What Can You Put Down a Toilet to Clean Pipes?

For those of us who are dealing with a clogged toilet, there is thankfully a simple combination of household cleaning agents that can help you out in a pinch. You won’t even need a plunger! All you need is vinegar and baking soda. Don’t stop reading now though, as with this concoction the most important thing is to carefully follow instructions so that you don’t wind up with more of a mess than you started out with. 

A word of warning, this is not to be attempted alongside any chemical solutions! Whether it be before or after, do not follow up one with the other. Drain cleaning chemicals should not be used alongside or in quick succession with homemade mixtures. This is to avoid potential fumes and to maintain the longevity of your toilet.

When measuring out the amount of each ingredient needed for the solution, the key is to keep the amount used of each part equal. For one cup of baking soda, you will use an equal cup of vinegar and so on. An important thing to keep note of is that you will start with the baking soda, and then add the equal amount of vinegar after. Once these are combined, the concoction will begin to fizzle. It is to prevent overflows that we must be careful to use each component equally when mixing. No one wants fizz all over their bathroom floor! While you are preparing the ingredients, set a full kettle of water on the stove to heat up. 

On top of that, it is also important that you use the appropriate amount of the mixture for the job. You will measure this by considering the severity of the blockage. If the clog is minor, you can go ahead and use the full amount of the baking soda then vinegar in one go. For more severe issues, it’s recommended that you measure out smaller amounts of baking soda in order to hit the problem multiple times in a row using the mix. The mixture will fizzle up quickly but die down at just as fast a pace.

Remember the kettle from earlier? I certainly hope so, or else it will be sure to make itself known soon. Once the water is boiling, take it to the bathroom and quickly follow up the baking soda vinegar mix by pouring the steaming hot water into the toilet bowl. If this first attempt doesn’t unclog the toilet, don’t be discouraged. Oftentimes it takes a few repeats of the procedure to get the toilet running again. Keep it up until you hear a suctioning noise from the toilet- this is a sign that the clog has been removed. To make certain everything is in order, flush once or twice to see if the problem has resolved itself. 

If this does not work, it may be in your best interest to contact a professional. Professional plumbers have an assortment of tools at their disposal and may be able to help you find the real problem if it persists!

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