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Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Quickly cover the drain with a stopper or rag to force the fizzing reaction downward into the pipe. You’ll hear fizzing and bubbling—this is the chemical reaction that helps break down residue.
Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes. During this time, the fizzy reaction will continue to work on grime and buildup inside your pipes.
Finish by pouring another kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush out any loosened debris.
Bonus Tip: Use a Drain Snake
If your drain is still slow after this treatment, try using a drain snake or plastic drain cleaning tool. These inexpensive gadgets can physically remove hair and gunk that may still be clinging inside the pipes.
Prevent Future Clogs
- Avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink. Instead, dispose of it in a container and throw it away.
- Use a drain cover to catch hair and debris in showers and tubs.
- Repeat the baking soda and vinegar treatment monthly as a preventive measure.
Final Thoughts
This simple yet powerful method is the same one many plumbers recommend to clients for regular drain maintenance. It’s safe, natural, and remarkably effective at keeping pipes clear and odors at bay. So the next time your sink starts to gurgle or drain slowly, skip the expensive drain cleaner—and use the plumber-approved solution that’s already in your kitchen.
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