Unclog Your Shower Drain, the Green Way

April 19, 2010— -- You're in the shower washing up when you notice, "Hmm, the water's getting a little deep here." Then you realize, the drain must be clogged.

Before you rush off to grab something to fish out the obstruction, try making a little volcano in the pipes by using a mixture baking soda, vinegar and water.

Step 1: Put the DRY baking soda down the drain. Use about 3/4 of a cup.

Step 2: Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain after the baking soda. Be sure to cover the drain immediately afterwards with a rag or plug, filling the hole completely so nothing can escape. This is because the interaction of the two will cause a "mini volcano" that will want to come up and out of the drain ... you want to keep it down there.

Step 3: Leave this concoction in the drain for about 30 minutes. While you are waiting, boil a tea kettle full of water.

Step 4: After 30 minutes, remove the plug and slowly pour the HOT water down the drain.

And there you have it, a science fair project turned into a do-it-yourself unclogger.