Chapter 08 — Home & Car
How do I unclog a drain?
Skip the harsh chemicals on the first try — they damage pipes and rarely work better. Boiling water, then a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain, cover for 15 minutes, flush with more boiling water. If that fails, a hand-cranked drain snake (€10) clears 95% of hair and gunk in the trap.
Follow-up questions
What about the kitchen sink?
Grease is usually the culprit. Hot water + dish soap first, then physically remove what you can from the P-trap. Stop pouring oil down the sink.
Does a plunger work on sinks?
Yes — but cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth first, or the air just goes there.
When do I call a plumber?
Slow drains across multiple fixtures, sewage smell from drains, or water backing up where it shouldn't — that's a main-line problem, not a DIY one.
Are chemical drain cleaners bad?
They can corrode old metal pipes and degrade rubber seals. Use them sparingly, never on a fully blocked drain (the chemicals just sit), and never mix products.
What's the most common cause of a slow drain?
Hair and soap scum in showers; grease and food in kitchens. A monthly baking-soda-and-hot-water rinse prevents most blockages.
When should I call a plumber?
Multiple drains slow at once (a main line issue), sewage smell, gurgling toilets when you run a sink, or water backing up into another fixture.
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