What can I use to unclog a drain if I don't have Draino?

[Sue G in PA]

My kitchen sink is clogged. The water won't even drain out. I can't see anything obstructing it so it must be down in the pipe. I don't have Draino...anything natural I can use to clear it? Mind you, I am NOT a plumber so don't even tell me to take off the pipe or something "handy" like that! :D I'm going to the Dollar Store today (later) so I can get Draino, but just thought I'd inquire of the Hive before I spent the money! Thanks.

[Mama Lynx]

Taking off the pipe is easy! I've done it!

But failing that, you can try this: pour a bunch of baking soda into the water, then vinegar. If that doesn't work, though, I'd take apart the pipe BEFORE using Draino. Draino doesn't always work, and it makes it trickier to get the pipes off later, if you still need to do that.

[Sue G in PA]

That's what I was going to try! Thanks for the suggestion. If it doesn't work, I'll have dh remove the pipe when he returns later this evening. Thanks!

[Once]

We have used an enzematic cleaner from Shaklee before. We have purchased a similar one from our plumber who reccomended it. It is pricey but you can do preventative cleaning with it later and save the bother of it building up.

Sorry you have the problem now. I sure hate it when things like that happen.

[Sue G in PA]

1/2 box of baking soda, 1/2 bottle of vinegar and a plunger and my sink is now "almost" unclogged! I'm sure there is some nasty stuff still in those pipes (my kids don't like to dump out their leftover cereal before putting bowls in the sink :glare:), but for now...the water is slowly draining enough so that I can do the dishes! Yeah! Thanks for the quick ideas y'all!

[Tammyla]

Pour boiling water down the pipes. That often loosens and clears the rest of the gunk. hth

1/2 box of baking soda, 1/2 bottle of vinegar and a plunger and my sink is now "almost" unclogged! I'm sure there is some nasty stuff still in those pipes (my kids don't like to dump out their leftover cereal before putting bowls in the sink :glare:), but for now...the water is slowly draining enough so that I can do the dishes! Yeah! Thanks for the quick ideas y'all!

[Cathy in IL]

Thanks for asking this. My bathtub won't drain today. I'll try these ideas.

[Melissa in NC]

1/2 box baking soda and equal portion of salt mixed together. Slowly add 1/2 bottle of vinegar, adding more when it stops bubbling. Let sit for 30 minutes and slowly pour boiling water down the drain. Follow by letting the faucet runs at full blast for several minutes. Good luck.

[KellyGirl]

I recently had a problem with my laundry sink (you can read about it here (http://kellyyoung.blogspot.com/2008/07/being-persistent.html)) and finally had sucsess with a plunger. Just be sure to clog the second drain hole if it is a double sink.