Tips for Using Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
A clogged sink is a plumbing emergency. It not only makes your house stink, but the amount of mold and mildew, which grows in the standing water, can cause respiratory problems. Therefore, it is essential to get a jammed drain open as soon as possible. You don't have to use toxic chemicals such as liquid drain openers as your first line of defense for removing a clog. Here are some tips for using a greener alternative.
Supplies
- Bucket
- Eye goggles
- Work gloves
- Measuring cup
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Tea kettle
- Clean jar
Drain Clogs
For a moderately clogged drain try a combination of baking soda, vinegar and boiling water.
- Put on your gloves and eye goggles.
- Remove any standing water in the sink or tub basin so you will have access to the pipe. Bail with a bucket if needed.
- Measure and pour one cup of dry baking soda down the drain pipe.
- Pour 3/4 cup of vinegar down the drain following the baking soda.
- Insert a drain plug into the drain immediately. The baking soda and vinegar will create a chemical reaction similar to a volcano. The chemical interaction will want to force the mixture upward. However, your objective is to keep the foaming mixture in the pipe to remove the clog. So make sure the plug is tight.
- Leave the compound in the drain for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Boil a tea kettle of water.
- Slowly remove the drain plug to release any pressure and prevent a "blow out".
- Pour the tea kettle of water carefully down the pipe. If the clog removal was a success the drain should run free.
Grease Clogs
- For grease clogs treat the sink with 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda and a tea kettle of bowling water. Let it stand over night.
- Run cold water down the drain to test the application's success.
Weekly Treatment to Prevent Clogs
- Mix one cup of baking soda, one cup of salt and 1/4 cup of cream of tartar. Pour 1/4 of the mixture along with one cup of boiling water down the drain.
- Wait for 30 seconds and flush with cold water.
- Store remaining mixture in a clean jar to use for weekly treatment