http://www.care2.com/greenliving/clearing-clogged-drains.html
Clearing Clogged Drains
Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
If water hasn’t yet backed up in your drain, pour 1 cup of baking soda followed by 3 cups of boiling water. The boiling
water will change the chemical composition of baking soda, making it more alkaline. Repeat a few times until the drain is clear.
Washing Soda Drain Cleaner
If the water isn’t going down the drain, pour a cup of washing soda over the drain area and let it set for a while to work its way down to the clog. Once the clog is loosened, use the baking soda method, above. Washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda, with a pH of 11. You never want to use washing soda if a commercial acid drain cleaner has recently been used in the drain, as they will strongly react with each other. You also shouldn’t overuse washing soda if you have PVC pipes, as the caustic nature of washing soda can slowly damage the plastic.
The Bubbling Method Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Baking soda and vinegar react with each other to cause bubbles and fizzing. Sometimes the fizzing can unlodge clogs. Follow the baking soda and boiling water formula, above, with 1 cup of vinegar.
Enzyme Drain and Garbage Disposal Maintenance
All natural living enzyme culture drain cleaners will actually eat and break down any organic matter. Using enzyme drain cleaners once a month, such as Bi-O-Kleen’s Bacout, will help not just your drains, but your septic system. They will also significantly reduce odor from garbage disposals. Colonies of enzymes will actually continue to grow and break down organic matter in your drains .
Washing Soda Maintenance
Enzymes don’t work as well on hair clogs, so to keep drains clear that tend to collect hair, such as in the shower and bath. A few times a month pour 1 cup of washing soda followed by a thorough flushing of water.
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103 comments
add your comment »interesting... corporations really have done the trick... i don't know of anyone who currently uses these tricks - even my rather green friends.. we all just assumed those nasty chemicals are needed - thank you for the enlightenment!!
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Excellent Tips!
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Thank you, I tried the baking soda with boiling water today. I'll see what the results are after I use the sink and shower! I'm always looking for less toxic ways to do things around the house and this could be a great one!
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Where do I find washing soda, I found a recipe for home made laundry detergent that I wanted to try that called for washing soda and the page indicated that it should be available on the laundry detergent aisle at the grocery store....I could not find it. If I have any northern Utah or southern Idaho neighbors that are members here, does anyone know of a retail chain in this region that carries it, or could someone at least give me a brand name so I know what I am looking for? Any help would be hugely appreciated!
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Thanks for the info.
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thanks for this!
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Yes good info...
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baking soda, vinigar and hot water work great, but I found tht lemonjuice was more powerful than vinigar, it also made the drain smell better!
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awesome! my bathroom needs a declogging :) thanks!
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THANK YOU, I USE VINEGAR ALOT AROUND MY HOME, AND BAKING SODA FOR A LOT CLEANING
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