Boiling water is better for minor, grease/soap-based clogs in metal pipes but dangerous for PVC (plastic) pipes, which can soften or melt; Drano (chemical cleaners) can clear tougher blockages but damages pipes and is harsh on the environment, making a plunger or a biological cleaner often the best, safer alternative before calling a plumber, as neither method is perfect for all situations.
Let the sink completely drain. 2. Fill a full kettle or a large pot with water and heat. Don't boil – boiling water can damage PVC pipes.
No. Boiling water is not a proper drain clearing method nor is it for maintenance. This is especially important if you have PVC pipes, since those are wonky rated for 140F. The excessive heat can damage the pipes.
Additionally, if the clog contains grease or hardened debris, boiling water may not fully clear the blockage. Repeated attempts at this method could strain your plumbing. Avoid this method for PVC pipes, as high heat can damage them.
You should never flush wet wipes (even "flushable" ones) or sanitary products (tampons, pads), as they don't break down like toilet paper and cause major sewer blockages; other common culprits include paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, hair, dental floss, and cooking fats/oils, which all contribute to clogs and "fatbergs".
You may have heard of this one before. Simply boil a pot of water and pour it straight down the drain. The idea is that the water will loosen up soap and grease that are keeping the hair in the drain. It may work, but it may also loosen your PVC joints, causing more harm than good.
For the toughest of clogs, a plumber may use a hydro jet. This tool sends pressured water through pipes to break down drain build-up. This tool is often faster and more efficient than a typical drain snake. Hydro jets get rid of the clog, but they're also effective for cleaning drains.
After prolonged contact with boiling water, there can be a combination of softening and weakening that can make PVC pipes more susceptible to leaks or ruptures.
While baking soda and vinegar create a bubbling reaction that might help dislodge small blockages, they are not strong enough to clear serious clogs. Additionally, the gas buildup can potentially harm older pipes. For better results, consider using a drain snake, plunger, or commercial cleaner.
Boiling water straight off the stove can reach 212°F, which is more than enough to soften or even warp PVC pipes and joints. If your plumbing system includes PVC, repeated exposure to boiling water can lead to pipe damage, leaks, or costly repairs down the line.
Follow these easy steps to unclog your drain:
Boiling Water
Once the water begins to boil, remove it from the heat, and place your glass in the water. Be sure to use a potholder when removing the glass pipe from the water, as it will be extremely hot. It is recommended when using this method to allow the glass to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes.
It is okay to pour boiling water down the sink if your plumbing is clear. However, a blockage can trap the water in the pipe. This can melt PVC pipes and seals, causing serious damage. Additionally, using boiling water to unclog a toilet can melt the wax seal around the toilet.
Leaving Drano in your drain longer than recommended can cause serious damage. The chemicals will start corroding your pipes, damaging fixtures, and creating health hazards. If you've already left it too long, call a professional plumber immediately for safe guidance.
Boiling effectively kills bacteria, but it leaves chemical pollutants behind. Substances such as heavy metals, fluoride, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remain even after extended boiling. As water evaporates, these pollutants can actually become more concentrated.
When Drano is left in the drain for too long, it can cause corrosion of the pipes. The chemicals in the product are designed to break own the clog, but if left for too long, they can start to break down the pipes themselves. Rinse 5-15 minutes depending on severity of clog.
For simple clogs, mix in a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Then, pour it down the drain. Rinse by pouring water all over.
First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then run hot water down the drain.
To dissolve hair in a drain, the most popular DIY method is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water, but for tougher clogs, strong chemical cleaners (like lye-based) or specialized drain snakes (augers) are used, though always use caution with chemicals and heavy clogs, often preferring mechanical removal.
Some of the best Drano alternatives include using a plunger or pipe snake, soap or salt mixed with boiling water, or baking soda and white vinegar. Also, for maximum effectiveness, you can combine several of these methods together to get rid of the clog.
Step 3: Boiling Water, Baking Soda and Vinegar
It'll fizz and bubble like a mini science experiment, working to break down the clog. After waiting about 15-20 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain to help flush everything out.
Repeated use of the baking soda-vinegar combination can gradually degrade your pipes, leading to leaks or even burst pipes in severe cases. Additionally, the fizzing action caused by this mixture may be misleading.
The salt normally creates an incredibly fizzy reaction when added to water. Therefore, it can help break down the waste to clear the blockage. Pour enough Epsom salt into your toilet bowl, and allow it to sit for around 20 minutes before flushing with hot water.
In many Amish homes, rags are a common toilet paper alternative. These rags are typically old clothes that have been worn out. After simple processing, they become practical cleaning tools.