A slow drain is one of the most common plumbing issues Utah homeowners face. Before you reach for that bottle of chemical drain cleaner, here’s what our licensed technicians at Nearby Plumbing want you to know — and when it’s time to call in the pros.
Safe DIY Methods That Actually Work
Boiling Water
For minor grease or soap buildup, slowly pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain can dissolve the clog. This works best on kitchen sinks and showers. Repeat 2–3 times if needed.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup white vinegar down the drain. Cover and wait 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural combination breaks down organic buildup without damaging your pipes.
Plunger or Drain Snake
A cup plunger (not a flange plunger) works well on sink and tub drains. For deeper clogs, a hand-crank drain snake from any hardware store can reach 15–25 feet into the pipe.
What NOT to Do
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners — Products like Drano and Liquid-Plumr contain harsh chemicals that corrode pipes over time, especially older galvanized steel common in Midvale, Murray, and Salt Lake City homes built before 1980
- Don’t use a garden hose — Forcing water pressure into a clogged drain can burst pipe joints
- Don’t disassemble the P-trap without a bucket — Trust us on this one
When to Call Nearby Plumbing
If you’re dealing with any of these situations, it’s time for professional help:
- Multiple drains clogging at the same time (possible sewer line issue)
- Water backing up into other fixtures when you flush or run water
- Recurring clogs that keep coming back within weeks
- Foul sewage smell coming from drains
- Standing water in your yard near the sewer line
We offer professional drain cleaning, hydro jetting, rooter services, and sewer video inspection to find and fix the root cause — not just the symptom. Serving homeowners from West Jordan to Ogden and everywhere in between.
Call (385) 327-7711 for 24/7 emergency drain service or request a free estimate online.
