Dirt-cheap Drano - Try this Vinegar and Baking Soda Drain Cleaner

Image via WikipediaIn this article you'll learn how three common household items can save you from blowing $45, wasting 90 minutes of your time, and protect you from the trauma of plumber's crack.


Have you ever had a sink, tub, or shower drain that just wouldn't let the water flow right?  No matter what you do... scrub it, clean it, remove all the debris you can, or scrape with a knife - it just won't drain right?  Before you scour your newspaper for drano coupons, you owe it to yourself to try this dirt-cheap Drain-o solution first.

We have used this technique on three different bathroom tubs that were sluggishly draining when we took baths or showers.  By the end of our showers, the drain was so slow we'd have an inch or two of water in the bottom of our tub.  That's not to say that all drains can be fixed this way.  BUT, before you decide to spend a bunch of money, this might be a good, cheap option you can try?

1. (Come back to read more after you do this step)  Right now, stop reading, set this page down, and go put a medium pot of water on high to boil.
   
2. Now that your water is on to boil, go sprinkle a half cup of baking soda down into your clogged drain. 
   
3. Follow the baking soda with a half cup of regular, cheap white vinegar.  Let them sit in your drain a few minutes - 5-10 minutes - until your water starts to boil.
   
4. ** VERY IMPORTANT ** Walk very carefully when you do this step - NO TRIPPING!  Carry your boiling water to your plugged drain, and pour it slowly down the drain.  

BAM - your drain should have instantly improved its draining abilities.  If it's still a little slower than you think it should be, you can repeat the steps again.  Sometimes a third treatment can help.

After this treatment, your drain should flow like a spring of river water.  If it doesn't, then you know it's time to call in the big guns - like Mr. Roto Rooter.  At least you tried a much cheaper alternative first.  Right?