Unclogging the pipe with baking soda is usually one of the first steps we take when the pipes are clogged. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is one of the leading kitchen ingredients that work wonders for cleaning clothes, electrical appliances, and even clogged pipes. In this article, we will talk about how to unclog a pipe with baking soda, vinegar, and salt. Stay with us.
Why is baking soda helpful in opening a pipe?
Baking soda is a natural mineral compound that dissolves mineral deposits and organic matter such as fat. Also, this substance helps eliminate bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning of pipes with baking soda prevents them from clogging. Before using chemical pipe cleaners, try baking soda. If the clog is removed with baking soda, there is no need to use harmful chemicals.
How to open a pipe with baking soda and vinegar
Necessary tools
- funnel;
- Pot or kettle.
ingredients
- Salt;
- Boiling water;
- baking soda;
- Dishwashing Liquid;
- Distilled white vinegar.
Steps to open the pipe with baking soda and vinegar
1. Water heating
Heat water in a kettle on the stove or in a large pot in the microwave. Be careful when heating water on the stove and pouring boiling water down the drain.
2. Pouring dishwashing liquid and boiling water into the pipe
Pour some anti-grease dishwashing liquid and then (carefully) boiling water into the line. Dishwashing liquid removes the greasy clogs of the line.
3. Pour baking soda into the pipe
Pour a cup of baking soda into the tube. For this, you can use a measuring cup, or if it is challenging to pour baking soda directly into the pipe’s opening, use a funnel.
4. Pour vinegar into the tube
Pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the box. Don’t be surprised by the reaction that occurs. Baking soda is an alkaline substance, and vinegar is a mild acid. When the two are mixed, a relatively strong response occurs to neutralize each other. The sound you hear after mixing baking soda and vinegar is the reaction that often clears drain clogs.
5. Wash the pipe with warm water
After the reaction of baking soda and vinegar subsides, wait for 5 minutes, and at this time, pour 2 cups of water into the kettle to boil. Finally, wash the tube with boiling water. If you haven’t disinfected your pipes in a long time, you may need to repeat the baking soda and vinegar disinfection process at least twice.
If the blockage disappears after several attempts, use baking soda and salt. We will tell its steps in the rest of the article.
Opening the pipe with salt and baking soda
If opening the pipe with baking soda and vinegar is ineffective and does not clear the blockage, use salt and baking soda. If you do this at the end of the night before going to sleep, it is better because no water will enter the pipes until morning, and the disinfectants will stay inside the lines longer.
- Pour a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt into the tube.
- Let this mixture stay in the tube for a few hours. (The best time to do this is late at night before bed.)
- After a few hours, pour 2 cups of boiling water into the tube.
- If the clog persists, you may need to repeat this process or try the baking soda and vinegar unclog method.
Tips for keeping pipes clean
- Place a small filter on the outlet valve of the sink to prevent food particles from entering the pipe.
- Be careful not to pour oil and grease into the pipe. Before washing greasy dishes, wipe them with paper towels so that less oil and grease go into the line.
- Clean the pipes regularly using boiling water and anti-grease dishwashing liquid. This prevents the line from clogging.
- Opening the pipe with baking soda and vinegar and baking soda and salt are both practical solutions; in addition to clogging the lines, you can use these valuable substances to eliminate the unpleasant smell inside the tube.
Common questions
– How to find out if the pipes are clogged?
If water drains slowly from the sink, bathroom floor, or toilet, your sewer pipe is blocked or on the verge of being stopped.
– How often should we clean the sewer pipes?
You can clean the pipes weekly with boiling water and dishwashing liquid. If you notice the water not going down the line quickly, use baking soda to clean it.
How to prevent clogging of sewer pipes?
Placing a small strainer over the valve prevents small particles of food or debris from entering the pipes. Never pour food or oil into the kitchen sink. In the bathroom, using a foam filter prevents hair from entering the lines.
final word
Clean the pipes weekly with boiling water and degreasing dishwashing liquid. When the sink drains slowly, clean the lines with baking soda.
Have you ever tried unclogging with baking soda and vinegar? Please share your valuable comments and experiences with us and our dear users.
