Several effective methods on how to clear a blockage in your home plumbing using baking soda and vinegar
A blockage in the pipe can completely paralyze all homework, so you need to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Of course, you can go to the store and buy an expensive pipe cleaner there, but there is an easier and less expensive option - to use the available tools that are in every home.
For information on how to clear a blockage with baking soda and vinegar, read the article below.
Content
Will the funds help to cope with the problem?
Baking soda and vinegar can really help clear up blockages. This effect is due to a special reaction that develops when they interact. When combining soda and acid 3 substances are released:
- water;
- carbon dioxide;
- sodium acetate.
Pros and cons of using
Baking soda and vinegar have their own advantages and disadvantages as a remedy for blockage. The obvious benefits include:
- The substances are safe for pipes. They can be used to treat metal and plastic drains, regardless of the age of the installation.
- Safety for human health. Soda and vinegar are food preservatives, so when used correctly, they cannot harm the body.
- Fast effect. If the plug is small, it will be possible to cope with it in 5-15 minutes.
- Elimination of unpleasant odor.
- A universal recipe. It can be used to treat sinks, bathtubs, kitchen sinks, shower stalls, and toilet bowls.
- Affordable price. A pack of soda and a bottle of vinegar will cost 40-50 rubles. While specialized tools cost at least 150 rubles.
The main disadvantage is that soda and vinegar are not able to cope with difficult blockages. They help to remove only small plugs from hair, grease and soap.
4 ways to clean
Get rid of blockages with baking soda and vinegar can be done in several ways, each of which has different effectiveness... This is very convenient as it allows you to choose the best cleaning method.
Method number 1 - cleaning the pipe with soda and hot water. This recipe allows you to cope with simple blockages.
Procedure:
- ½ package of soda is poured into the drain;
- in a kettle, bring water to a boil and pour it into the drain; 2-3 glasses of water (about 600 ml) are enough for one wash;
- leave the agent to act for 15 minutes;
- flush the drain with plenty of hot water.
Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Method number 2 - a combination of vinegar and soda. It is an effective remedy that can be used to remove congestion not only based on fat and soap, but also on hair.
Procedure:
- Soda is poured into the drain in an amount of 250 g.
- Vinegar is heated because it is more effective when hot. To combat the blockage, an acid with a concentration of 9% is used. Pour it into the drain hole in a volume of 250 ml.
- Cover the drain with an old rag, leave for an hour.
- Remove the rags, rinse the pipe with hot water.
Method number 3 - water, soda and vinegar. This method is used when a plug has formed deep in the pipe.
Procedure:
- prepare a cleaning solution based on soda and boiling water, water will need 3 glasses, and powder - 1 glass;
- pour the solution into the drain hole, leave for 30 minutes;
- vinegar is poured into the pipe in an amount of 250 ml;
- leave to act for 8-12 hours.
To enhance the effect, you can use a plunger.
Method number 4 - caustic soda and hot water. Unlike food, it has an increased level of acidity, therefore it copes more effectively with blockages, but it must be used carefully and without vinegar.
Procedure:
- A glass of warm water is poured into the ladle.
- Add 100 g of caustic soda to it, bring to complete dissolution.
- The solution is poured into the pipe, left for 2-3 hours.
- Flush the drain with hot water pressure.
How to clean the toilet?
A clog in the toilet can be caused by excess toilet paper, personal hygiene products, or even stale food entering the pipe. To cope with the problem, use soda and vinegar.
Features of the procedure:
- half of the soda package is introduced into the drain;
- pour 500 ml of vinegar 9% into it;
- treat the surface of the toilet bowl with a brush, paying special attention to the drain hole;
- lower the toilet seat cover and leave the mixture to act for an hour;
- once again go through the toilet with a brush and drain the water.
If the blockage was serious, then it is recommended to wash off the mixture with hot (not boiling) water. Its maximum temperature is 50 degrees.
How to fix the sink?
The sink drain gets clogged especially frequently. To get rid of the blockage proceed as follows:
- The drain is plugged and the sink is filled with hot water.
- Rub the laundry soap on a grater and add it to the water. Stir the chips until they are completely dissolved.
- Remove the cork, drain the water. Table vinegar is applied to the sponge. Rub the walls of the sink with it. This method allows you to deal with dark spots and give the surface a shine. A little acid can be poured into the drain. This is done to disinfect it and get rid of the unpleasant odor.
- You can deal with lime deposits with soda. It is used to rub the areas where dishes and other kitchen utensils are located. The powder is spread over a damp surface, left for half an hour, and the sink is treated with a brush.
How to remove a blockage in a sink with soda and vinegar, the video will tell you:
Precautions
Using caustic soda and acetic acid to combat blockages, the following precautions must be observed:
- Carry out the cleaning procedure with a mask and glasses.
- Ventilate the room after treatment.
- Avoid contact of substances with skin and mucous membranes.
- Protect hands with gloves.
- If you accidentally get baking soda or vinegar on open areas of the body, rinse them with plenty of warm water.
- Do not leave funds in places where children can reach.
- After processing, thoroughly rinse the pipes with hot water.
Prevention
Prevention activities blockages in pipes:
- dishes without food residues should fall into the sink - even small crumbs over time can provoke the formation of a cork;
- the drain hole should be protected by a grate, a mesh is installed in the bathtub to catch the hair;
- once a month, the plums are treated with soda and boiling water, using them in a 1: 3 ratio;
- personal hygiene products and foodstuffs are not flushed into the toilet; care must be taken that a rag for cleaning the floor does not accidentally fall into the pipe.
Helpful information
Tips to help deal with the blockage in the pipe:
- To increase the efficiency of the procedure, after introducing the components into the pipe, it must be closed with a plug. This will increase the pressure and the blockage will be completely cleared.
- Do not use the following combinations: "soda ash and baking soda", "soda ash and vinegar".
- If the blockage is dense, before adding vinegar to the pipe, it is heated to 45-50 degrees.
- The longer the agent stays in the pipe, the better, therefore it is recommended to apply the mixture at night or before leaving for work.
- Soda and vinegar are used as mono remedies. They are not combined with other chemicals, as the reaction can be unpredictable.
Related videos
How to remove a blockage in the bathroom with soda and vinegar, the video will tell you:
Conclusion
Soda and vinegar are an excellent alternative to expensive store products... With their help, you can cope with moderate blockages and not harm the pipes. The main thing is to observe precautions and not violate the instructions.