How does baking soda help clear drains?
Baking soda is a natural acid-alkaline reaction between sodium bicarbonate (the chemical compound that is also baking soda) and water. In a clogged or slow-moving pipe, the baking soda will help neutralize the hydrogen sulfide in the water by consuming the sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda can also help to break down organic matter that may have clogged your pipes, especially if they are made of unglazed earthenware or a cast iron pipe. When sodium bicarbonate comes in contact with sodium thiosulfate, carbon dioxide is produced. The carbon dioxide then breaks down the organic matter in your pipes into carbon dioxide and water.
When should you use baking soda?
Baking soda can be used to clear a clogged or slow-moving pipe in any of the following situations:- Hair clogs – Hair often gets caught in pipes, especially in older homes. Hair can expand with water and eventually block the flow of water completely. Baking soda can be used to break down the hair and dissolve it away, allowing the water to flow freely again.
How to use baking soda to unclog your drains
If you have a clog in your pipes or a slow-moving pipe that you think could benefit from a little baking soda, follow these steps:- Pour cold water down the drain so that it is flowing freely.- Alternatively, you can use a hose to direct the water forcefully into the pipes. This can help the water to break down any build-up of clogs.- Once the water has broken down the build-up of clogs, turn the water off and add a generous amount of baking soda. You can also use a mixing bowl or bucket.- The baking soda will help to break down any build-up of clogs or organic matter in your pipes.- Once the baking soda has broken down the clog, allow the water to run for another minute or so before turning the water off again.- You can then clean out the pipes with a plunger, brush or some other cleaning tool.- Finally, rinse out the baking soda and the pipes with a little water and allow them to dry.
Baking soda and broken hair
If you have a slow-moving or clogged pipe, broken hair can also be problematic. Hair can expand with water and eventually block the flow of water completely. Baking soda can be used to break down the hair and dissolve it away, allowing the water to flow freely again.
Baking soda and organic matter
Baking soda can also be used to dissolve away organic matter that may have clogged your pipes. Organic matter can be anything from paper towels to food scraps that have rotted in the pipes. In many cases, these organic materials will expand with water and eventually block the flow of water completely. Baking soda can be used to break down the organic matter and dissolve it away, allowing the water to flow freely again.
Baking soda and food waste
If you have a slow-moving or clogged pipe, food waste can also be problematic. Food waste often contains bacteria that can cause unpleasant smells, or even infections if your pipes become too clogged. Baking soda can be used to break down the food waste and dissolve it away, allowing the water to flow freely again.
Baking soda and other substances
As we've seen, baking soda can be used to break down a variety of substances that can clog your pipes, including hair, paper, fat, vegetable matter and bacteria. Baking soda can break down these substances and dissolve them away, allowing the water to flow freely again.
Bottom line
Baking soda is a cheap and simple way to unclog your drains. If you have a clog or slow-moving pipe, try adding a bit of baking soda to the water to break down any build-up of clogs or organic matter in the pipes. If you have a break-down of hair, paper, fat or vegetable matter clogging your pipes, the baking soda will help to break down the trash and dissolve it away, allowing the water to flow freely again.