Plumbers Won’t Tell You! All You Need Is Salt and Dish Soap to Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains

Plumbers Won’t Tell You! All You Need Is Salt and Dish Soap to Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains

Dealing with a clogged drain can be a frustrating experience, often leading to expensive plumber visits and the use of harsh chemicals that are not always effective or environmentally friendly. But what if we told you there’s an easy, natural solution to clearing up those stubborn clogs that your plumber might not have shared with you? All you need is salt and dish soap!

In this article, we’ll explain how this simple, cost-effective method works to unclog your drains and why it’s a great alternative to store-bought chemical solutions.

Why Salt and Dish Soap?

You might be wondering why salt and dish soap are the magical combination to clear clogged drains. The secret lies in the way these two ingredients interact with the debris that builds up in your pipes.

• Salt: Salt is a natural abrasive and has powerful dissolving properties. When used in a drain, it can help break down greasy, oily, or sticky substances that accumulate over time. Salt also helps to loosen debris, making it easier to clear the pipe.
• Dish Soap: Dish soap is designed to break down grease and oil. Since many clogs are caused by the buildup of grease, fats, and soap scum, dish soap helps to lubricate the inside of your pipes, allowing debris to break free and flow away.

Together, salt and dish soap create a powerful, non-toxic solution that works wonders on clogged drains without the need for expensive or toxic chemicals.

How to Use Salt and Dish Soap to Unclog Your Drain

Materials You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup of salt (table salt or kosher salt)
• 1/2 cup of dish soap
• 1 pot of boiling water (about 4 cups)

Steps:

Step 1: Add Salt to the Drain

Begin by pouring 1/2 cup of salt directly into the clogged drain. The salt will start to interact with the grease, oils, and other debris stuck in the pipes, beginning to break them down.

Step 2: Add Dish Soap

Next, pour 1/2 cup of dish soap into the drain along with the salt. Make sure to choose a dish soap that is effective at cutting through grease (most standard dish soaps work well for this purpose). The soap will help to break down fatty substances that are often a major cause of clogs.

Step 3: Let It Sit

Let the salt and dish soap sit in the drain for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the ingredients will start to break down grease and loosen any blockages. If the clog is particularly stubborn, you can even let it sit for a few hours or overnight for maximum effect.

Step 4: Pour Boiling Water

After the waiting period, boil a pot of water (about 4 cups should suffice). Once the water is boiling, carefully pour it down the drain. The hot water will help dissolve any remaining grease, soap scum, or debris, and the salt will help push everything through the pipes.

Step 5: Rinse and Check for Drainage

Once the boiling water has been poured down, run hot tap water for a few seconds to rinse the drain and check if the water is flowing freely. If the clog is gone, your drain should be clear. If it’s still partially clogged, you can repeat the process for a second time.

When to Use This Method

This simple salt and dish soap method works best for minor to moderate clogs caused by grease, soap scum, and organic debris. It’s particularly effective in kitchen sinks where food particles and grease are often the main culprits.

It’s also a great preventative measure to keep your drains clear. Regularly using this natural solution can help prevent buildup and keep your pipes in good conditio