 To avoid clogging drains, use a drain
strainer to trap food particles and hair; collect grease in cans
rather than pouring it down the drain; pour a jug of boiling water
down the drain weekly to melt grease that may be building up in
the drain; or weekly put some vinegar and baking soda down your
drain to break down grease and keep your drain smelling fresh. Don't
use this method in conjunction with any commercial cleaner as a
violent reaction may occur.
Sink Plunger. This inexpensive
tool will usually break up the clog and allow it to float away. It
may take more than a few plunges to unclog the drain.
For grease buildup, dissolve .5
kilogram washing soda in 9 litres boiling water and pour down
drain. For heavy grease build up, use a commercial drain cleaner.
Exercise extreme caution when using commercial cleaners and follow
label instructions exactly.
Baking Soda and Vinegar. Pour
1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and
cover the drain if possible. Let set for a few minutes, then pour
a jug of boiling water down the drain to flush it. The combination
of baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids into soap
and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. Don't
use this method in conjunction with any commercial cleaner as a
violent reaction may occur.
Salt and Baking Soda. Pour 1/2
cup salt and 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Follow with 6
cups boiling water. Let sit overnight and then flush with water.
The hot water should help dissolve the clog and the baking soda
and  salt serve as an abrasive to break through the clog.
Mechanical Eel. A flexible
metal eel can be purchased or rented. It is threaded down the
clogged drain and manually pushes the clog away. First crank the
eel and feed it into the pipe. Next withdraw the eel and flush the
pipe by inserting a garden hose with the water turned on full.
With some luck, it may save you the expense of a plumber
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