Last updated on April 5th, 2023 at 05:42 pm
By now, you probably know how to clean clogged drains using the white vinegar and baking soda method, right?
But what happens when you use too much baking soda and your slow drain suddenly becomes blocked and you’ve made the problem worse?
Well, after teaching you the correct method for using baking soda and vinegar today to clear a clogged, smelly drain or slow drain, we’ll teach you how to fix the problem if baking soda has exacerbated the issue, rather than fixed it.
Ready to find out more? Then join us below.
Baking Soda Clogged My Drain! Use Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Hot Water
If it’s a kitchen drain or your bathroom drains that are blocked, the method you’ll use is much the same. Here is a remedy picked up from Rider Drains Cleaning & Repairs in Darlington.
1. Boiling Water and Dish Soap
Start with mixing boiling water and dish soap together (dawn dish soap or another brand).
Dish soap or dish detergent is important here because it can help unclog a drain with fat, grease, or oil buildup since it’s designed to remove this from dishes when you’re washing up!
The boiling water helps clear a blocked drain because the heat will break down the drain clog and help move it on through the drainage system.
2. 1 Cup of Baking Soda
1 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), or one-half cup if you’re simply cleaning drains and not unblocking them, is what you’ll need next.
A small amount of baking soda will work wonders on your drains because the bubbling reaction (caused by the chemical reaction that takes place when sodium bicarbonate is mixed with vinegar) will help break down the drain clog and flush it out.
3. 1 Cup of Vinegar
Next, follow up with an equal amount of white vinegar: one cup. This will help cause the bubbling action we need to flush the clog out. Pour vinegar straight down the drain after the baking soda.
White vinegar is a more environmentally friendly solution to harsh chemicals found in most commercial drain cleaners, and it won’t cause issues with your pvc pipes either.
4. More Hot Water
Finally, flush the sink or drain with more hot water to help push common clogs through the system.
Why Is This Method So Effective?
The baking soda-vinegar method works so well because of the bubbling action caused by the mixture of baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid).
This reaction releases carbon dioxide gas, which creates pressure in the drainage system.
Now, it’s true that drains aren’t a closed system, which means the pressure created isn’t as great as it would be if the chemical reaction took place in a closed system, but it will still help with unclogging drains that have been affected by household clogs.
The bubbling and pressure then break down the clog, allowing water to pass through normally again. Baking soda is also naturally great at breaking down mineral deposits and grease, the most common causes of household clogs.
It works similar to most drain cleaners, but instead uses a natural baking soda-vinegar solution. This should help get rid of that nasty sewer smell in your home.
What Happens If You Put Too Much Baking Soda Down the Drain?
If you use too much baking soda, though, then you’ll have a new problem on your hands. The baking soda or baking powder you’ve used will form a new clog in your drain.
Many bathroom sinks or kitchen sinks have had their clogs made worse by an overzealous amount of baking soda.
If this has happened to you and you now need to know how to unclog drains which have been made worse by baking soda, then read on below.
Using Acid To Move It Along
What makes you bad will make you better is usually something you’ll hear after a few too many at your local pub (not that we’re endorsing that, of course) – but surprisingly it applies here.
But if the reason the baking soda is there to begin with is because you tried the baking soda and vinegar method, then the solution is right in front of you: more vinegar.
Baking soda and vinegar work together so well because of the acid in vinegar helping bubble up the baking soda, which moves clogs on their way.
Well, if the clogged drain is caused by baking soda, then vinegar is going to be needed to clean drains of all the baking soda.
The acid in vinegar is known as acetic acid, and this works well when poured down the drain with baking soda blocking it because of the reaction that takes place after it. It’s the reason baking soda and vinegar unclogs drains to begin with.
Pour more vinegar down the drain, followed by hot tap water, and you should eventually get the blockage moving.
But did you know you can use other acids too?
Acid Alternative
If you’ve run out of vinegar for the vinegar solution above, don’t worry – almost any acid will do.
One we’d recommend is citric acid, which is very easy to get and is safe to put down any garbage disposal or kitchen or bathroom drain.
Another alternative is hydrogen peroxide, which is a weak acid, but effective. Hydrogen peroxide is found in bleach, a common bathroom or kitchen staple, so you’re almost guaranteed to have it around the house.
Again, just carefully pour this down the drain followed by boiling hot water, and eventually the baking soda should be sent on its way.
The Snake Method
If the method above doesn’t work, then you’ll need to purchase a plumber’s snake. These are designed to go down drains and unclog them by snagging the clog and removing it from the clogged drain as you pull it back up.
When This Method Works Best
You’ll need to use this if the baking soda amount used was well over one cup and if the acid solution above hasn’t worked.
Some argue a wire coat hanger bent straight (but with the hook left on) will work just as well, but a plumber’s snake is a safer bet.
Just follow the curves of the drain after removing the drain cover until you reach the clog and then pull it out once it has become attached to the snake.
Eventually, after a few tries, the clog should break down fully and the drain should flow again.
Baking Soda Hardened In Drain, What Should I Do?
Baking soda is a household product with so many other uses other than just baking, you can use it to make your home smell good. You can use it for household cleaning like getting rid of hard water stains or unclogging a drain. If you have poured baking soda down the drain and ended up with a huge clog and are trying to figure out what to do. You’d be happy to learn that this is a common plumbing problem that many people face. You may be wondering, “What should I do if baking soda clogged my drain?”
When baking soda clogs up your drain, it will create a thick, hardened layer. This layer can be difficult to remove, but there are a few steps you can take to clear the blockage.
- First, you should try using a plunger to break up the hardened baking soda. The suction from the plunger can often dislodge the hardened baking soda, freeing your drain from the clog.
- If this doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. The chemicals in the drain cleaner may be strong enough to break up the hardened baking soda and clear the clog.
- If the plunger and drain cleaner doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber. The plumber may be able to use a snake or other tools to break up the hardened baking soda and free the clog.
How to Unclog Drain With Baking Soda and Salt
If you’re dealing with a slow-draining or clogged drain, you’ve likely considered using chemical drain cleaners to get the job done. But before resorting to store-bought cleaners, you might want to consider trying a few natural solutions first. Unclogging a drain with baking soda and salt is a time-tested and surprisingly effective way to unclog a drain.
The process of unclogging a drain with baking soda and salt is surprisingly simple.
- First, start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. This will help to loosen any debris or clogs that may be present.
- Then, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain
- Then pour ½ cup of salt. Let the mixture sit for about ten minutes
- Then pour a pot of boiling water to flush the drain.
The baking soda and salt combination works by breaking down the organic material that has been clogging the drain. The baking soda helps to emulsify the water and break down the organic material. The salt helps to act as an abrasive, scouring away the debris that has built up around the drainpipe.
It’s important to note that this method is not a substitute for professional cleaning services. If the clog is particularly severe, or if you’ve exhausted all other options, you may need to call a professional to come and take a look. However, you may be surprised at how effective the baking soda and salt method can be for solving your clogging problem.
How to Clean Stinky Drain With Vinegar and Baking Soda
A stinky drain can have your apartment smell like a sewer. A smelly drain is often the result of bacteria buildup, soap scum, and other organic matter that can accumulate inside the pipes and then start to smell. Fortunately, there is a simple and inexpensive way to clean your smelly drains without the use of harsh chemicals – with vinegar and baking soda.
Using vinegar and baking soda to clean your drain is an easy and effective way to get rid of odors and keep your kitchen and bathroom smelling fresh. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine one cup of boiling water and one cup of distilled white vinegar and set aside.
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar and hot water mixture. The vinegar and baking soda mixture will help to neutralize odors, break down any organic matter, and help to keep your drains clean and odor-free.
This method is safe to use on all types of drains, including garbage disposals and is a great choice if you want to avoid using harsh chemicals.
How To Unclog Bathroom Sink With Baking Soda And Vinegar
Clogged sinks can be extremely frustrating, and it’s hard to know what to do when your drain isn’t working properly. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to unclog your bathroom sink that won’t require you to call a plumber or buy an expensive chemical cleaner. All you need is some baking soda and white vinegar, and you can easily unclog your sink in a few easy steps.
- Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, pour a cup of white vinegar into the sink. The baking soda and vinegar will react with each other, creating a fizzy reaction that will help to break down the clog.
- Allow the baking soda and vinegar to sit for 15-20 minutes. The fizzy reaction should help to break down the clog and make it easier to remove.
- After the 15-20 minutes have passed, flush the sink with hot water to help clear out the clog. If the clog is still present, you may need to repeat the process.
How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar in Bathtub Drain
- Pour a little dish soap in the drain first to get rid of clogs.
- Boil about 3 cups of water and pour it in the drain.
- Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda in the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. A chemical reaction will occur and remove the gunk that has build up over time.
- Lastly, pour 2-3 cups of boiling water in the drain.
How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar in Shower Drain
- Pour boiling water in the drain.
- Put ¼ cup of baking soda in the drain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of vinegar. The combination will fizz for some minutes and dislodge buildup.
- Pour some more boiling water in the drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Homemade Drain Cleaner?
The best homemade drain cleaner is a combination of baking soda and salt. Mix equal parts of baking soda and table salt and pour the mixture down the drain. If you’re dealing with a tough clog, let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes or overnight.
Which is the Best Homemade Drain Cleaner Without Baking Soda?
The best homemade cleaner without baking soda comprises borax, salt, and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of Borax, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. Leave the mixture for half an hour then pour boiling water down the drain to clean things up.
Is It Safe To Use Baking Soda And Vinegar To Clean A Drain
Yes, it is safe. Since they are non-toxic ingredients, baking soda, and vinegar are safe to use and are both highly effective at breaking down tough clogs.
Is It Safe To Put Baking Soda And Vinegar Down The Drain
To deal with a clogged drain, many people turn to the combination of baking soda and vinegar to get the job done. But is it safe to put baking soda and vinegar down the drain?
The short answer is yes, it is generally safe to put baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Using baking soda and vinegar is a great way to unclog a drain without using harsh chemicals. Baking soda and vinegar are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find at the store.
Final Considerations
Before you pour anything besides hot water or warm water down your drain: STOP!
Think about what you’ve tried to use in the past on the drain before pouring anything else down it.
If, for example, you’ve tried commercial drain cleaners, and it hasn’t worked, then don’t try the baking soda and vinegar method just yet.
You’ll need to wait a while or else a dangerous reaction may be triggered which could cause injury or damage your drains.
And if you’re unsure about any of today’s post, then it’s best to contact a plumber who will have almost certainly dealt with a baking soda blocked drain in the past, and will know exactly how to fix the issue safely.