How to Unclog a Drain Without Toxic Chemicals

When drains get clogged up, traditionally you have only a few choices: a plunger or drain snake that physically removes the clog, or some kind of caustic, toxic chemical like Drano. Even a plumber will either use a plunger, snake or chemical to clear your drain.
And while there is nothing wrong with using a snake (I use a Zip-It to clear hair from my tub drain all the time), drain-clearing chemicals like Drano go right into our waste-water stream where they are NOT filtered out, and eventually end up in our rivers and streams.
The main ingredients in chemical drain cleaners are bleach and sodium hydroxide, or NaOH, a highly corrosive salt. Since NaOH is so corrosive, contact via inhalation, ingestion, skin, and the eyes can cause major irritation, vision problems, vomiting, shock if ingested, and even thermal and/ or chemical burns.
Chronic exposure can cause nose and throat irritation, chest pains, dermatitis, and ulceration of the nasal passages. These effects are very severe and unfortunately much too common, as individuals do not heed the warnings and directions printed on the product’s container.
Too often we reach for the dangerous stuff to get the job done, when there are usually safer and more natural ways to do the job. So, to avoid using caustic chemicals, look no further than your kitchen pantry for everything you need to unclog a drain without causing damage to your health or the environment.
Here's how...
ToolsA small cloth or rag, plunger or drain stopper to temporarily seal the drain.A tea kettle
IngredientsSmall box of baking soda (Get it bulk through an Azure Standard Co-op.)1/2 cup vinegar1 quart of water