Home How to The Magic of Salt: Unclogging Drains with a Simple Household Ingredient

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The Magic of Salt: Unclogging Drains with a Simple Household Ingredient

28 October, 2024

– Dissolving Substances in Pipes

Salt dissolves substances in clogged pipes, especially grease. If you notice your pipes becoming increasingly blocked, pour half a cup of salt down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar and baking soda.

This combination will help break down the clog, making it easier to flush out. Just remember to thoroughly flush the pipes with water after applying the salt.

– Preventing Root Intrusion

When trees are deprived of water, they will seek out the nearest source. Drain pipes are often a target for their roots. To prevent roots from invading your pipes, pour salt down the drain as trees dislike salt.

Make it a habit to pour salt down the drain a few times a year to keep the roots at bay.

– Fly Control

Drain flies tend to seek shelter in damp places with an abundance of food, and clogged drains provide the perfect environment for them. However, pouring salt down the drain can help prevent these flies from making a home in your pipes and may even aid in eliminating them.

– Softening Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can leave residue in pipes and appliances like water heaters, faucets, and bathroom fixtures…

Using a small amount of salt and leaving it in the pipes overnight can help soften hard water, extending the lifespan of your kitchen and bathroom appliances.

However, due to the corrosive nature of salt, it’s important to be cautious when using this method. Always remember to thoroughly flush the pipes with water after using salt.

Additionally, when using salt to soften water, ensure it doesn’t seep into the water source. High salt concentrations in drinking water can pose health risks.

High sodium levels are dangerous for individuals with high blood pressure or certain organ-related conditions.

Some simple tips to unclog pipes at home

– Using Boiling Water

One effective method to clear clogged pipes is to use boiling water. This technique is commonly employed to unclog sinks blocked by grease and food waste. However, it can also be applied to tackle bathroom drain issues.

Simply boil a pot of water and pour it directly into the floor drain to dislodge the clog. For more severe blockages, you can add some lemon juice to the boiling water to enhance its effectiveness. Don’t forget to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any unpleasant drain odors.

– Utilizing a Clothes Hanger

This method is straightforward yet effective. Straighten out a clothes hanger and bend one end to create a hook (resembling the letter ‘J’). You may want to wear rubber gloves for this task and have a bag ready to collect any debris retrieved from the drain. If there is a screw holding the drain cover in place, remove it carefully and set it aside safely. Slowly lower the hooked end of the hanger into the drainpipe and try to catch any obstructions. Once you’ve fished out as much as you can, slowly pull the hanger back up and flush the drain with water.

– Employing a Coil Pipe Cleaner

If your pipes frequently get clogged, consider investing in a coil pipe cleaner. This tool has a rigid blade at one end and a rotating handle at the other. When you turn the handle, the blade at the other end spins and catches any debris or clogs in the pipe, helping to clear the blockage.

Gently turn the handle clockwise until you reach the obstruction, then stop. Avoid forcing it further as this may damage the pipes.

– Using a Plunger

You can unclog toilets and sinks using specialized tools like plungers, which are readily available at plumbing supply stores. Place the plunger over the drain opening, ensuring a tight seal. Push down on the plunger to create pressure, then pull it up sharply with force. Repeat this process several times if needed until the clog is cleared.

– Applying Drain Cleaning Powder

Drain cleaning powder or liquid is readily available at hardware stores and plumbing supply shops. Follow the instructions on the package, and mix the powder with water in a bucket or basin. Pour the mixture directly into the clogged drain, or if there is already water in the pipe, pour the powder directly into the drain. Let it sit for one to two hours, depending on the product’s instructions. Afterward, flush the drain with water several times to rinse away any remaining residue. For best results, perform this process before going to bed and let it work overnight.