If your kitchen sink is clogged and you’re scouring the internet for a quick DIY fix, you might have come across some homemade drain cleaners. The baking soda and vinegar concoction seems like a tempting solution, but they’re not always the best idea.
We once had a customer call and say she messed up, tried a DIY drain cleaner and immediately clogged up all the drains. The concoction crystalized, so any drain cleaner will crystalize if not flushed properly.
They might seem like a harmless and natural alternative, but these DIY home remedy drain cleaners can actually do more harm than good in the long and short run.
1. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Those off-the-shelf drain cleaners are loaded with harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. Even the natural ingredients in homemade recipes can be dangerous if mishandled, like vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is acidic and baking soda can cause skin and eye irritation.
Plus, the chemical reaction between the two creates dangerous fumes that you really shouldn’t breathe in. These fumes can be especially harmful if you’re working in a poorly ventilated area like a small bathroom.
Let’s not forget about the potential for spills and splashes either.
One wrong move and you could end up with harmful chemicals on your skin or in your eyes, which can lead to painful burns or other injuries.
2. Can Cause Pipe Damage
While these DIY drain cleaners might seem harmless, they can actually do some serious damage to your pipes. The fizzing action created by the baking soda and vinegar reaction can corrode metal pipes and cause them to weaken, leak, or bust.
If you have old fragile cast iron pipes, the chemicals could eat right through them, causing expensive leaks and repairs.
Even modern PVC or plastic pipes aren’t immune to the potentially damaging effects of homemade cleaners.
Vinegar is so acidic and can degrade these materials, causing them to become brittle and crack over time.
If you’re dealing with a really stubborn clog, you’ll be tempted to pour in more and more of the homemade drain cleaner which can aggravate the problem and potentially cause more damage throughout your plumbing system.
A plumbing or rooter service is typically the best option for recurring or stubborn clogs. It is a low impact and long-lasting solution to unclog your drain.
3. You Might Miss the Real Issue
Sometimes a clogged drain is just the symptom of a bigger problem. If you rely on drain cleaners that are homemade and don’t address the real cause, you could be setting yourself up for recurring clogs or even worse issues down the line.
A professional plumber has the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
For example, if your clog is caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, or grease, a simple chemical solution might temporarily clear the blockage, but it won’t stop those materials from accumulating again in the future.
If you have a cracked or damaged pipe, no amount of drain cleaner will fix that issue – it requires a proper plumbing repair or replacement.
At Beach Plumbing, we use special cameras and other diagnostic tools to inspect your pipes and identify any potential problems.
Some common problems we find include tree roots growing into your lines, shifting, or settling that has caused pipes to become misaligned, or signs of corrosion or deterioration.
We will recommend an appropriate solution depending on your problem, such as snaking, hydro-jetting, or a full pipe replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does baking soda and vinegar really unclog drains?
Baking soda and vinegar drain cleaner is the best homemade drain cleaner for minor clogs, but it’s not a reliable or long-term solution.
Remember that story from the top of this article? Don’t let it happen to you.
Why are baking soda and vinegar bad for drains?
While these ingredients are mild compared to commercial drain cleaners, homemade drain cleaners can still cause damage to your pipes.
The fizzing of the baking soda and vinegar can corrode metal pipes and the acidic nature of vinegar can degrade certain types of pipes, like PVC or plastic.
What will unclog a drain naturally?
If you’re set on a natural solution, try using a drain snake or a plunger first. These mechanical methods can help dislodge minor clogs without using chemicals. You can also try pouring boiling water down the drain to help break down grease and other buildup.
Final Thoughts
We understand that homemade drain cleaners and other DIY solutions are tempting, especially when they seem simple and cheap. But when it comes to your plumbing, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
A certified plumber has the right tools, products, and expertise to tackle even the toughest clogs safely and effectively.
So next time your drain is acting up, consider skipping the baking soda and vinegar and give your local plumber a call instead.
Choose our professionals at Beach Plumbing to quickly overcome your drain issues. Learn more.