Is there anything more annoying — or gross — than a slow-draining sink? It's a common problem and one that generations of homeowners have resolved by pouring something harsh down the drain to nuke the offender.
But there are alternatives if you want to unclog a sink with more natural ingredients.
Try these fixes instead:
A good old-fashioned snaking. It's amazing, and sometimes appalling, what you can retrieve. And if the stopper is hard to remove, any number of YouTube videos can show you how to easily unhitch it by pulling out the pivot rod and freeing up the opening. Sometimes the stopper itself has become clotted with gunk and caused the issue.
Boiling water, vinegar and baking soda. Important: these are used in a staggered manner, NOT all at once. The vinegar and baking soda react and produce an active foam. Start by pouring the hot water down the drain, followed by about a half cup of baking soda. Wait a few minutes and add the vinegar (then watch the show!). Some folks recommend covering the opening. Follow with another round of super hot water to flush.
Boiling water and dish soap. Boil a large pot of water and add a few teaspoons of dish soap, then pour down the drain. The idea is that the hot water and the soap will help loosen up any grease.
Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda (about a half cup of each) and pour down the drain. Let sit for at least a half hour and then chase with boiling water.
Plunger. It may sound a little gross, but try a plunger in the sink. And then scrub accordingly.
