Clogged drains are a common household problem that can be difficult to fix without calling in professional help. Luckily, there are many DIY methods that can be used to unclog drains in the home. 

First, make sure that the sink or tub is empty so that your homemade drain cleaner can get as close as possible to the clog. Then, pour the solution into the drain. 

Plunger 

If your sink is clogged and you've already tried plunging to no avail, there may be a more serious problem in the pipe. If the water pools or backs up it could be a sign that there's an object, like a toy, stuck in the piping and you might need a plumber. 

Start by removing the pop up drain in the sink and plug any overflow openings with paper towels or a rag. Next, make sure that you have a flange style plunger and submerge it by pushing the top of the bell down under water. Finally, make sure that the handle is positioned perpendicular to the drain hole and that there's enough water in the bowl of the plunger to create a hydraulic seal. Begin plunging quickly with quick thrusts up and down. This method increases pressure and can dislodge even the most stubborn clogs. If the clog persists, try using baking soda and vinegar. 

Baking soda and vinegar 

Using baking soda and vinegar is a cheap, green drain cleaner alternative to commercial products like Drano or Liquid Plumr. It also works well to treat minor clogs, according to Washington State University Extension. Pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of baking soda. Then, add 1 cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction between the two ingredients helps to break down greasy substances and hair. Once the reaction finishes, flush with a second pot of boiling hot water. 

If this isn’t enough to break down your clog, try using a combination of lemon juice and cream of tartar or coffee grounds. This preventative maintenance routine is cheap, environmentally-friendly, and works well to break down grease and mineral deposits. If these home-based methods aren’t effective, it may be time to call a professional plumber for assistance. Enter your zip code to be matched with top rated pros near you. 

Wire 

A professional plumber can use a variety of tools to remove even the toughest drain clogs. In addition to the basic plunger, they may also have access to more advanced equipment like sewer cameras, which allow them to maneuver a flexible cable through the entire pipe system and pinpoint the source of the clog. 

A wire snake is another good option for larger clogs. Similar to a garden hose, these coiled metal snakes are available at most home stores for under $10. For toilet clogs, however, you’ll need a different type of snake called a water closet auger.

To use this tool, first remove the sink strainer or overflow plate. Then insert the snake into the drain, slowly feeding it down until you feel resistance or hook up on the clog. Then twist the snake to dislodge the clog and pull it out of the drain. This method can be messy, but it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to do at home. 

Boiling water 

Boiling water can help dissolve clogs that are mainly composed of organic materials like hair or food. This method is a great alternative to chemical drain cleaners, which can harm the pipes in your home. Pour boiling water down the blocked drain, handling it carefully to avoid burns. You may have to repeat this several times if your clog is severe. 

If the above steps fail to dislodge your clog, you might need to take apart the P-trap beneath your sink. This can be a messy and complicated job, but it could be just what you need to get your drain functioning again. 

If your clogged drain is caused by a solid object such as a toy or piece of jewelry, boiling water will not be able to reach it. In these cases, you will need to call a plumber to handle the issue. However, regular drain cleaning with baking soda and vinegar should prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/blocked-drains-geelong/ have professional plumbers to assist with clogged drains.