathogenic Bacteria, Lipase, Amylase, Protease, Food Subtitles.
Warnings Caution: Store in a cool dry place. Do not swallow. Eye irritant. See back panel for precautionary statements. Precautionary Statements: First Aid: Contact a poison center or physician immediately for treatment advice. If swallowed: rinse mouth with water and drink 1 or 2 glasses of water. If in eyes: rinse with water immediately for at least 15 minutes. Keep out of reach of children.

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14. Liquid Lightning Drain Cleaner, 32 Fluid Ounce, Size: 32 Fl Oz

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15. Thrift T-100 1 Pound Drain Cleaner

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16. Thrift T-600 Alkaline Based 6 Lb. Granular Drain Cleaner

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Specifications:

Product Dimensions 4 x 8 x 11 inches
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No
Item Package Quantity 1
Included Components 6 lb bottle of thrift

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17. G.t. Water Products Drain King Unclog Hose Attachment

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18. Blue Monster Drain Banger 1 Lb. Flakes Drain Opener & Cleaner 76055

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Specifications:

Product Form Flakes
Package Quantity 1
Country of Origin United States of America

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19. Earth Friendly Earth Enzymes Drain Opener, Natural – 2 Lb

Product Details:

Specifications:

Units in Package 1
Unit Size 2 lb
Directions Open Clog Drains: To activate product, use two cups of Earth Enzymes diluted with two parts of warm water in a separate container. Make sure product is dissolved completely. Pour liquid down clogged rain. Allow to work for 24 hours, then flush with water to clear drain lines. Rinse mixing container thoroughly before reusing. Weekly Maintainer: Dilute two teaspoons of Earth Enzymes with warm water in a separate container, then pour liquid down drain. Follow with 2 cups of water. Rinse mixing container thoroughly before reusing. Earth Enzymes is safe to use in garbage disposals, kitchen drains, toilets, bath and shower drains, and laundry drains. Earth Enzymes can safely be used in septic tanks and cesspools.
Ingredients Sodium Sesquicarbonate, Bacterial Mixtures, Proteolytic Enzyme.
Warnings Mild eye and skin irritant. In case of eye contact, flush with water. If irritation persists, contact a physician. In case of skin irritation, wash with water. If irritation persists, contact a physician. Keep out of reach of children.

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20. Green Gobbler 31 Oz. Drain Clog Dissolver

Product Details:

Specifications:

Assembled Product Weight 2.4 lb
Contained Battery Type 1
Form Liquid
Container Type Bottle
Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 2.50 x 4.00 x 9.50 Inches

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