How To: Clean a sink drain

A clogged drain is not only an unpleasant but seems to happen at the most inconvenient time. Good thing there is a simple way to unclog most minor stoppages with a few household products. Be your own plumber and keep those drains free and flowing.

Keep your sink drain flowing and grease-free by periodically cleaning your sink drain.

You Will Need

   * Enzyme powder or liquid
   * 1/2 c. baking soda
   * 1/2 c. white vinegar
   * Salt
   * Hydrogen peroxide

Step 1: Use enzyme

Mix water with an enzyme powder or liquid found from your local hardware store and pour the mixture down your sink drain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2: Mix solution

Mix a solution of ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar. Pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then flush the drain with warm water.

Step 3: Mix salt solution

Mix a solution of equal parts hot water and salt and pour it down the drain to help dissolve grease and unwelcome smells. Do not use this solution in blackwater systems.

Step 4: Mix solution

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda and pour it down the drain.

Step 5: Mix salt, baking soda, and vinegar solution

Mix a solution of 1 cup salt, 1 cup baking soda, and ½ cup white vinegar. Pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes. Then flush the drain with hot water.

In 2005, four men tried to blow up targets in London with bombs made from a mix of bleach, drain cleaner, acetone, hydrogen peroxide and mineral acid.