Blocked drains are among the most frustrating home maintenance issues, often cropping up at the worst possible time. Whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom, the daily build-up of grime, grease, soap and hair can lead to slow drainage or even complete blockages. With so many DIY remedies floating around, it’s tempting to reach for familiar mixtures like baking soda and vinegar.
But according to plumbing professionals, that might not always be the best course of action. Different types of clogs require different solutions, and understanding where the blockage is occurring is key.
Kitchen sinks tend to suffer from a build-up of oils and food debris, while bathroom drains often deal with a combination of soap scum, hair and skin cells.
Experienced plumber and CEO of Ace Plumbing, Justin Cornforth, highlighted the need for targeted methods when tackling clogged drains.
He advised against wasting time on conventional hacks in certain scenarios: “Don’t spend your time on methods like mixing baking soda and vinegar or other homemade solutions.”
While this combination may help with minor kitchen clogs, Justin clearly states that it “does nothing with hair and bathroom clogs.”
When dealing with stubborn bathroom blockages, especially those caused by hair, he insists it’s “better to use mechanical methods rather than the ones that work on a chemical level”.
His top recommendation is getting a drain snake, a tool that he explains is “excellent for removing clogs” because it “effectively catches hair, freeing up the drain.”
He also stressed the importance of quality: “A drain snake made of stainless steel would be a great long-lasting choice,” unlike cheaper plastic models that can break and worsen the problem.
For those without a drain snake on hand, Justin suggests repurposing a wire coat hanger. Straighten it out, leaving a small hook at one end, and carefully insert it into the drain to extract hair and other debris.
Kitchen clogs, on the other hand, often respond well to enzymatic drain cleaners. These natural products use enzymes – and sometimes bacteria – to break down organic matter such as fat, starch and protein.
According to Justin, they are “better” than vinegar, baking soda and even harsh chemical alternatives for grease-based clogs.
While they may take longer to work and are less effective on mineral build-up, their gentle, eco-friendly formulation makes them a go-to choice for ongoing kitchen maintenance.
For those looking to ditch the old vinegar and baking soda combo, these practical and natural solutions offer a plumber-approved way to tackle blockages without compromising your pipes — or your patience.
