Dealing with clogged pipes is always a hassle, whether it’s in the bathroom or kitchen. While many people recommend using common household items such as white vinegar and baking soda to unclog pipes, experts warn that doing so may cause more harm than good and damage the pipes.
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Express, Ricky Sharma, the general manager of the UK vocational training company “Engineering Real Results,” opposes the use of white vinegar and baking soda to unclog pipes.
Sharma stated that regular use of these cleaning agents can “corrode” the pipes, leading to damage to the entire drainage system.
He said, “Many people use baking soda and vinegar as common household cleaning agents as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to purchasing expensive cleaning products.”
While baking soda and vinegar undeniably have many uses around the house, it is worth noting that they can produce a strong chemical reaction.
He explained that when the acetic acid in vinegar combines with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda, they produce foam and release carbon dioxide gas and water, among other substances.
Although this may help clear out dirt and grime in the pipes, it can also damage the rubber gaskets and the pipes themselves, especially in older drainage systems.
Sharma mentioned that this could ultimately lead to significant repair costs, making it more detrimental than beneficial. It is advisable to opt for dedicated cleaning products that have been proven to be safe and effective. If the pipe blockage is severe, it is best to seek the help of a professional plumber to avoid damaging the pipes.
Over time, pipes in bathrooms and kitchens are prone to clogging due to the accumulation of grease, dust, food residue, and hair, among other foreign materials. When pipes are blocked, you may notice signs such as gurgling sounds, slow water flow, stains around the drain, or unpleasant odors.
Sharma advised against pouring certain items down the drain to prevent pipe blockages, including grease, eggshell fragments, coffee grounds, hair care products, fibrous and starchy food residues.
He recommended that people clean their pipes every one to two weeks to ensure proper functioning and prevent blockages.
Recently, a netizen named Jessica Vause inquired about effective methods to unclog pipes in the Facebook group “Mrs. Hinch Cleaning Tips” besides hiring a professional plumber.
Although some suggested chemical drain cleaners, others recommended using a drain snake as a non-chemical alternative. This plastic tool can remove hair and other debris trapped in the pipes, thereby unclogging them.
Facebook user Anita Simmonds mentioned purchasing a drain snake from the Amazon website, which effectively cleared her pipes. (Click here to buy on Amazon)
Steven Reader, who claims to be a plumber, emphasized that white vinegar and baking soda are ineffective in unclogging pipes, especially in bathrooms. He advocated for the use of a drain snake, which is much more effective in removing grease, hair, and sticky substances from pipes. After using a drain snake, pouring hot water down the pipes can further aid in cleaning, without resorting to boiling water.
In a previous report by Dajiyuan, AJ Jenkins, a plumber in Oklahoma City, warned against using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to unclog bathroom pipes. Despite manufacturers promoting flushable wipes as “flushable” products, Jenkins cautioned against flushing them down the toilet to prevent pipe blockages.