Dealing with a clogged drain is something that can be infuriating. You are dealing with a sink that is slow to drain, strong odours filling up your bathroom or kitchen, and when your sink starts to overflow, it can create a very unhygienic environment.
A blocked drain can cause major problems for the rest of your home if not if action is not taken.
If you notice water gurgling, a strong smell coming from your sink or water is draining slowly, it could be an indication of an obstruction in your drainage system.
A small blockage in your bathroom or kitchen can be cleaned out by using different ways and household materials.
For more severe blockages in your sewer or stormwater drain, it is always best to call a licenced plumber as they will have the right tools and experience to clear a major obstruction such as tree roots.
This process is great for moving slow drains along and for regular maintenance drain cleaning. With the use of a plunger, you can get your drainage system working smoothly again.
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How do you clear a blocked drain?
There are a few methods you can use 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 very long time and most people use this method for general household cleaning.
Vinegar has many antibacterial agents and once combined with baking soda, creates a chemical reaction that eats away at grime and dirt.
As a drain cleaner, vinegar and baking soda together can be very effective in loosening up build up of grease, food, soap and hair that in stuck in your pipes.
This approach is popular as an environmentally way to unclog a drain. No harsh chemicals are used down the sink to harm the natural environment.
This technique is easy to carry out and because the ingredients are household staples that are already in your pantry.
What do you need?
These are the items that you will need to use to effectively use the baking soda vinegar combination.
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup boiling hot water
What do you do?
Step 1: Boil water and measure 1cup into a jug.
Step 2: Carefully pour the boiling water down your sink. Make sure your hands are protected so you do not burn or scald yourself.
Step 3: Next, add 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and let us sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: You can 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 the ingredients to combine and form a reaction for 5-10 minutes
Step 6: Finish of the drain cleaning by carefully pouring more boiling water to wash away the powder, vinegar and any grime or grease that is clogging your sink and pipes.
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Is it good to put baking soda down the drain?
To unclog a drain with baking soda and vinegar is an ideal method than using a strong chemical cleaner. It is safer for the environment and won't impact the ecosystem.
The combination of the vinegar and the baking soda will create a reaction that breaks down soap scum and other oily substances. The final wash of boiling water helps to move the waste along.
There is no need for harsh drain cleaners. All you need is a bit of baking soda, vinegar and pour boiling water down your sink to keep your sink clean and smelling fresh. And remember, for major blocked drains, it is best to contact a licenced and professional drainage plumber who deals with severe blocked drains and has the right tools to unblock your drains.
