A clogged drain can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue to deal with in any household.
However, before reaching for harsh chemicals or calling in a plumber, there’s a simple and eco-friendly solution you can try – unclogging your drain with baking soda.
Baking soda is a versatile and natural household ingredient that can work wonders when it comes to clearing out minor drain blockages.
DIY Drain Unclogging: The Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can naturally unclog your drain with vinegar and baking soda by following these steps:
Materials Needed
Check that these materials are on hand before tackling this cleaning task.
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Boiling water
- Clean cloth or drain plug
Step 1:
The first thing you should do is pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Using a bucket can help you eliminate most of the standing water in your sink.
Step 2:
Pour 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar solution over a cup of baking soda.
Step 3:
Place the drain plug in the drain and wait 5 to 10 minutes. The foaming action will be enhanced if the drain is immediately covered with a clean cloth or drain plug.
Step 4:
Remove the cloth or drain plug after 30 minutes to an hour of letting the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit.
Step 5:
Once again, pour boiling water down the drain. Don’t pour it too fast; let it move through the pipes slowly.
Boiling water helps remove the clog from your pipes as the bubbling reaction between the baking soda and vinegar loosens the clog.
Step 6:
Check how well the water drains from the tap. You may need to repeat the process if the clog persists.
The use of baking soda and vinegar to unclog a stinky drain can be a natural solution. Let’s look at how it works from a scientific perspective.
How Long Does It Take For Baking Soda And Vinegar To Unclog A Drain?
The time it takes for baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain can vary depending on the severity of the clog and the specific circumstances.
In many cases, you may notice immediate results as the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar helps break down the clog. This initial reaction can create fizzing and bubbling as the mixture works to dissolve the blockage.
However, for more stubborn clogs, it may take some time for the baking soda and vinegar mixture to fully break down and clear the obstruction.
It’s not uncommon for this process to take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. During this time, you may want to avoid using the affected drain to allow the solution to work effectively.
In some cases, particularly if the clog is particularly stubborn or located deep within the plumbing system, you may need to repeat the process multiple times or use a plumbing snake or auger to completely clear the blockage.
If you find that the clog persists despite your efforts with baking soda and vinegar, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber to prevent any further damage to your plumbing system.
The Science: How Baking Soda & Vinegar Help Unclog Drains
Sodium bicarbonate is the main component of baking soda. There are two main components of vinegar: water and acetic acid, which is (you guessed it) an acid.
The reaction between these two produces carbon dioxide and water, which bubble through the clog and break it up, releasing loose material.
There is no pressure in drainage pipes like there is in water pipes. Boiling water adds pressure to the process of flushing a clogged drain. As a result of this pressure, unwanted goop is removed from pipes and drains are unclogged.
In order to fully unclog really tough drain clogs, you may need something stronger than baking soda, vinegar and boiling water.
Benefits Of Using Baking Soda & Vinegar As A Drain Cleaner
If you have weaker drain clogs, baking soda and vinegar may work as a natural drain cleaner. Keeping your drains free of clogs can be achieved by regular drain cleaning.
You may want to use a stronger drain cleaner for tough drain clogs that need to be dissolved right away.
How Often to Clean Your Drains?
The frequency with which you unclog your sink drain is determined by how often it backs up. The best way to prevent blockages is to take preventative measures on a weekly basis.
You may need to clean your drain if you notice slow drainage or clogs. Depending on what goes down the drain, some drains may need to be cleaned more frequently, such as those in kitchens with a lot of activity.
Why Do Drains Get Clogged?
Sink drains can become clogged in many different ways.
Food residue builds up naturally in the sink and the drain after a long day of washing dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.
As soon as this buildup causes a blockage, the sink becomes clogged, so cleaning the sink regularly is recommended.”
As a result of hair buildup or residue left over from products and soap, bathroom sinks (and showers) often become clogged.
Often, soap residue, toothpaste, and other products accumulate in bathroom sink drains, clogging them.
The most common cause of drain blockages is hair. Hair can form clumps in drains as it descends, restricting water flow.
How to Keep Your Sink Drain Clean and Prevent Clogs?
Preventing clogs in your sink drain is the key to keeping it that way. You can reduce blockages by taking some additional measures in addition to regular cleaning.
Use Cold Water With the Garbage Disposal
Allow your sink drain to be filled with cold water while you use your garbage disposal. Fats and oils solidify in cold water, which allows the disposal to chop them up and flush them away more efficiently.
Watch What You Put Down the Sink
There are certain things that can solidify inside your pipes, such as grease and oil. Avoid dumping these ingredients (along with food scraps) down your sink by disposing of them in the trash.
Blockages in drains can be prevented by preventing food particles from accumulating.
Install Drain Strainers
By placing drain strainers or stoppers in your sink, you can prevent your sink from becoming clogged with food particles, hair, and other debris. Keep your strainers clean by regularly emptying debris collected from them.
Flush With Hot Water
Once a week, pour hot water down your sink. Using hot water in the plumbing system dissolves and washes away grease, dirt, and other debris that accumulate in the system.
Final Words
If you have a clogged sink drain, baking soda and vinegar are highly effective ways to get rid of it.
By combining vinegar and baking soda, a chemical reaction is triggered, which helps break down the clog. Whenever you have a clog that is severe or persistent, you should call a professional plumber for help.
