Clear sink and shower drain buildup

Why It Matters

Hair, soap, and grease slowly choke drains and eventually cause full clogs that can back up into the home.

Tools

• Kettle or pot for boiling water

Materials

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Enzyme drain cleaner (optional alternative)

How to Do It

1. Gather your materials before starting: boiling water plus baking soda and vinegar, or an enzyme drain cleaner.
2. Boil a full kettle or pot of water.
3. Pour the boiling water slowly down the drain to loosen buildup.
4. Follow immediately with about half a cup of baking soda, pushing it into the drain.
5. Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain and let the mixture fizz for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Flush with another round of boiling water to clear the loosened debris.
7. If using an enzyme cleaner instead, follow the product's directions in place of steps 3 through 6. Avoid caustic chemical drain cleaners, which damage pipes over time.

Related Tasks

• Close and reopen the main water shutoff valve Once a year
• Inspect toilets for leaks and worn flappers Once a year
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces Once a year
• Run water in unused fixtures and drains Every 3 months
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs Once a year