Avoid employing baking soda and vinegar for unclogging drains; alternative solutions exist.
Don't believe the hype about using vinegar and baking soda to clean your drains, especially for unblocking pipes. Here's the no-holds-barred truth from cleaning experts and plumbers on why you should steer clear of these common kitchen ingredients for unclogging a sink and what you should use instead.
Why you should never use vinegar and baking soda to unclog a drain
Corroding old pipes
One major reason not to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda when tackling clogged drains is that it can harm your pipework, particularly outdated pipes that haven't been replaced in years.
Mark Morris from Deluxe Plumbers explains it best, "Some homes, especially older ones, might have metal pipes. Consistent use of acidic solutions, like vinegar, can speed up the corrosion of these metal pipes, leading to weak spots and potential breaks or leaks over time." Plus, the reaction between baking soda and vinegar can produce salt, which further contributes to the corrosion process. So, using these substances regularly can unintentionally reduce the lifespan of your plumbing infrastructure, leading to a whole host of plumbing disasters.
Damaging rubber seals
It's not only the pipes themselves you need to be cautious of when unclogging drains. Cleaning with vinegar can wear down the rubber seals on your pipes over time, considering that it's acidic. According to Ralph Abundo, operations specialist at Canberra Bond Cleaning, steering clear of combining baking soda and vinegar can prevent leaks and other damage in the long run, and that means no need to figure out what to do if a pipe bursts.
Not strong enough to break down clogs
While vinegar and baking soda create a powerful chemical reaction when combined, it's not powerful enough to actually break down tough clogs. Chiana Dickson, cleaning expert and Solved content editor here at Homes & Gardens, puts it this way, "I love using vinegar for everyday cleaning, even cleaned my house using only baking soda and vinegar for a week. That being said, the combination is not strong enough to tackle clogs in a kitchen drain." So, if you want to fix a slow-draining sink, shower, or bathtub, go for the bestselling Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover available at Walmart, or try a DIY drain cleaning solution that professionals swear by to unclog a bathtub drain or fix almost any reasons why your sink won't drain.
What to use instead
Don't fret—there are several effective solutions that won't harm your pipework. According to Angela Rubin, cleaning expert at Hellamaid, physical methods like using a plunger or drain snake work great for dislodging clogs. And, enzyme-based cleaners are gentle on pipes and break down organic matter.
Prevent blockages by using sink strainers to catch debris, regularly flushing drains with hot water, and avoiding pouring grease down the drain.
What to shop
- Professional strength Drain and clog remover, thick formula to dissolve even the toughest clogs quickly and efficiently. Safe for PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems.
- Easy to use 18-inch drain snake with micro-hooks that locks in hair, filth, and grime. User-friendly guide to help you use a drain snake effectively.
- Pack of two Drain clog dissolver that effectively tackles hair, soap scum, toilet paper, grease, and flushable wipes, all while being non-corrosive on plumbing and free of bleach, lye, and VOCs.
FAQs
What happens if you put too much baking soda in a drain?
Putting too much baking soda down a drain onto a clog can result in it solidifying, making the blockage even harder to remove. Instead, use a commercial drain cleaner and deodorizer designed to break down grease and hair clogs and freshen up bad-smelling pipework.
Does salt and boiling water unclog drains?
Salt and boiling water are not a good drain unblocker or deodorizer for a slow-draining sink and should be avoided. For effective drain unblocking, use a commercial unblocker like Drano Max Gel from Walmart and flush it through with boiling water after the recommended sitting time to further help free your pipes from blockages and bad smells.
- Excessive use of baking soda in drains can lead to solidified clogs, making them more challenging to remove, contrary to popular belief.
- Regarding home-and-garden solutions, while vinegar and baking soda create a powerful chemical reaction, they might not effectively break down tough clogs in pipes, making it necessary to consider professional-strength drain and clog removers instead for efficient unclogging.
