Dealing with a clogged drain can be infuriating. A slow sink can cause strong odours to fill your bathroom or kitchen, and when the sink starts to overflow, it can create a very unclean environment.
A blocked drain can cause significant problems for the rest of your home if action is not taken.
If you notice water gurgling, a strong smell coming from your sink or water draining slowly, it could indicate an obstruction in your drainage system.
A minor blockage in your bathroom or kitchen drain can often be cleared with common household items. However, when it comes to more serious issues like stormwater or sewer blockages, a chemical drain cleaner might be necessary. Another effective option is using baking soda to tackle the blockage.
The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) method works wonders on slow-moving drains and is great for routine maintenance cleaning too. Pair it with a plunger, and you’ll have your drainage system running smoothly again in no time.
However, it is always best to call a licensed plumber with the right tools and experience to clear a significant obstruction, such as a tree’s roots.
How Do You Unclog A Drain?
You can use a few methods to clear your clogged drains, and one particular way is relatively simple.
The baking soda and vinegar drain cleaning method has been used for a long time, and most people use this method for general household cleaning and clogged drains.
Vinegar has many antibacterial agents and, once combined with baking soda, creates a chemical reaction that eats away at grime and dirt.
Using vinegar and baking soda together can effectively loosen the build-up of grease, food, soap, and hair stuck in your pipes. It’s a popular, eco-friendly method to unclog drains without harsh chemicals wrecking your kitchen or bathroom’s environment.
This technique is easy because the ingredients are household staples already in your pantry.
What Do You Need?
You will need these items to use the baking soda vinegar combination effectively.
- half a cup of baking soda (bicarb soda)
- one cup vinegar (white vinegar works best)
- 1 cup boiling water
What Are The Steps?
Step 1: Boil water and measure 1 cup into a jug.
Step 2: Carefully pour the boiling water down your sink. Ensure your hands are protected so you do not burn or scald yourself.
Step 3: Add half a cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: Add 1 cup of vinegar and another 1 cup of boiling water on top of the baking soda.
Step 5: Cover the drain with a drain plug and allow your ingredients to combine and form a reaction for 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Finish the drain cleaning by carefully pouring more boiling water to wash away the powder, vinegar and any grime or grease clogging your sink and pipes.
Is It Okay To Put Baking Soda Down The Drain?
Unclogging a drain with baking soda and vinegar is ideal, as is using a strong chemical cleaner. It is safer for the environment and won’t impact the ecosystem.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda with hot water creates a fizz that breaks down soap scum, food residue, and other oily substances in your drains. A final rinse with boiling water helps shift waste and remove stubborn clogs. However, it’s better to use warm or hot tap water instead of boiling to avoid damaging plastic pipes.
There is no need for harsh drain cleaners. Use baking soda. All you need is a bit of baking soda and vinegar, and pour boiling water down your sink to keep it clean and smelling fresh. Remember, using baking soda and vinegar may not be enough for major blocked drains, so you may need to contact a licensed and professional drainage plumber who deals with severely blocked drains and has the right tools to unblock your drains.
When Does Your Baking Soda Method Not Work To Unclog Drains?
Suppose using the baking soda and vinegar solution or pouring hot water down your clogged drains doesn’t work, and you’ve even resorted to buying chemical drain cleaners. In that case, you’re better off hiring a professional to do the job.
Professional plumbers have both the tools and the expertise to handle your plumbing system. Forget about your vinegar and baking soda mix; they employ high-pressure jet blasters and CCTV drain cameras to tackle even the most stubborn mineral deposits and fresh build-ups. Consider scheduling a yearly plumbing inspection to avoid unpleasant surprises or expensive repairs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted licensed plumber for help with blocked drains.
Unclogging drains and routine cleaning can be challenging. So, if you are in Sydney, call our blocked drain specialists at Fixed Today. We are experts and can clean clogged drains with ease! You can also speak to us about regular drain cleaning services.
