For those who have been following the latest in my new abode shenanigans, you would know that I recently experienced a very slow-draining kitchen sink.
In a bid to set things right (and to save some money), I repeatedly tried the baking soda and vinegar hack to clear the pipes.
Initially concerned it hadn’t worked, I went in with some extra reinforcement in the name of Mr Muscle Drain Foamer.
Now, after numerous attempts to successfully clear the pipes, I spoke to plumbing expert Steve Harris about the baking soda and vinegar hack.
A fully qualified plumber, with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Steve said: “When mixed together, baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction.”
The result is a “fizzy, bubbly substance that is highly acidic” that can be effective at clearing household drains.
Steve elaborated: “When done correctly – baking soda first, followed by white vinegar – the mixture can effectively break down clogging agents to clear household drains.
“Even if the mixture doesn’t completely clear drain blockages, baking soda and vinegar will definitely clean up pipe systems.
“And get rid of dirt, grime, and grease that can build up and eventually block plumbing systems.”
Steve cautioned that there can be “downfalls” to using the baking soda and vinegar method.
“In my 30 years of plumbing experience, DIY jobs can often exacerbate issues,” said Steve. “So my initial advice would be to always consult a trusted, experienced plumber.
“In terms of long-term impact, repeated use of this acidic baking soda and vinegar mixture could potentially ‘eat away’ at the plastics and metals throughout plumbing systems, resulting in more problems further down the line.”
Steve added: “Over time, these components could also break down and lodge within systems, resulting in further and worsened blockages.”
The baking soda and vinegar hack also involved the use of boiling hot water, which Steve said could also be risky.
He explained: “Excessively hot water can lead to cracks and breaks in fragile plumbing systems, especially on porcelain in the bathroom.
“A slow-draining kitchen sink, like mine was, could be caused by “poor quality plumbing material or installation, but the most likely issue is definitely blockages.”
Blockages are created from food debris and cooking fats, leading to unpleasant smells, stagnant water, and even flooding.
“Besides correctly disposing of common kitchen waste, the best way to avoid this is by installing systems that are uniquely designed to stop obstructions before they form,” said Steve.
“Whereas traditional trap valves are U-shaped, there are other options available, such as waterless traps (like Wavin’s HepvO), which are designed to prevent an opportunity for material to gather up and eventually clog the wider system of a home.”
Plumber Steve Harris works on behalf of Wavin, a plumbing and drainage manufacturer, as a Technical Support Engineer.
