How To Clean a Drain with Baking Soda

Cleaning a drain with baking soda is a safe way to try to remove a clog from a sink. It’s important to note that this method will not work to unclog a toilet or unclog a sink with standing water in it, but if you have a sink with slow draining water you can try to use baking soda to clear up your clog once the water in the sink has finally gone down. To unclog a sink with baking soda, you’ll need baking soda, vinegar, and very hot (but not boiling) water.

First, remove any debris that you see sticking out of the sink. Pull out hair or scrape off any toothpaste that is clearly stuck on the drain. Then, pour the baking soda into the drain. Try to get it directly into the drain if you can instead of into the sink basin. Start with about half a cup and then increase that slowly adding as much as 1 full cup into the drain. Next, pour an equal amount of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into the drain (half a cup to 1 full cup). Wait 15-20 minutes, letting the baking soda and vinegar fully react during this time. The reaction should cause bubbling that will help to loosen whatever is stuck inside. You may want to put a rag or dish towel over the drain to keep the fizzing action down inside the drain, but this is just an optional step, so if you don’t have something laying around that you can use, don’t worry. After it has had time to sit, pour very hot water down the drain. (Note: You don’t want to use boiling water, as that can cause damage to plastic pipes and fittings.) You may need oven mitts or some other type of hand protection to ensure safety while pouring it. Be careful not to let the hot water splash up onto your arms or face, as this could cause burns. Test your sink to see if the clog is resolved. If it hasn’t, you may need to try the process again.

If you have a stubborn sink clog that doesn’t respond to DIY solutions, you’ll need to call a plumber to come fix it for you. A professional plumber will have the specialized plumber’s tools necessary to tackle even the toughest clogs. If they can’t get the clog out with a sink plunger or hair removal tools, they may use a sink snake or small powered auger to bust through. But these more invasive activities are best left to the pros to avoid damaging your sink and incurring costly damage.

Call us today at 1 (800) 674-9130 for your clogged sink. Our team of top-rated local plumbers can unclog a drain no matter how badly it’s blocked. Let us help you today!

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