Households are being urged to pour vinegar and baking soda down their drains this November to help prevent blockages and avoid costly repair work during the winter months.
As temperatures drop and heavy rainfall becomes more frequent, blocked drains can become a common household problem. When an outside drain is blocked, rainwater can quickly build up, increasing the risk of localised flooding.
Simple Home Remedy
Plumbing website Wolseley explains that outside drains handle everything from domestic waste to leaves and outdoor debris, making them prone to blockages. The site notes that drain unblocking is often simple to do yourself if a problem occurs.
To prevent blockages, Wolseley advises controlling what goes down the drains. Households should avoid putting cooking grease or coffee grounds directly down drains connected to the inside of the home, as these are common causes of blockages.
Prevention Tips
Adding grates and filters to outside drains can stop garden debris, particularly leaves, from blocking them. Small filters in indoor plugholes can also catch food waste and hairs.
For drains that regularly block despite precautions, Wolseley suggests using baking soda, vinegar, or small amounts of chemical drain cleaner to help keep them clear for longer.
How to Clear a Blocked Drain
Website Plumbcare provides instructions for using vinegar and baking soda to clear a blocked drain: "Mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 part salt and pour down the drain. Warm 4 parts vinegar and pour down on top of the baking soda and salt. It will bubble and fizz. Let it work for 15 minutes and then flush through with hot water."
Using these household ingredients can help keep drains running smoothly without frequent unblocking, potentially saving money on expensive drain cleaning solutions and repair work.
