Does vinegar damage drain pipes?

Pouring vinegar down the drain is generally safe and even beneficial for deodorizing and minor cleaning in PVC pipes, but its acidity can corrode older metal pipes (like copper or galvanized) over time with frequent use, and it's not strong enough for tough clogs. Use it sparingly, perhaps monthly with baking soda for maintenance, and avoid it for serious blockages; when in doubt or if you have older pipes, a plumber is best.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

You should avoid using baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains because the fizzing reaction creates weak, temporary pressure that doesn't break up tough clogs, can push debris further down, and the resulting salt water isn't a strong cleaner; plus, vinegar's acidity and the reaction's buildup can damage pipes and rubber seals over time, making the problem worse or leading to leaks, with better options being plunging, drain snakes, or enzyme cleaners.
 

What do plumbers recommend to keep drains clean?

Maintain clean pipes.

Use white vinegar to maintain clean kitchen and bathroom drains. Periodically, pour a half cup down the drain, let it sit for at least an hour (the longer, the better), and then run water down the drain. Add baking soda to break up clogs.

Is vinegar bad for old pipes?

While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.

Does vinegar dissolve hair in drains?

Vinegar and baking soda don't truly dissolve hair (which needs strong chemicals or enzymes), but the fizzing reaction creates pressure and agitation that helps loosen hair and soap scum, making it easier to flush away with hot water, especially for minor clogs. For tough hair clogs, you'll likely need to physically remove the hair with a drain snake or plunger after the vinegar/baking soda treatment, or use enzymatic cleaners for a deeper break down.
 

Save $400 — What Plumbers Don’t Want You to Know

What do plumbers say about baking soda and vinegar?

While baking soda and vinegar are often hailed as natural, non-toxic alternatives to chemical drain cleaners, that doesn't mean they're harmless when used improperly. Over time, the acidity of vinegar can cause wear on certain types of pipes, especially if they're old or made from materials like PVC.

Why pour vinegar down the drain in October?

However, this can occur when heavy rainfall meets blocked drains, and the drainpipes are unable to handle the volume of rainwater due to an outside drain blockage. That's why households are being encouraged to pour vinegar into their drains to help keep them clear.

How long to let vinegar sit in drains?

Let vinegar sit in a drain for 15 to 30 minutes (or up to an hour for tougher jobs, though not overnight) after pouring it down with baking soda to allow the fizzing chemical reaction to break down minor clogs and odors, then flush with hot or boiling water; longer isn't necessarily better, as the action is quick, but some suggest letting it sit longer for better results. 

What is the best drain cleaner that won't hurt pipes?

For drain cleaners that won't damage pipes, your best bets are enzymatic/bacterial cleaners like Green Gobbler, Bio-Clean, and homemade solutions (baking soda/vinegar/hot water), as these use natural processes to break down organic matter without harsh chemicals, making them safe for all pipes, including older ones and septic systems. For quick fixes or tough clogs, enzymes are excellent for grease, while baking soda/vinegar works for minor buildup, but always avoid caustic chemical cleaners if pipe integrity is a concern. 

Is vinegar corrosive to PVC pipe?

No, vinegar is generally safe for PVC pipes because it's a mild acid that won't corrode the plastic, making it a good choice for cleaning mineral buildup or mold in drain lines, unlike harsher chemical cleaners. However, avoid using very strong vinegar (like industrial grades) and remember that combining vinegar with baking soda creates fizzing CO2, which could build pressure in a completely blocked pipe, so flush well with water afterward and use it for maintenance rather than tough clogs.
 

Why do plumbers say not to use drain cleaner?

Damage to Pipes: Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a heat reaction that dissolves the clog. Unfortunately, this heat can also warp or damage plastic pipes and can corrode older, metal pipes. Over time, repeated use of these cleaners can lead to leaks and other serious plumbing issues.

Why pour salt down the drain every night?

People put salt down drains at night because it's believed to help break down grease and organic matter, allowing it to sit and work overnight with minimal water flow, often combined with baking soda and vinegar for a stronger effect, but experts warn it can be too abrasive and corrosive to pipes over time, making it a less recommended method compared to professional solutions.
 

Does Dawn dish soap unclog drains?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can help unclog minor kitchen drain blockages, especially those caused by grease and oil, by using its degreasing power with hot water to break down and flush away buildup, but it's less effective for solid clogs like hair or food, and some experts warn it can even worsen severe clogs if grease re-solidifies further down. For best results, pour soap directly into the drain, let it sit, then flush with boiling water, but for tough blockages, a plunger or drain snake is usually needed.
 

What should you never put down a drain?

13 Everyday Items to Never Put Down Your Drain

1. Cotton Balls & Paper Towels. Sure, paper towels and cotton balls are biodegradable. ...
2. Rubber. ...
3. Chemical Cleaners. ...
4. Flushable Kitty Litter. ...
5. Coffee grounds. ...
6. Grease, Fat, & Oil. ...
7. Eggshells. ...
8. Produce Stickers.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

The best and most popular homemade drain cleaner is the Baking Soda & Vinegar method, which uses a fizzy reaction to break down grease and grime: pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar, cover the drain, let it sit for an hour or overnight, then flush with boiling water to clear the clog. Other effective options include adding salt to baking soda or using a mix with Borax for tougher clogs, all flushed with hot water.
 

Is liquid plumber better than baking soda and vinegar?

With time, baking soda and vinegar may work as a natural drain cleaner on weaker drain clogs, and the benefits of regular drain cleaning can help keep your drains free of clogs. But for tough drain clogs that need to be dissolved right away, you may want to use a stronger drain cleaner, like Liquid-Plumr ™.

What do plumbers use instead of Drano?

Some of the best Drano alternatives include using a plunger or pipe snake, soap or salt mixed with boiling water, or baking soda and white vinegar. Also, for maximum effectiveness, you can combine several of these methods together to get rid of the clog.

What will dissolve hair in a clogged drain?

To dissolve hair in a drain, use a baking soda and vinegar mixture followed by hot water for a natural approach, or for tougher clogs, use a chemical drain cleaner (with caution) or a mechanical tool like a plumber's snake. For immediate results, you can also use tweezers or pliers to manually pull out visible hair from the stopper area before applying any solution.
 

What liquid do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

Why does a plumber expert warn against using vinegar and baking soda on drains?

While baking soda and vinegar create a bubbling reaction that might help dislodge small blockages, they are not strong enough to clear serious clogs. Additionally, the gas buildup can potentially harm older pipes. For better results, consider using a drain snake, plunger, or commercial cleaner.

What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning?

Vinegar's main disadvantages in cleaning are its strong smell, inability to disinfect effectively, and potential to damage certain surfaces like natural stone (marble, granite), hardwood floors, unsealed grout, and some metals (aluminum, copper), as its acidity can etch, dull, or corrode them, while also degrading rubber seals in appliances. It also doesn't cut grease as well as commercial cleaners and shouldn't be mixed with bleach due to toxic gas production. 

How do professionals clean drains?

Professionals clean drains using specialized tools like drain snakes/augers to physically break up or pull out clogs, hydro-jetters that use high-pressure water to scour pipes clean, and sometimes video cameras to diagnose issues before cleaning, tackling tough blockages like grease, soap scum, or tree roots that DIY methods can't handle, ensuring a thorough, long-lasting clean. 

Will vinegar damage PVC pipes?

No, vinegar is generally safe for PVC pipes because it's a mild acid that won't corrode the plastic, making it a good choice for cleaning mineral buildup or mold in drain lines, unlike harsher chemical cleaners. However, avoid using very strong vinegar (like industrial grades) and remember that combining vinegar with baking soda creates fizzing CO2, which could build pressure in a completely blocked pipe, so flush well with water afterward and use it for maintenance rather than tough clogs.
 

Why not mix baking soda and vinegar?

You shouldn't mix vinegar and baking soda for cleaning because they neutralize each other, creating mostly water and salt (sodium acetate) with some carbon dioxide gas, making them less effective than using them separately; the fizzing is just temporary gas escaping, not powerful cleaning action, though the bubbling can help dislodge drain gunk or loosen grime mechanically before it dissipates. The main risk is using them in a closed container, where the CO2 buildup can cause it to burst, but generally, it's safe, just not super powerful as a combined cleaner.
 

When should you throw out vinegar?

You rarely need to discard vinegar because its high acidity makes it self-preserving with an almost indefinite shelf life, but toss it if it develops mold, a truly foul odor (beyond pungency), or if it's a flavored/fruit vinegar left unrefrigerated and tastes "off" due to spoilage of fruit solids. Otherwise, cloudiness, sediment, or a "mother" (slimy disc) are harmless aesthetic changes.