Ask the experts: How can I unclog a drain without using caustic chemicals?
To clear a clogged drain,
most people turn to commercial
products like Draino. Its
active ingredient, a chemical
called sodium hydroxide, effectively
erodes a clog but can also
burn the skin and, if inhaled, irritate
the nose and throat. I prefer to
use a plunger. To clear up a clog in
the shower or sink, turn on the
faucet and let the water back up
until it's a couple of inches deep.
Once you have enough water, grab
a plunger, cup it tightly over the
drain, and push up and down on
the cup. Depending on how stubborn
the clog is, you may need to
keep plunging for a few seconds or
a few minutes to break it loose.
When debris comes up, be sure to
remove it immediately.
If the thought of using your toilet
plunger to unclog your sink gives
you the heebie-jeebies, buy an extra
one to use exclusively for sinks,
showers, and tubs. It costs much less
than a single bottle of caustic drain
cleaner, and it'll last for years.
To prevent future clogs, buy
metal drain covers for all your
sinks and tubs. They'll catch stray
hair and debris, and will keep your
plunging days few and far between.
-Danny Seo, co-host of "Red, Hot &
Green" on HGTV and author of the
Simply Green book series
