Granny’s Homemade Liquid Plumber Alternative Rocks!

Before the days of toxic chemical drain cleaners, our grandmothers would unclog the kitchen sink with a natural DIY liquid plumber solution. I found the recipe in an old housekeeping book, and was amazed that it worked!

This nontoxic formula is great for clearing small clogs and sluggish sink drains. Best of all, you might have the ingredients on hand in your kitchen cabinet.

Chemical drain cleaners are notoriously toxic, so I was grateful to find an alternative. I love making safe, inexpensive cleaning formulas for our home, like homemade dishwasher rinse aid, and citrus vinegar all-purpose cleaner.

My Experience with an Enzyme Drain Cleaner

I recently tried to unclog a slow bathroom drain with an enzyme-based natural drain cleaner sold to me by a plumber.

Although the formula was nontoxic and I could feel wonderfully guilt-free using it, unfortunately it didn’t have any effect at all on the slow sink. The product is pricey, too, so I was disappointed that it didn’t work.

Old Fashioned Homemade Drain Cleaner to the Rescue

The following day I tried a new tactic on the stubborn drain, one that you often see in old housekeeping books and “Hints from Heloise.” I poured baking soda down the drain, followed by plain white vinegar.

The mixture foamed up spectacularly for a couple of seconds and then settled down, at which point I covered the drain with a small saucepan lid. After letting it sit for 20 minutes, I removed the lid and poured boiling water down the drain.

Within the next 90 seconds there were some wonderful gurgling noises followed by a “whoosh!” and the drain was clear.

This method was natural and inexpensive, and it had the added thrill of feeling like a high school science experiment!

Here are the exact quantities and instructions for making your own homemade liquid plumber:

DIY Liquid Plumber Natural Drain Cleaner

Eliza Cross

Unclog a slow flowing or clogged sink with this homemade natural drain cleaner.

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Equipment

• Oven mitt
• Saucepan lid

Materials

• 1 gallon water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Instructions

• In a large pan over high heat, bring the water to a boil; reserve and keep hot.
• Pour the baking soda down the sluggish drain. Carefully pour the vinegar down the drain, taking care as the mixture will foam up.
• Cover the drain with a saucepan lid and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Remove lid and carefully, slowly pour the boiling water down the drain.
• Replace the saucepan lid and allow to sit for 5 more minutes. Rinse with tepid water. You may repeat if needed.

Notes

Disclaimer: Try this procedure at your own risk, and use caution. Do not lean over the drain while working on the clog. Stand back when adding the vinegar and be extremely careful when pouring the boiling water so it doesn’t splash and cause burns. Safety glasses are always a good idea. Don’t try this method on old, corroded pipes or damage could occur. 

Did you make this?We love seeing your creations! Be sure to leave a review, and show us your projects by tagging #HappySimpleLiving.

You might also enjoy our recipe for homemade vinegar glass cleaner, which includes directions for the best way to clean windows without streaks.

May all your sinks flow freely and clearly!

This article was originally posted on January 8, 2007 and has since been updated with new images and information.

Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross is the creator of Happy Simple Living, where she shares ideas to help busy people simplify cooking, gardening, holidays, home, and money. She is also the award-winning author of 17 cookbooks, including Small Bites and 101 Things To Do With Bacon.

www.happysimpleliving.com/about/