Why does a plumber expert warn against using vinegar and baking soda on drains?

How do professionals clean drains?

Common Drain Cleaning Methods Used by Plumbers

1. Manual Drain Snakes. One of the oldest and most effective tools plumbers use to unclog drains is the manual drain snake. ...
2. Drain Augers. ...
3. Motorized Drain Augers. ...
4. Video Pipe Inspections. ...
5. Hydro Jetting. ...
6. Dangers of DIY Drain Cleaning.

Why pour vinegar down the drain in October?

Homeowners urged to pour vinegar down drains this October to fight weather damage - here's the logic. Heavy rain can block outdoor drains and cause flooding. Experts say homeowners can use vinegar and baking soda to keep drains clear. Adding filters and grates helps stop leaves and debris.

What do plumbers recommend to keep drains clean?

Maintain clean pipes.

Use white vinegar to maintain clean kitchen and bathroom drains. Periodically, pour a half cup down the drain, let it sit for at least an hour (the longer, the better), and then run water down the drain. Add baking soda to break up clogs.

What is the safest drain cleaner for old pipes?

Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

They use enzymes or bacteria that break down the clog moving through old pipes without causing any harm. These types of cleaners require some time to work effectively, but they offer long-lasting results: Green Gobbler's Enzyme Drain Cleaner. Biokleen Drain Gel.

Why not mix baking soda and vinegar?

Baking soda reacts with vinegar to create carbonic acid, which is unstable and decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. “It just kind of turns into carbon dioxide, the gas, and that's what you see bubbling out of the liquid when you mix the two,” explains Chem Thug.

What is the best natural drain cleaner?

Combine 1/4 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of Borax, and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Pour the gritty solution down the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water. Allow it to work overnight, if possible, before flushing with more hot water.

What not to put down a sink drain?

Avoid clogs in the kitchen

1. Grease. Grease poured down the drain builds up inside the pipe and eventually clogs it. ...
2. Coffee Grounds. ...
3. Egg Shells. ...
4. Fibrous Foods. ...
5. 5. " ...
6. Paper Products. ...
7. Feminine Hygiene Products. ...
8. Cleaning Products.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain on Reddit?

Baking soda and vinegar will neutralize and do nothing. Hot water (not boiling hot) and Dawn dishwashing liquid will usually clean the drain. If your drain is really really clogged with organic matter, I have used sulphuric acid from Ace Hardware to clean drains. Requires PPE and lots of open doors and windows.

Will white vinegar damage pipes?

Vinegar—particularly white distilled vinegar—is acetic acid diluted in water. It's strong enough to dissolve mineral deposits and residues but gentle enough not to corrode your plumbing.

Does coke unblock a toilet?

Let water dissolve the clog, and try flushing again after several hours. By pouring a caustic soda (coke, for example) into the toilet bowl, you can speed the dissolving process along considerably. Simply dump a can of cola in the water and let it eat away at the debris.

What happens if you put too much baking soda in a drain?

What happens if you put too much baking soda down a drain? Too much baking soda put down a drain can clog it. It can harden and become a solid, cement-like mass.

Why do plumbers say not to use drain cleaner?

One of the main reasons plumbers dislike liquid drain cleaners is that they can actually cause more harm than good. These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and cause damage over time.

What will dissolve hair in a clogged drain?

Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.

What do plumbers use instead of Drano?

Some of the best Drano alternatives include using a plunger or pipe snake, soap or salt mixed with boiling water, or baking soda and white vinegar. Also, for maximum effectiveness, you can combine several of these methods together to get rid of the clog.

Why pour salt down the drain every night?

There is no rocket science involved. When you pour salt down the drain at night, it gives the salt concoction enough time to work and cut through the grease and other materials which are blocking the block.

Is it okay to pour boiling water down the drain?

In fact, pouring boiling water down the sink can do more harm than good. Whether it's pasta water fresh from the pot or an attempt to melt away grease, you should avoid sending boiling water into a slow-draining or clogged sink.

How do professionals clear drains?

A professional plumber's standard toolbox to fix clogged drains usually includes augers, plungers, drain snakes, hydro-jetting gear, and inspection cameras designed specifically for pipes. The type and extent of the blockage determine the best tool to use.

How long to let vinegar sit in a drain line?

Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down any buildup. Flush the Drain Line. After the soaking period, it's time to flush the drain line. You can do this by pouring plain water down the drain line or using a wet/dry vacuum to suction out the loosened debris and vinegar residue.

What not to pour down the drain?

Items to Never Flush or Pour Down the Drain:

• Sanitary Products, Paper Towels, Diapers, Baby Wipes, and Facial Tissues. ...
• Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) ...
• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications. ...
• Kitty Litter. ...
• Household Hazardous Materials. ...
• Food Waste, Coffee Grounds, Eggshells, Hair, and Dental Floss.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda + Vinegar

• Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain.
• Plug drain and let sit for one hour.
• Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.