When it comes to keeping your drains clean, it can be tempting to go with any of the heavy-duty, highly-advertised traditional chemical based cleaners. However, going with an organic solution has many benefits. Consider the following options.
A colony of cleaning
There are enzymatic treatments that can greatly decrease the likelihood of your drain getting clogged in the first place. Many of the things that clog drains, such as hair and oils, are organic—and that means something is happy to eat them. Enzymatic cleaners take advantage of that by introducing microorganisms into your drains. The enzymes live there, happily eating the problematic organic matter.
Enzymatic cleaners need to be periodically replenished.
Green under pressure
Sometimes, a clogged drain can be unclogged with nothing but pressure. Keep a plunger on hand specifically for use in the kitchen or other non-toilet drains. In a two-drain system like a kitchen, you will need to block one drain then use the plunger on the other drain in order to force the clog through the pipes.
If the clog is persistent, a high-pressure water wand or similar pressure cleaner can often provide the concentrated burst of power to break clogs.
Snake the drain
Another good complement to a simple plunger is keeping a drain auger—more commonly called a “snake”—on hand. As the name suggests, these are devices that slowly uncoil a cable into and through the clog, breaking it up and/or pushing it through. Prices range from as little as $20 for a basic one on to over $200, though at the higher prices, you are getting into models with features such as cameras.
Non-caustic cleaners
Traditional cleaners tend to be caustic, potentially poisonous options. Aside from being health hazards, the harsh chemicals are best kept out of drainage systems, especially if you use a septic system.
Organic cleaners avoid those problems. You can even find recipes to make them with common household items.
The first and simplest option is simply siphoning off as much of the backed-up water as possible then pouring boiling water down the drain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. If it does not break up on its own, let it cool then try the plunger.
Alternatively, do-it-yourselfers recommend mixing equal parts baking soda and salt (approximately one cup of each), pouring it down the drain, and then following it with a cup of inexpensive white vinegar. Let it sit until the mixture stops bubbling. Follow that with boiling water. Repeat as necessary.
Prevention is worth a pound of cure. But if you need a cure, consider an organic option. They can be inexpensive and an overall better solution.