Vinegar tips - Un-block a blocked drain with vinegar

1. Pack the drain or plug hole with as much baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) as possible. Boil up a pint of vinegar. VERY, VERY CAREFULLY pour the vinegar down the drain, keeping your face well out of the way. There will be a very violent reaction. Let it all sit there for 2 hours and then flush through.

2. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) down the drain followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover the drain for a few minutes while it fizzes. Pour a quart or two of water down the drain to flush it.

3. An alternative method: Pour 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 6 cups of boiling water. Let sit overnight, then flush with water.

The combination of baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids into soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. This is safe to use with garbage disposals.

CAUTION: Do not use any of these methods after a commercial drain opener has been used or is still present in standing water.