Homeowners Urged to Pour Vinegar Down Their Drains This October
When it comes to home upkeep, keeping your drains in tip-top shape often slips under the radar until a clog or leak appears. Yet, that everyday kitchen staple—vinegar—proves to be a surprisingly handy helper for keeping your drains working well. Let’s dive into how vinegar works, what it can and can’t do, and a few extra tips to keep your plumbing in good shape.
How Vinegar Helps Keep Drains Clear
Vinegar is a handy tool for regular drain upkeep. Its natural acidity tackles bacteria and helps break down sludge, especially around the P-trap—the U-shaped part of your drain that holds water to keep sewer gases out of your home. Master plumber Aaron Adams says, “vinegar can be a good drain maintenance tool,” highlighting its value in preventing buildup.
To get the best results, pour half a cup of vinegar mixed with half a cup of water down your drain. Let this sit for several hours or even overnight, and avoid running extra water during that time. Doing this about once a month can really cut down on buildup and keep odors at bay.
What Vinegar Can’t Do
Even though vinegar works well for regular care, it isn’t the magic fix for all drain issues. It won’t clear major blockages and shouldn’t be a substitute for calling in a professional plumber if things get really backed up. As Jim Parker from Jim’s Plumbing Now puts it, “It should be used for maintenance, not clog removal.” Still, for light build-up like soap scum or grease, vinegar’s acidity does the trick.
If you’re dealing with small clogs, mixing vinegar with baking soda can help loosen up stubborn debris. Just keep in mind that while most PVC pipes handle vinegar just fine, some older metal pipes might start to wear out if exposed too often.
Getting Drains Ready for Weather Changes
With October bringing in the rainy season, now’s a good time to check your drains to make sure they can handle more water. Annual check-ups and some preventative care become especially handy during this period. Eric explains that many homeowners miss a beat when it comes to getting their preventive work done on time.
During the warmer months, tree roots might have sneaked into your pipes, setting you up for potential problems when the rains come down hard. Building a good relationship with a local plumber for yearly inspections can help keep your drainage system ready for whatever the weather throws at it.
Keeping Up with Food Waste and Garbage Disposals
On top of regular drain cleaning, managing food waste effectively is key. Instead of letting food scraps go down the drain, especially when cooking a lot, consider using something like the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Compost Caddy to handle moisture and odors better. Eric believes that “you will thank yourself in the long run” by choosing to toss food waste in the trash rather than risking clogs.
Regular cleaning of your garbage disposal also plays an important role in preventing odors and blockages. Cleaners like Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner help keep your unit running smoothly and smelling fresh.
Vinegar Tips for Vacation Homes
For vacation homes that don’t see regular use, vinegar offers an easy way to freshen up drains and keep odors from developing between visits. Follow up with hot water and add a little mineral oil afterward—Kelly Russum from KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning suggests this trick to stop water from evaporating in the trap and letting sewer gases slip through.
Taking care of your drains isn’t just about staying convenient—it also helps dodge expensive repairs and keeps your home feeling fresh all year long. By adding simple habits like using vinegar to your routine and knowing when to bring in a professional, you’re setting your plumbing up to handle every season.
Source : express.co.uk