Just a few minutes to clear a clogged drain: you only need to use ingredients you probably already have at home

We have to wash the dishes or wash our face and the sink is clogged: this doesn't happen very often, perhaps, but it certainly is problem that all of us have had to face. There can be several causes, but usually, the blockage is caused by substances that have built up in the U-bend of the pipes.

Depending on the seriousness of the problem, we can give some DIY remedies a try. And the resources we need can be found in most kitchens.

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If the problem is caused by limescale, we usually realize this when we see large limescale deposits. In this case, and for the future, it is worthwhile buying a water softener to offset calcium build-up in the pipes. There are filters whicha re magnetic anti-limescale models which, by generating a magnetic field, break up the calcium carbonate molecules (a component of limescale), making it more easily soluble.

But for now, you can try clearing the blockage using vinegar and baking soda. The method is as follows: pour very hot water down the pipes (boiling water if the pipes are metal), and this could dislodge a grease-caused blockage. When the water drains away, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Immediately afterwards, pour in a full glass of vinegar. When the effervescent reaction of these two ingredients ends, pour more boiling water down the drain.

This method will remove blockages that are not too serious (and will remove the bulk of any limescale build-up). To prevent future limescale build-up, vinegar should then be poured down the drain regularly, perhaps every few days.

For blockages are caused by other debris (like soap and hair, in the case of the bathroom, for example). You can use the same method as above, or even try citric acid. The acid must also be combined with hot water, which is essential to dissolve fatty deposits. So start with very hot water, then pour in a glass of citric acid, leave for a quarter of an hour  and then follow up with plenty of hot water.

In any case, if you see that, when pouring hot water after the other ingredients, it still doesn't flow away quickly, wait for it to go away completely and pour the other ingredients in again, waiting a bit before trying again with hot water.

And if things don't improve, and you have the right tools (like a plumber's snake), try using these to break up the blockage and pull out hair and other debris bit by bit. However, if you feel that this is beyond you, or you don't have the tools, contact an expert.