Pour about half a cup of dish soap directly into the drain and let it sit for a few minutes so it coats the inside of the pipe. Follow with another round of slowly poured boiling water. The soap’s grease-cutting formula combines with the heat to loosen fatty buildup and help it move through the pipe. Repeat once more if water is starting to flow but still slowly.
Backup options for stubborn clogs
- Combine ½ cup each of baking soda, vinegar, and salt, pour it down the drain, let it fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with a full pot of boiling water.
- Or mix ½ cup baking soda with ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for 30 minutes, and rinse with boiling water — the peroxide helps with odor while the baking soda scrubs gently.
