Plumber reveals best natural way to unblock drains and says 'don't use vinegar or baking soda'

Blocked drains are a homeowner's worst nightmare, but sometimes they're unavoidable . A kitchen sink, for instance, has to deal with large amounts of grease and food. When it comes to a bathroom drain , it has to handle soap suds, grime and hair on a regular basis.

To help unclog drains properly , experienced plumber and CEO at Ace Plumbing Justin Cornforth has shared his go-to method. He explained that the method for unblocking drains depends on where exactly you have clogged drains: in your bathroom or kitchen.

If you're dealing with a clog in a bathroom , Justin said: "Don't waste your time on methods like mixing baking soda and vinegar or other homemade solutions." While the mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can be effective at dissolving some kitchen clogs, it "does nothing with hair and bathroom clogs", reports the Express .

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To remove a clog caused by hair, it's "better to use mechanical methods rather than the ones" that work on a chemical level. Justin claimed that a drain snake is an "excellent tool for removing clogs" in bathroom drains as they "effectively catch hair, freeing up the drain".

He added: "A drain snake can clear a clog that is deep in the drain without harming the pipes." When it comes to drain snakes, Justin advises opting for one made from flexible durable materials rather than a cheap plastic version that could snap inside the pipe and become "a big problem rather than a solution".

He suggested, "A drain snake made of stainless steel would be a great long-lasting choice."

If you're caught in a bind without a drain snake and need to unclog your drain ASAP, Justin recommends turning to a wire coat hanger. Just straighten it out but leave a small hook at one end. Gently insert it into the drain and try to fish out any hair, soap scum, or grease buildup.

For kitchen drain blockages, something that is "better" than white vinegar, baking soda, and harsh chemicals are enzymatic drain cleaners. These cleaners contain natural enzymes and occasionally bacteria that eat away at organic matter. These enzymes are specifically formulated to attack substances like fats, proteins, and starches, which are common culprits in kitchen sink clogs.

However, enzymatic cleaners may not be as effective on mineral deposits and can take more time to work through clogs.