If your sink water is draining slowly or giving off an unpleasant odour, you might be dealing with a blocked drain. But fear not, as it’s incredibly easy to rectify.
Drains are more prone to blockages post-Christmas due to the increased amount of food scraps, oil and grease being washed down the drain, leading to significant build-up.
However, before you shell out for a plumber, there’s a simple and natural solution to unclog a drain using soda crystals, according to experts at Green Star Services.
“Soda crystals, also known as washing soda or sodium carbonate, can be an effective solution for keeping your drains clear,” they said. “This method can help dissolve grease, soap scum, and other deposits that may be causing the blockage.”
Why should you use soda crystals to unblock a drain?
Soda crystals are highly alkaline, making them excellent at breaking down organic matter like grease and fat, which are the most common causes of drain blockages.
They are easy to use and they won’t damage the drain pipes while still effectively clearing stubborn blockages.
How to use soda crystals to clear a drain
All you need to do is add soda crystals to the plug and then pour boiling hot water down the drain
(Image: Getty)
It’s simple – boil your kettle and measure out 250g of soda crystals. Add the soda crystals to the plug hole and then pour the boiling hot water down the sink.
Allow the mixture to do its magic for at least 30 minutes, giving the soda crystals ample time to dissolve the blockages. For more stubborn clogs, you might want to let the soda crystals sit overnight.
Once the waiting period is over, boil the kettle again and pour the hot water down the drain to flush out any greasy obstruction and any remaining debris. Your sink should now be completely clear and free from blockages.
Are there any other natural remedies for unblocking a drain?
Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are often suggested as natural alternatives for clearing sink blockages, but they usually lack the strength to fully unclog your drain.
Vinegar, being acidic, is great for removing limescale or certain stains, but it can’t dissolve grease like soda crystals can.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is mildly alkaline and may work, but it’s not as potent as soda crystals and might require several attempts to eliminate any greasy obstructions.
Soda crystals are generally more effective than both vinegar and baking soda, and can be purchased in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets.