Clogged, smelly, or slow-draining pipes are common issues with fixtures such as toilets, bathroom drains, and sinks. Instead of hiring a professional, you can easily fix these problems at home using simple ingredients like salt. Read on to discover an extremely effective trick, along with easy ways to clear your pipes.
Salt has antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate microorganisms, soften, and break down long-standing grime in pipes. When combined with readily available ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, salt becomes a powerful unblocking agent, effectively eliminating odors without the need for harmful chemicals.
Unblocking Toilets with Salt, Baking Soda, and Vinegar
Ingredients:
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 cups white vinegar
- Boiling water
Instructions:
- Preliminary cleaning: Start by removing any visible trash or hair near the drain.
- Mixing: Combine salt and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio and pour the mixture directly into the drain or toilet.
- Add vinegar: Immediately pour in the vinegar, doubling the amount of the salt mixture. You will see a foaming reaction, which helps break down stubborn buildup.
- Wait and flush: Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain to deep clean and deodorize.
This method is extremely cost-effective and environmentally friendly, favored by many households.
Other Simple Unblocking Tips
In addition to salt, you can try the following tricks to deal with clogged pipes and toilets more flexibly.
1. Boiling Water – A Traditional Yet Effective Method
Instructions:
Boil a large pot of water and slowly pour it into the toilet or drain 3-4 times, waiting a few seconds between each pour.
Effect:
Boiling water helps dissolve grease and grime built up in the pipes. However, use caution when pouring boiling water into plastic pipes to avoid damage.
2. Using a Coat Hanger – Dealing with Stubborn Obstructions
Preparation:
- A metal coat hanger
- A small cloth
- Pliers
Instructions:
Straighten the coat hanger and wrap one end with the cloth to avoid scratching the toilet. Gently insert the hanger into the drain and twist it slightly to push or pull out the obstruction.
Note:
When the water starts draining faster, you can be assured that the blockage has been cleared.
3. Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum – A Professional Home Solution
Preparation:
- A wet/dry vacuum cleaner
- Old towels or newspapers to line the floor
- Gloves and a face mask
Instructions:
- Remove any standing water from the toilet or drain.
- Insert the vacuum hose deep into the drain.
- Wrap an old towel around the hose for a tighter seal, improving the vacuum’s efficiency.
- Turn on the vacuum and let it run for 2-5 minutes.
Check:
Flush the toilet to check if the drain is clear. If the water drains quickly, the blockage has been successfully cleared.
Clearing blockages with natural ingredients is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, reducing exposure to chemicals. The salt method, in particular, is one of the most effective and safest options for any household.
Though it may seem simple, pouring salt into your toilet can bring surprising benefits for maintaining your plumbing system. With the tips provided above, you can easily tackle annoying blockages without relying on professionals. Try them out today and experience the remarkable results for yourself!
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