Natural Ways to Clean Soap Scum & Hair From Drainpipes

Plunger

• Before you work on creating a solution to remove the clog from the drainpipes, use a plunger to loosen the clog. Plungers create suction that forces the clog out of the pipes. The University of Florida recommends plugging overflow holes in single-bowl sinks or the other drain in double-bowl sinks with a washcloth to ensure that you have adequate suction. Fill the sink with 1 to 2 inches of water so that the plunger creates a seal. When you are ready to remove the clog, sit the plunger directly over the drain and press up and down quickly until you remove the clog. If the clog fails to budge, or if it only dislodges slightly, use another method.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Combining baking soda with vinegar creates a chemical reaction that may remove the clog from the pipe. Remove the standing water by scooping it out. Before you begin the removal process, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil. Carefully pour 1/4 cup of baking soda into the drain. After you add the baking soda, immediately pour 1 cup of vinegar into the drain. Let the solution stand for 15 minutes and then pour the boiling hot water down the drain slowly to prevent it from splashing onto your skin. Use the plunger again to dislodge the clog if it remains because the solution may have loosened it.

Coat Hanger and Ammonia

• Remove the drain cover, if you have one. You may need to twist it or pry it off with a screwdriver. Untwist the top of a metal coat hanger with pliers so that you have a straight piece of wire. Push the wire into the drain slowly until you feel resistance. Pull the coat hanger out to remove the clumps of hair. Once you remove as much hair as possible, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Pour 1/4 cup of ammonia into the boiling water and then slowly pour the solution into the drainpipe to dissolve any soap scum buildup that remains.

Salt and Water

• Slow-draining pipes may only need a light drain cleaner to remove the clog. Heat 1 gallon of water on the stovetop, but do not bring it to a full boil. After you heat the water, add 1/2 cup of salt and stir until it dissolves. The saltwater works to dissolve soap buildup in the drainpipe. Pour it down the sink slowly to remove the clog. Repeat the process again if the pipe continues to drain slowly until you remove the clog completely.

Prevention

• Remove bits of food from the sink strainer and sink drain to prevent them from forming a clog in the pipes. Always remove hair from the sink drain each time you bathe or shower so that it does not go down the drain and form a clog. Always pour grease into an old container or can and allow it to solidify before you throw it away instead of pouring it down into the drain. Pouring grease into the drain causes it to solidify and clog the pipes.