Drain Unclogging and Cleaning with Washing Soda
Clogged drains can be very annoying and using commercial drain cleaners, especially those that are made from tough, corrosive chemicals can be hazardous to one’s health. So, whenever people encounter blocked drains or whenever they are cleaning their drains, people commonly use baking soda, along with vinegar or lemon juice. Not only does it get rid of common blockages, but it also leaves the drain with fresh scent.
But what if the baking soda-vinegar or baking soda-lemon juice mixture doesn’t work? Should you immediately call a drain cleaning Melbourne specialist? Well, not yet. There is still something that you can try – that is washing soda.
Also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda is a common ingredient in cleaning products. Sodium carbonate contains more alkaline than baking soda, making it a far stronger drain cleaner. It is commonly used and is highly effective for unblocking blocked drains.
A bit of warning though when using washing soda. First, use rubber gloves in order to prevent skin irritation. In addition, don’t ever combine it with commercial drain cleaners since it can damage your plumbing fixtures.
Unclog a Drain Using Washing Soda
Using washing soda is easy. All you need to do is to pour one cup of sodium carbonate or washing soda into your clogged drain. Boil water and pour at least 3 cups down the drain. Leave for at least 5 minutes, then check if the water goes down the drain normally by pouring another 3 cups of boiling water. If the water doesn’t drain normally, pour another cup of washing soda. Allow the sodium carbonate and hot water to sit inside the drain until it breaks through the blockage. Then rinse with boiling water again.
Using Washing Soda for Drain Cleaning
Washing soda may be used mainly for unclogging a drain, but it can also be used for drain cleaning. For your weekly drain maintenance, you only need to pour a quarter cup of sodium carbonate into the drain. Then pour 3 cups of boiling water. Leave it for about 2-3 minutes and then rinse with room temperature water.
Turning Baking Soda into Washing Soda
Baking soda is a common household item unlike washing soda. If you only have washing soda, here’s something you should definitely try. First, get a baking tray and pour half an inch of baking soda into it. Then bake it in the oven for about an hour at 200 to 205 °C. Doing so will release the excess carbon dioxide contained in the baking soda, thus turning it into sodium carbonate or washing soda.
Now, if using washing soda doesn’t unclog your problematic drain or if you have persistent blockages, it is high time you call a professional for help. Persistent or chronic blockages are common symptoms of deeper plumbing issues which require the expertise of a trustworthy and reliable emergency plumber.
If you need professional help on a blocked drain in Melbourne, contact the blocked drain experts on 0412 738 874 or leave a message.
Helpful details for a Blocked Drain and Emergency Plumber situation:
Triple zero – 000
City of Melbourne – Floods and Storms
VicWater
Yarra Valley Water
Victoria State Emergency Service
