Salt – a simple mineral we often take for granted, has more uses than seasoning our beloved dishes. It’s a hidden gem in the world of home maintenance, particularly when it comes to protecting our drainage system. Wondering why many people pour salt down their drains? Salt helps with drain issues as it absorbs water particles in the pipes and can dislodge minor clogs.
Let’s learn more!
What is Salt?
Technically known as sodium chloride, salt is a naturally occurring mineral essential for human life. But who would’ve thought this humble ingredient sitting in your kitchen cabinet could be your secret weapon against drain issues?
The Power of Salt: How Does it Help?
The magic of salt lies in its ability to absorb moisture. When poured down the drain, it attracts and absorbs water particles in the pipe, setting off a chemical reaction that can dislodge minor clogs. It’s safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly – everything a homeowner desires.
Why Pour Salt Down the Drain?
Ever felt the frustration of slow-moving drains? Or perhaps noticed an unpleasant odor wafting up from your sink? More often than not, these are signs of a mildly clogged drain. A generous sprinkle of salt followed by boiling water can be your quick-fix solution.
How Does Salt Work As a Home Remedy?
Besides its culinary use, salt is a homeowner’s best friend due to its numerous household applications. From cleaning stained coffee pots to deterring ants and removing rust, salt is a versatile tool in your domestic arsenal. Salt can help to deal with the minor clogs in kitchen drains and can also act as a disinfectant in toilet drains.
Can Salt and Boiling Water Unclog Drains?
Yes, salt due to its coarse texture and abrasive properties, can help to unclog the drains. The minor clogs that slow down the flow of water can be treated by putting salt. The better way to add salt is with citric acid and boiling water that washes off all the gunk dissolved by the salt.
How to Put Salt in Drains?
Let’s learn the right way to unclog drains with the help of salt. Follow this simple hack as the following steps:
- Add some salt to your drain
- Add the same amount of citric acid
- Leave it overnight to react with buildups
- Pour boiling water in the morning
- For better results, you can pour apple cider vinegar in the morning to wash off the salt in drain pipes
Why is it Suggested to Leave Salt in Drains Overnight?
Salt needs some action time to fight grease and other substances that are clogging your drain. That’s why it is recommended to leave it in the drains overnight and then pour hot boiling water into it to wash off the grime.
Putting Salt in Drain: Fact or Fiction?
Some people think that it’s a myth that salt can unclog the drain. However, it is not a myth but a fact. Salt can help you to deal with minor clogs and if the clog is not minor and the issue is sustaining for a long time, then it is recommended to get help from the professionals.
Do Homemade Drain Cleaners Work?
While commercial cleaners are undoubtedly effective, they come with their share of drawbacks – toxic fumes and potential pipe corrosion. On the other hand, natural cleaners like salt, vinegar, or baking soda offer a gentler yet potent alternative.
What Not to Pour Down the Drain?
Now that you know that you can put salt down the drain, there are other things you cannot. These are grease, coffee grounds, and fibrous food waste. They are all infamous for causing home drain blockages. By being mindful about what goes down your drain, you can prevent many unpleasant plumbing issues.
Check out this video about why it’s a good idea to pour salt down the drain at night.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about pouring salt down the drain, let’s take a look at other areas of recommended maintenance. One of those is drain cleaner in the garbage disposal. It is not a good idea to use drain cleaner as the chemicals can ruin the garbage disposal. Instead, it is better to use baking soda, vinegar, or a plunger.
Another is bathroom water and if it is safe to drink. It can be safe to drink if the sink is used frequently and if there are no unusual tastes or smells. It is important to also know if the plumbing is older. If it is, having the water tested would be a good idea.
Lastly, you need to know if Charmin is septic-safe. Yes, as it is made with dissolvable materials that break down in water and reduce clogs and damage to the system.
When Do I Call a Professional?
While salt works wonders with minor clogs and odors, persistent issues merit professional attention. If your drains are consistently slow or back up frequently, it’s time to call up a trusted plumber. You don’t want to let drain issues go for long so the quicker you can call a professional the better.
Conclusion
Despite being easily overlooked, salt is an impactful household tool in maintaining the health of the drain. Easy to use, affordable, and non-toxic, this pantry staple is worth its weight in gold. But remember, while DIY solutions can be life savers, don’t hesitate to contact professionals for stubborn problems. While you are taking care of the drain, it is a great time to reach out to RedFish Inspections Home Inspection services for a home inspection in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.
