Or perhaps water is starting to make a pool out of your kitchen. The next thing you know, the area smells so bad you just want to live in another place. However, things can be worse when you do not take care of it immediately. Having one is really a daunting experience. It takes all of your energy and disappoints you in some ways.

But hey, there is no need to blame yourself – it is time to think of a solution instead of overthinking it. If you have been looking for ways to unblock an outside drain or your sink’s drain, then you have come to the right place. This quick guide is going to help you big time and, more importantly, save you a huge sum of money!

1. Boiling Water

Who says you need to spend a fortune just to resolve your sink or outside drain problems? Believe it or not, boiling water is enough to remedy the situation. Keep in mind, however, that its effectiveness completely relies on how recent the blockage is. Obviously, the more recent it is, the easier for the boiling water to wash it all away. Just simply pour the water down the drain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to run water, so you can check whether or not the blockage is still there.

2. White Vinegar

If you think your white vinegar is only good for cooking, then you clearly do not know a thing or two about its usefulness. Apparently, it is also an effective homemade drain unblocker. Basically, it offers a “fizzing” action –, particularly when used alongside bicarbonate soda – essential in helping clear drains. If the boiling water does not work, you can try white vinegar. It is worth noting that it comes with a handful of powerful properties. After pouring it into the affected drain, make sure you wait for 15 minutes and do not wash it with water right away. Just let the solution sit. Once done, pour more boiling water, but this time without the vinegar.

3. Baking Soda

As mentioned above, the baking soda can create a “fizzing” action when mixed with vinegar. Although you can always use diluted bicarb water, you will not necessarily get its effectiveness. Basically, bicarb is abrasive and, thus, makes it perfect for clearing oil and/or food blockage. This one, however, can be tricky. You need to ensure that the drain is free of water before pouring the solution; otherwise, its abrasiveness will be compromised. After pouring the solution, you need to use a plunger right away. Doing so can help loosen the clogs in a quicker and more effective manner.

4. Dish Washing Liquid

Most of the common causes of drain blockage are fats and oils, most of which can come from the food you very eat. Interestingly, dishwashing liquid has been specifically to fight them. You need to mix the dishwashing liquid with water, but the ratio should be 75 and 25. Once you get the math right, you are ready to pour it down the drain. Let the solution sit for about 30 minutes or so. Make sure no water can disturb the process. Once the timer is up, you can simply rinse everything with boiling water.

5. Sea Salt

It should be noted that sea salt itself is not really an effective one for cleaning the drain. The idea here is to mix it with one of the above-mentioned options. In most cases, it can work perfectly fine with the dishwashing liquid. Basically, the sea salt is the one that will act as the abrasive component, which can slowly but surely dissolve the blockage. It is, in fact, deemed to be better compared to soda. Pretty much like the dishwashing liquid option, you will the ratio of 75 and 25 – that is, dishwashing liquid and water. Remember to add at least tablespoon of sea salt and pour the solution down the drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes or so. And depending on how heavy the blockage, you can let it sit for an hour.