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# Home Trick to Clean the Drain and Pipes Without Calling the Plumber
In this article, we’ll share an easy and effective home trick to clean your drains and pipes without the need for a plumber. With a few common household ingredients, you can clear blockages, eliminate odors, and maintain clean, flowing pipes. Let’s dive into how you can get your drains and pipes sparkling again with this simple DIY method.
### Why Do Drains Get Clogged?
– **Hair buildup**: Hair is one of the leading culprits, especially in bathroom drains.
– **Grease and oils**: In kitchen sinks, grease, oils, and fats can solidify and create blockages.
– **Soap scum**: Soap can combine with minerals in water to form soap scum, which can coat the insides of pipes.
– **Food debris**: Scraps of food, especially starches, can easily get stuck in drains and pipes.
– **Mineral buildup**: Hard water can lead to the accumulation of minerals inside your pipes, reducing water flow.
While calling a plumber can solve the problem, it’s always worth trying a few at-home methods first, as they can be just as effective in clearing small to moderate blockages.
One of the most effective ways to clean your drains and pipes is by using a combination of **baking soda** and **vinegar**—two natural cleaning powerhouses that can break down grease, dissolve clogs, and deodorize your drains without the need for harsh chemicals.
#### You’ll need:
– **1/2 cup of baking soda**
– **1/2 cup of white vinegar**
– **A kettle of boiling water**
– **A drain plug or stopper**
1. **Boil Water**: Start by boiling a kettle of water. You’ll need it to flush out the loosened debris once the cleaning process is complete.
2. **Pour Baking Soda into the Drain**: Once the water is boiling, pour **1/2 cup of baking soda** directly into the clogged drain. The baking soda will help break down grease and grime and neutralize any unpleasant odors that may be lingering in the pipes.
4. **Cover the Drain**: Once you’ve added the vinegar, cover the drain with a **drain plug** or a cloth to keep the bubbling mixture trapped inside the pipe. Let the combination sit for about **10-15 minutes** to allow it to work its magic on the blockage.
5. **Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain**: After the mixture has had time to sit, carefully pour the **boiling water** down the drain to flush away the loosened debris. The hot water helps dissolve grease and any remaining residue while the baking soda and vinegar continue to break down any remaining blockages.