Will boiling water unclog a drain?

• <div><p>Boiling water helps unclog a drain, but usually only with a harder abrasive such as baking soda or vinegar. On its own, it isn’t the most effective tool. In addition, you shouldn’t use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it can soften or melt them. Use a plunger or enlist the help of a pro if you have plastic pipes.</p></div>

Does bleach unclog drains?

• <div><p>Bleach is generally not recommended for your shower drains. Although diluted bleach can technically help clean your drain, it will not unclog your pipes. In fact, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-you-pour-bleach-down-a-drain.htm">bleach can harm your plumbing system</a> because it’s so powerful. The bleach can change the color of your sink and even corrode metal pipes and fittings.</p><p>Often, people reach for bleach because it's already in their house. But it's worth getting a plunger or a drain snake for the job instead. It'll be a lot less money to buy a new plunger than to pay a plumber to repair or replace damaged pipes.</p></div>

How do you clean a drain without removing the stopper?

• <div><p>If you have a sink stopper, it can feel more challenging to clean the drain without removing it, but here are a few simple steps:</p><ul><li><p>Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain using a funnel</p></li><li><p>Pour 1 ½ cups vinegar into the drain</p></li><li><p>Close the sink stopper for 15–20 minutes</p></li><li><p>Open the drain</p></li><li><p>Pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain (be cautious as boiling water can damage some types of pipes)</p></li></ul><p>If the drain isn’t unclogged, repeat the process.</p></div>

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TRUSTED BY WESTLAKE, LA HOMEOWNERS

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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Westlake, LA

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Westlake, LA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Westlake, LA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

Last update on November 13, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
These guys did an excellent job. They were absolutely on time and cleaned up afterwards. Highly recommend these folks
Lake Area Tree Worx LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Mr Jessie was very professional, very clean, always on time when he said he was going to be here. And finished a week ahead of schedule. Will be hiring him again for any future projects.
Best Bayou Renovations
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Reviewed in April 2014
Mike showed up promptly and got right to work. He drained the tank, and while the tank was draining, instead of wasting time watching it he worked on another project. We had originally wanted the shower drain repaired, but there is a crack in the bottom and Mike showed us that there may be an...
Dautriel's Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2014
I had some trouble with a slow kitchen sink drain, which eventually became a blocked kitchen sink drain. I was able to clear the blockage from the kitchen sink, but then realized all the water from the kitchen sink was backing up in the bathtub. Of course all of this would happen late Saturday...
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
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Reviewed in October 2013
I called on Monday to get my water heater leak fixed, drains cleaned out, and garbage disposal repaired. We made an appointment for Friday. At noon on Friday I called to find out how much longer I would have to wait. No-one answered the phone so I left a message. It is now 5 pm, I've been off...
Bailey Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2013
We have an American Standard AC unit. My former AC technician retired & was replaced with a less than desirable technician. My spring AC maintenance was past due & I noticed the the AC overflow pipe was draining. I began researching the American Standard website for an American Standard...
Air Express Air Conditioning & Heating
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Reviewed in February 2013
We had a slow drain out of the kitchen. AAA Auger cleaned it out or flushed it out. They didn't have the equipment that they needed in the truck. They had to come back on another day. My home is an older home and the pipes were an unusual size. They were friendly and honest.
AAA AUGER Plumbing Services
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Reviewed in December 2011
Arrived on time, performed work in short order and even cleaned up after them selves. Bathroom was as clean after as before.
Lanier Plumbing Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2011
I called Deep South Plumbing on a Monday because I had a pipe(s) draining under my house, I left a message. On Thursday he called me back and said he would go out that morning and look at it. I explained to him that I work and if I had to be home we would have to schedule a date and time. He...
Deep South Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2010
We had a slow running toilet ever since we bought our house three years ago. Occasionally, the toilet would overflow. My husband called Pistol's and spoke in depth with the receptionist. She was friendly and knowledgeable. She was up front about the higher cost to us due to the fact that we...
PISTOL'S PLUMBING HEATING & DRAIN CLEANING
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MaxHome

3.80(

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829 local quotes requested

22 years of experience

Our marketing slogan is Making Homes Happier. We work very hard every day to be sure that when you choose us you can relax knowing that not only are you getting a great product at a great price but that we will be there to make sure you and your home are happy and confident before, during and after the sale.

"John was very professional and cleaned up afterwards give that man a taise"

Arshield J on December 2024

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Arshield J on December 2024

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

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Customers say: Super punctual

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9 years of experience

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

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Specializing in home repair and maintenance. Home improvement and property improvement. As a company Nailed It Handyman Services LLC will strive to provide home and property repair and maintenance services as if we were servicing our own home. Our company will deliver professionalism through hard work, honesty, and integrity. Home is important to us. Your home is important to us. With a degree in Drafting and design, and over 15byears of experience our owner operated Handyman Services seek to help you complete tasks big and small. I

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5.00(

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Sharon B on April 2023

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"It went very smooth He on time very polite and professional Yes I would hired him again Thanks again Mr. Smith"

Sharon B on April 2023

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Showing 1-10 of 23

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

Boiling water helps unclog a drain, but usually only with a harder abrasive such as baking soda or vinegar. On its own, it isn’t the most effective tool. In addition, you shouldn’t use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it can soften or melt them. Use a plunger or enlist the help of a pro if you have plastic pipes.

Simple blockages can be cleared using household plungers or manual snakes, provided no severe plumbing issues exist.

Bleach is generally not recommended for your shower drains. Although diluted bleach can technically help clean your drain, it will not unclog your pipes. In fact, bleach can harm your plumbing system because it’s so powerful. The bleach can change the color of your sink and even corrode metal pipes and fittings.

Often, people reach for bleach because it's already in their house. But it's worth getting a plunger or a drain snake for the job instead. It'll be a lot less money to buy a new plunger than to pay a plumber to repair or replace damaged pipes.

If you have a sink stopper, it can feel more challenging to clean the drain without removing it, but here are a few simple steps:

Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain using a funnel
Pour 1 ½ cups vinegar into the drain
Close the sink stopper for 15–20 minutes
Open the drain
Pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain (be cautious as boiling water can damage some types of pipes)

If the drain isn’t unclogged, repeat the process.

You can leave baking soda and vinegar in the drain overnight, which can work well for tougher clogs. Just be sure to pour warm water down the drain in the morning to finish up. You can also perform this task as a part of your regular drain cleaning, which you should try and do once per month.

The Westlake, LA homeowners’ guide to drain cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Mar 4, 2025Mar 4, 2025
How Much Will It Cost to Clean My Drain? [2025 Data]
When your shower or sink starts draining slowly or not at all, it’s time to act. Get tips for how to unclog a drain, and learn about drain cleaning service pricing.
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Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Drain Pipes in a House? [2025 Data]
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If you've been dealing with standing water in your shower, don't fret. Read this guide to find out how to unclog a shower drain with standing water.
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