Household experts are urging people to regularly put bicarbonate of soda down their drains, both outside and inside the house, to keep them flowing during autumn. With much of the UK recently battered by Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, heavy rain and strong winds can expose underlying property problems, and drains can struggle to cope with the downpours, especially if they are blocked by autumn detritus like fallen leaves and acorns.
Why bicarbonate of soda helps drains
Baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same thing. In the UK it tends to be called bicarbonate of soda, while Americans prefer the term baking soda, but both are names for the same chemical compound, sodium bicarbonate.
As Taste.com explains: "Baking soda and bicarb soda refer to the same thing. Australia, New Zealand and the UK use the term bicarb soda, while the US refers to it as baking soda."
How to unblock a drain with baking soda
Plumbing website Wolseley advises: "If your drains regularly block despite precautions, you may wish to start putting baking soda, vinegar, or small amounts of a chemical drain cleaner down your drains to help keep them clear for longer."
DIY and home improvement website Wickes explains how to unblock a drain with baking soda or bicarb. It says: "Having a clogged drain can cause all kinds of issues when using your sinks at home. We have a range of drain unblocking solutions or using some basic household items, you can unclog your drain all by yourself. All you’ll need is baking soda, vinegar, and some boiling water in a jug.
"First, flush boiling water from a kettle down the drain. Mix 240ml of boiling water with 240ml of vinegar in a measuring jug. Then, add 120g of baking soda into the mix and pour this into the drain.
"This should foam up inside your drainage pipes and clear the blockage. Let the mixture sit for an hour. After an hour has passed, run hot tap water for up to one minute into the drain."
