For many who have been following the newest in my new abode shenanigans, you’ll know that I not too long ago skilled a really slow-draining kitchen sink.
In a bid to set issues proper (and to avoid wasting cash), I repeatedly tried the baking soda and vinegar hack to clear the pipes.
Initially involved it hadn’t labored, I went in with some additional reinforcement within the identify of Mr Muscle Drain Foamer.
Now, after quite a few makes an attempt to efficiently clear the pipes, I spoke to plumbing skilled Steve Harris concerning the baking soda and vinegar hack.
A totally certified plumber, with greater than 30 years of expertise within the trade, Steve mentioned: “When combined collectively, baking soda and vinegar create a chemical response.”
The result’s a “fizzy, bubbly substance that’s extremely acidic” that may be efficient at clearing family drains.
Steve elaborated: “When carried out appropriately – baking soda first, adopted by white vinegar – the combination can successfully break down clogging brokers to clear family drains.
“Even when the combination doesn’t utterly clear drain blockages, baking soda and vinegar will certainly clear up pipe techniques.
“And do away with dust, grime, and grease that may construct up and finally block plumbing techniques.”
Steve cautioned that there will be “downfalls” to utilizing the baking soda and vinegar technique.
“In my 30 years of plumbing expertise, DIY jobs can usually exacerbate points,” mentioned Steve. “So my preliminary recommendation can be to at all times seek the advice of a trusted, skilled plumber.
“When it comes to long-term impression, repeated use of this acidic baking soda and vinegar combination may probably ‘eat away’ on the plastics and metals all through plumbing techniques, leading to extra issues additional down the road.”
Steve added: “Over time, these elements may additionally break down and lodge inside techniques, leading to additional and worsened blockages.”
The baking soda and vinegar hack additionally concerned using boiling scorching water, which Steve mentioned may be dangerous.
He defined: “Excessively scorching water can result in cracks and breaks in fragile plumbing techniques, particularly on porcelain within the lavatory.
“A slow-draining kitchen sink, like mine was, could possibly be brought on by “poor high quality plumbing materials or set up, however the probably problem is unquestionably blockages.”
Blockages are created from meals particles and cooking fat, resulting in disagreeable smells, stagnant water, and even flooding.
“Apart from appropriately disposing of widespread kitchen waste, the easiest way to keep away from that is by putting in techniques which might be uniquely designed to cease obstructions earlier than they type,” mentioned Steve.
“Whereas conventional lure valves are U-shaped, there are different choices accessible, corresponding to waterless traps (like Wavin’s HepvO), that are designed to forestall a possibility for materials to assemble up and finally clog the broader system of a house.”
Plumber Steve Harris works on behalf of Wavin, a plumbing and drainage producer, as a Technical Help Engineer.