What to avoid
Skip store-bought chemical drain cleaners when you can. Many rely on caustic soda or other corrosive ingredients that can eat away at PVC or metal pipes over time, release unpleasant fumes, and even create a hazard for a plumber if the clog needs professional attention later. If none of the natural methods work, that’s usually a sign the blockage sits deeper in the plumbing and it’s time to call someone in.
