Baking Soda And Vinegar Drain Cleaner: Sewer Myth or Fact?

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Күн бұрын

The idea of baking soda and vinegar as a drain cleaner has been around for many years. But does it really work to clear out clogs or slow drains? In part 6 of Balkan's Sewer Myth or Fact video series we'll attempt to find the true answer. Let's have some fun while we dive in to uncover if trying to clean your drains using baking soda and vinegar is a sewer fact, or a sewer myth. For a more serious and better 2nd test of baking soda and vinegar as a drain cleaner watch: • Unclog Sinks with Baki... . For professional drain cleaning tips, advice, or service please visit: www.balkandraincleaning.com/ or call 718-641-1222.
The Balkan KZfaq channel is devoted to answering your questions and informing you. We want to alleviate stressful and confusing plumbing issues you may have. We also want to make you a smarter consumer. Our ultimate goal is to enable you to make better hiring decisions when it involves plumbing - to make you a smarter consumer. If we've been successful at that, and helped you in some way, please like our video. And of course, please hit the subscribe button!
If you seek expert service or advice for any sewer, water main, or drain issue, Balkan offers free on site visits, and a guaranteed 4 hour response time throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Nassau County. Call us at 718-849-0900, or email TeamBalkan@balkanplumbing.com. We will cater our service to your needs 7 days a week, and after hours as well. Exceeding your expectations is our number one goal.
Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service was founded in 1952. Since its inception, the foundation of the company has been based upon integrity and honesty in all of our dealings. That solid foundation has enabled us to thrive in every economic climate. The year 2020 actually marks our 68th consecutive year in business. As we have grown, we have become increasingly dependent upon a "Team First" approach. What helps ensure a continuation of our high standards, overall integrity, and high company morale, is that same "Team First" approach. Complete client satisfaction has always been the number one goal at Balkan Sewer And Water Main. That is why we are NYC's largest and most trusted sewer and water main service. Simply put, if it's plumbing, and it's underground, we do it. For over 70 years, and for over 90,000 New Yorkers to date, Balkan is "The Team You Trust".
Balkan Sewer And Water Main
NYC's Largest And Most Trusted Service
TeamBalkan@BalkanPlumbing.com
718-849-0900
www.balkanplumbing.com
130-01 Jamaica Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Preparing the baking soda and vinegar for pipe insertion
01:08 Making a tough drain clog with 4 different items
01:45 Adding water to test that there is a clog
02:05 1st try at adding baking soda and vinegar to try to clear a clog
02:33 2nd try at adding baking soda and vinegar to clean the clog
03:06 3rd attempt to clear the clog and creating pressure by closing the pipe off
04:03 4th attempt using a drain air gun
04:42 5th attempt using a drain bladder (flush bag)
05:00 Clog being cleared by the drain bladder

Пікірлер: 346

@wilsmith2907 2 жыл бұрын

I manage a high-rise apartment building built in the sixties and we use the BS/Vinegar mix to help keep our old pipes clear of buildup. This demonstration was not properly set up and given the time it takes to allow the solution to do it's thing, followed by a hot water rinse. In this example a can of drain-o wouldn't have worked that fast either. Of course a plumber would call it a myth, it doesn't benefit them to say it works great - that costs them money. And really, when does a high pressure jet of water not work better - oh, when it blows apart the joints and fittings.

@Ham549 2 жыл бұрын

Mixing vinegar and baking soda just leaves water and sodium acetate neather which has the ability to eat away at clogs.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Will Smith: I appreciate your effort and experience in relaying useful information. Time and repetition are needed with baking soda and vinegar. The second illustration is just a slower form of jetting -- that seemed to make progress. A salesman will usually discourage creative innovators regarding solving and solution aspects to keep the greenbacks oozing and flowing into their stuffed pockets.

@anastasios3006 2 жыл бұрын

@@Ham549 Carbon dioxide gas is also produced, build up the pressure in the blocked pipe and maybe unblocks? Small length pipe possible but a long length of pipe too difficult to build up pressure.

@adriennef1770 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Maintenance Man, Does regular use of salt rock down the lateral kill any blocking roots? TY

@Prodigious1One Жыл бұрын

Very good point!

@Kammitoes Жыл бұрын

the ratio is half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Leave for TWO HOURS, then follow up with hot water

@jasonpickerill4402 Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't hire this company merely based on this video.

@c.anderson3444 Жыл бұрын

Lol I had an electrical contractor and all he was concerned about was using my toilet to take a dump...what a waste-toid idiot. He wired my circuits wrong and caused a short and alot of damage. Had to call the owner to come out. Easy to find morons nowdays.

@labcat3863 3 ай бұрын

😂😂

@PaulBurdo Жыл бұрын

I’ve never had problems with dirt and coffee grounds in my drains… It’s always been grease… And the vinegar and baking soda works Perfectly well!

@CVT6702 Жыл бұрын

Most people would not put dirt and coffee grounds in the drain so I believe he is setting this experiment to failure.

@thomastucker5686 Жыл бұрын

Boiling water will outperform vinegar and baking soda.

@robertawhiteman6151 Жыл бұрын

That is too much stuff down that drain come on

@robertawhiteman6151 Жыл бұрын

They want there commercial things to sell

@paulna5526 10 ай бұрын

@artistlindaleehall Жыл бұрын

We just used vinegar & baking soda to clear our slow draining shower in our RV yesterday, worked beautifully. I think the key is to leave it for awhile... it's not "instant".

@la196 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I think the recipe is 1 cup white vinegar, to 1/4 cup baking soda, block the drain with a rag, let it sit for 30 min, then pour hot water down the drain. Repeat if necessary for odor or slow drain.

@paulna5526 Жыл бұрын

it's a proven fact that mixing bs and vinegar does nothing but produce water, it's about chemistry problem

@moe9246 Жыл бұрын

I agree. I was ankle deep in water when I took a shower. Used the baking soda and vinegar and it works great. You have to give it time to work, then follow with hot water

@davidiihouston6883 Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@mylovesongs2429 7 ай бұрын

do you have a suggestion how to cover the toilet drain after putting in vinegar & baking soda? i need the pressure to build up, and i don't know what to cover it with.

@WINGMAN66 Жыл бұрын

Agree just used baking soda and vinegar and it actually unclogged my bathroom sink. I think what they did was extreme clog and no way it would unclog…

@RobMonty248 Жыл бұрын

When a plumber demonstrates a way to make more money for himself. 30 cents worth of materials, or 300 dollars for a plumber, its your choice, lol.

@kosmotto Жыл бұрын

Brilliant FREE TIP, Every month I put dawn dish soap in my drains even the tiolet, When I cook the extra hot water will go in a different drain every time Bathroom, Showers, Sink, Garage sink 20 years at my house and not one clog, I seriousy use the Dawn in every drain

@tammywilkins7242 3 жыл бұрын

Hmmm...seems to have worked for my drains...chased with boiling water...

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

Honestly, baking soda and vinegar is a very mediocre way to maybe get temporary relief of some sort. It is probably just as quick and easy to just remove the trap under the sink and dump out the sludge, then put it back in place. Common tools and maybe 15 minutes would result a better job. Just my 2 cents.

@JM-hg5ss 3 жыл бұрын

I would be interested in an real honest test to find out. There was no real amount of water used, there was no real time for it to work, no gravitational pressure, no hot water and no flushing. After pouring the water in afterward I wonder how much was there above the clog, and let's face it there can't be that many huge packed clogs. I clicked to see a real test of the method but what I got was just weak. If I were a science teacher and had a student offer this as a project they wouldn't score very high.

@CalvinHodgson 3 жыл бұрын

What would the results have been with just boiling water?

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

@@CalvinHodgson Honestly the only thing boiling water will remove from a drain is ice cubes. No lie.

@donnapevey4672 3 жыл бұрын

Mine too...or maybe it was my imagination.

@mikeloosen53 2 жыл бұрын

I started “maintenance” cleaning my drains a year ago, after having issues with my tub and main bath sink. I read quite a few articles about baking soda and vinegar as a “maintenance only” way to help keep drain’s and laterals clean. Never meant for unclogging a drain, only for maintaining or “maybe” helping a slow drain free up. I would typically have to manually snake my tub and main bath sink once a year, as soapy oily , shaving cream, moisturizer types of waste would start to line the laterals and collect any solid matter and form a clog. After the procedure I’m doing every other month now, both drains are flowing extremely well. I put a few cups of backing soda down each drain and probably a half gallon of white vinegar. Plug the drain with stopper let it sit for 4/5 hours or longer. Then fill sink, and a few gallons of HOT water (in tub) including boiling a couple pots of water, pull the plugs/stoppers and FLUSH. Another thing I read (multiple sources) about this process is that it is NOT harmful to my septic system.

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

All that seems to make sense.

@dawnwilliams5188 Жыл бұрын

I LOVE the idea of maintenance cleaning and, yes, using products that do not harm my septic system. SMART!

@meljenkins1016 2 жыл бұрын

I've used baking soda and vinegar in my bathroom (bathtub & sink) when I notice the bathtub is not draining fast enough and a clog is starting to happen. Yes, it does work. It does help to get yourself a drain snake to really unclog stubborn clogs.

@brenyz5013 2 жыл бұрын

G I wonder why it didn’t work after 30 seconds

@judegirl7607 2 жыл бұрын

@@pmason6076 ... It works for me. If I stuffed my drains with rags B & V isn't going to do the job.

@rmonroe401 2 жыл бұрын

I just cleared by drain with baking soda and vinegar if he added boiling water to his experiment it would have worked. Plus you have to wait for it to dissolve the hair.

@adriennef1770 Жыл бұрын

On slow moving drains due to inadequate slope, baking sida and vinegar may have reverse affect by clogging drain more as baking soda balls up and does not move.

@itsjustme7487 Жыл бұрын

I've been using the BS and vinegar and plunger method since I was divorced 30+ years ago. I've only called a plumber when the shut-off valve for the bathtub stopped working.

@Caronin0 Жыл бұрын

I only use baking soda and vinegar to loosen the calcium build up it doesn’t unclog the drain you still need to pull the hair out yourself but vinegar helps eating away the build up of calcium inside the drain and it also kills drain fly and their larvae deep down and vinegar is a natural odor repellent

@michaelaitchison154 Жыл бұрын

Baking soda and vinegar worked for me. I had a jam probably about 30' or so down the kitchen drain. I know it was pretty far down by how much water had to be put in the drain before it backed up. I waited until the pipe was nearly empty as it was a s l o w drain. I put about 1/2 box or soda and about of quart of vinegar and maybe a gallon of water down the drain----and waited about 1.5 hours. I then turned on the water and the water DID back up. Then I plunged it with a good plunger and it freed the clog! Sorry Mr. Balkan and Co. it worked for me. Enjoyed the video with sound effects none the less.😀

@javier232 2 жыл бұрын

I unclogged my drain with boiling water and baking soda today. It took a few passes, but it worked well.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

To Javier Vasquez: Use warm water, not boiling. Keep up the patience and good work. Roots can be dissolved over time with basic solvents. Excessive T paper will paper the cracks, meeting the municipal sewer drain.

@woodstream6137 2 жыл бұрын

@@eddyvideostar just had them jet a root ball in my main drain. Put some zoebeck root killer in later. Going to do this yearly from now on. Last root clog was 5 years ago.

@deanlongfellow5154 Жыл бұрын

@@eddyvideostar my drains are regularly experience warm water. Not sure what the point of warm water would be. Heck I take HOT showers. I get great results with non chemical drain fixes. The cheapest is a kettle of boiling hot water.

@paulna5526 Жыл бұрын

it's a proven fact that mixing bs and vinegar does nothing but produce water, it's about chemistry problem

@petemiller519 Жыл бұрын

It may not get rid of rocks and mud, but vinegar and baking soda does clean soap scum which is a big cause of bad odors.

@SIGNALacquired Жыл бұрын

The baking soda and vinegar is to break up calcium deposits in the pipe walls. calcium deposits make the pipe hole smaller.

@hfxfirefighter Жыл бұрын

Aren't you supposed to let the baking soda and vinegar work for a while? Let chemistry take effect?

@phant0mwolf421 2 жыл бұрын

Mix the baking soda in water, then poor it down the drain, so it reaches the clog. Then pour in vinegar, and quickly cover the drain.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

Phantom: No: You want the best continuous effervescence: which is done with baking soda and vinegar.

@stevenfoust3782 Жыл бұрын

That setup was falsely done. Most drain clogs are hair and soap products goo. Toilet clogs are different. I’d say the baking soda and vinegar is an excellent maintenance method to keep sink and tub drains cleaned of build up but not necessarily an unblocking method.

@edgarpayne8673 8 ай бұрын

My clog cleared via two rounds of baking soda and vinegar ❤

@pastypatsy7515 Жыл бұрын

What is the black debris that looks sludgy under the drain stopper and in the drain ? It’s all the way up to the actual drain opening

@rackets7991 Жыл бұрын

.Baking soda & vinegar is a way to clear a sink drain.. And it is a measured amount, not as much as you want to use. Nowhere have I seen it as a way to unblock a main drain.. Use it often and it has done its job.. Also need to follow up with boiling water as the last step... Works well in bathroom drains. You can see the procedure done on KZfaq by someone not trying to selling you something..

@marksreviewsandrants8554 Жыл бұрын

I have been doing that for years in my bathtub,I pour boiling water on top of it,it always worked, and I did this on my on,no youtube and no one told me.

@fredfloyd34 Жыл бұрын

Well its wrong 1.hot water 2.1cup backing soda 3.2 cups vinegar 4. Hot water

@JosephMullin Жыл бұрын

The baking soda and vinegar will not clear a clog but it keeps the pipes clean so you don't get a clog. It is a preventative measure.

@MAGAMAN Жыл бұрын

You might as well be pouring water and sand down your drain.

@drdancel 3 ай бұрын

I bought one of the bladders at the end of the video and it worked like a charm! Thanks!

@balkanplumbing 3 ай бұрын

Cool. Thank you.

@CashewBestofNuts Жыл бұрын

You never plugged the end to build pressure like your air gun does...

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

True true. Here’s a 2nd better attempt Clogged Sink Drains? Baking Soda & Vinegar Can Be A Cure! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9KPa5ejmrybeWg.html

@QuantumSorceress Жыл бұрын

The last step is boiling hot water, which you didn't use...

@nityanandi Жыл бұрын

Nothing would dissolve soil. He just wants to sell videos. KZfaq pays for so many clicks.

@eduardoazmitia8522 Жыл бұрын

This is a misguided experiment. I have used vinegar and baking soda works for grease well. They did not allowed the time for grease to dissolve.

@mwadewda7974 2 жыл бұрын

Didn't even use clear pipes so for all we know he could've done something to the pipes, why not see it working in action?

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

Here you go: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html

@mwadewda7974 2 жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing Neat, thanks, that's the kind of thing I like to see. You can see everything in action making it entertaining to us people that don't dive into that industry, it's why power washing video clips are popular. I bet you could make a 10 minute clip of drains unclogging without speaking and people would love it if they can see everything in action with the clear pipes.

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

@@mwadewda7974 Thanks for your kind words. We try things, we learn, we do better the next time!

@katkit1125 24 күн бұрын

I used baking soda and vinegar leave for 5min and used hot water and plunger to help and it unclogged really nice

@glennnancy1959 2 жыл бұрын

they did not cover the drain to create pressure,with the vinegar and baking soda solution otherwise it should work

@G2040T 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice video, however you missing the two main ingredients (salt and hot water) Well if you add time to that will be three.

@josephcarlat9414 2 жыл бұрын

I would say that vinegar would be good for loosening calcium build up. Let it sit for a few hours. Then flushing the vinegar and loosened calcium out with plain water. Then filling the same pipes with baking soda and water mixture, to neutralize any corrosive effects of the vinegar. Then flushing again with water.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

To Joseph Carlat: The purpose of the Baking soda and vinegar *mix;* is the effervescence to make the solvent more powerful, doing as you had stated. Rid the clog -- then "clean" the pipes.

@GKFC 2 жыл бұрын

Nearly. You should also add salt first which is abrasive to the clog. Then hot water afterwards. Careful with boiling water as some older pipes might get affected by the heat (similar to putting cooking oil down them).

@woodstream6137 2 жыл бұрын

Salt dissolves, not abrasive in solution.

@GKFC 2 жыл бұрын

Table salt perhaps. Rock salt is a lot more resilient and abrasive.

@JM-hg5ss 3 жыл бұрын

Whether it works or not no one knows by this test. Water doesn't usually run uphill. Your pipe is level then a drastic "U" and level again. How is the water supposed to drain? At least elevate the end so that water flows otherwise that little bit of water only makes it as far as the "U".

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for reaching out. That "drastic U" that you refer to is a trap. Which is typically on every plumbing fixture (sink, shower, toilet, you name it). That is where most clogs occur. that is why this demonstrated the minimal effect that baking soda and vinegar has on any drain. To each their own! To me it is a possible temporary remedy or no remedy at all when other methods are truly appropriate.

@JM-hg5ss 3 жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing you also have the drains usually going straight down to the "U" so that there is at least some pressure to flow. Here you have a small amount of water with no pressure to it at all. A few cups of water will not push a wad of paper uphill. That wasn't even enough water to fill up the pipe going to the clog. Does this method work? I have no clue that's why I watched. However this wasn't even a test. Most pipes for a sink aren't that big and when clogged there will be a full pipe with at least a little standing water helping to push. Even the big name uncloggers says to let it sit then pour an reasonable amount of hot water then "flush" with running water. Again, does this vinegar/baking soda method work? No clue! Am I defending it, no! Just pointing out you didn't really test it.

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

I guess we’ll agree to disagree. Enjoy your summer.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

@@JM-hg5ss: Sinks are simply solved: Remove the traps and clean them out. It is the mainline house sewer line is the issue that is difficult -- and should be the focus of sewer line cleaning.

@lilygen913 6 ай бұрын

may i know, why the pipe design is like this 2:36 ? is this the real design in real life drain pipe? may i know what is the purpose of this design? why there is a curve pipe? i thought it is straight pipe line and inclined pipe.

@balkanplumbing 6 ай бұрын

In nyc every plumbing fixture requires a trap. That’s what you’re referring to as a curve. It creates a water barrier to keep sewer gases out from entering a building.

@嘉義雞肉飯 2 жыл бұрын

I am not going to use such high pressure on the pipe which might be older than me.

@adriennef1770 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Test Guy, How about the myth that roots in your lateral can be cleared with periodic use of sodium chloride/ salt rock and water?

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

We're not really expert on removing roots via chemical methods. But this product has many positive reviews: www.rootxcanada.ca/how-to-use-rootx/

@adriennef1770 2 жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing Thank you

@russellkanning 3 жыл бұрын

no reason baking soda and vinegar would unclog dirt in a few seconds

@MAGAMAN Жыл бұрын

No reason it would unclog a drain ever. One neutralizes the other resulting in a blob of bubbling gunk that doesn't have any magical cleaning powers.

@guruofendtimes819 4 ай бұрын

The best way is probably buy the expandable hose extension and use the water pressure to push the clog out along with a long snake

@kosmotto Жыл бұрын

Vinegar & baking soda is a great CLEANER, AND IT WORKS, It was the only thing that got the ring out of tiolets bowls.

@MAGAMAN Жыл бұрын

Scrubbing is what got the ring off your toilet bowls.

@mrsteresa1999 Жыл бұрын

Boiling water after 10 minutes of letting the vinegar and baking soda set

@TanukiOfficial 2 ай бұрын

You have to use boiling hot water first and then boiling hot water after you put in the baking soda and vinegar. Instructions from Liquidplumr website: *4 STEPS TO UNCLOG YOUR DRAIN WITH BAKING SODA & VINEGAR* Follow these easy steps to unclog your drain: *STEP 1:* Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. *STEP 2:* Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution. *STEP 3:* Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes. *STEP 4:* Pour boiling water down the drain again. The bubbling reaction from the baking soda and vinegar helps to loosen the drain clog, and the boiling water in step 4 helps remove it from your pipes.

@AhJodie 10 ай бұрын

I have used vinegar and baking soda many times, and had it work for sink drains, but one time there was like a whole stick of butter melted in the sink drain, for that, I just untwisted the pipe with a bucket underneath it, and whalla, all free! Toilets don't work so well with that, and too much baking soda can turn into a lump of another problem, but, if you take a bottle of dish soap and dump it into it, come back in 30-60 minutes and plunge a couple of times it usually clears, if not wait another 30 minutes. Another thing I have used is a wet/dry vac for drains, be sure to plug all holes, bathtub and sink are tricky, but it will simply suck the problem out! Then empty the vac and clean it, simple and one time buy for many times uses rather than hire a plumber every time you need in your life!

@donnapevey4672 3 жыл бұрын

This does work I've done it myself. Things that are in the drain have started to break down over time. That's the difference. He's just trying to drum up business for himself.

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

Honestly, doing more sink clog clearings not my point, nor is it lucrative. The bigger point is that using any type of wrench, or no tools at, just remove the sink trap and empty it out. That takes about 10 minutes. It is 100% long lasting. Much smarter people than myself have written articles available online that verify that baking soda and vinegar do not break down grease, or dissolve hair, the 2 biggest causes of clogs. And only under perfectly ideal and rare circumstances will it produce enough pressure to clear out a clog. With that said, it may provide some sort of temporary relief - but no long term solution. It does make wonderful fissing sounds, and bubbling, and can also launch toy rocket ships. To each their own - apparently a lot of folks take their baking soda and vinegar very personally! One of a number of articles online: www.livescience.com/why-baking-soda-vinegar-clean.html

@donnapevey4672 3 жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing You sir are comparing apples to oranges in your video. If my sink is clogged with all that crap I'm smart enough to know, as most people are, that it's going up take much more then baking soda and vinegar to unclog it. Your representation just isn't realistic. Using what you have to prove your theory is misleading. I've done it, so you can't tell me it doesn't work.

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

@@donnapevey4672 We did sort of fill that drain with a lot of stuff, granted. That is why we have a series of planned future videos isolating the effect of baking soda and vinegar's effect on particular types of clogs. More to come...

@light1888 Жыл бұрын

exactly donna.

@michaelnewell6385 4 ай бұрын

I’ve used it as well on minor things. I think the key is minor things. It opened up the drain and water flowed more freely. I know for a fact it worked because it worked for me. I noticed they have a horizontal drain which is probably not the best most conclusive video you could make. Martha Stewart says it works.

@missionary2go4JC 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting, not swayed either way, but if this is a test why does the specialty air gun have to be included-or any other product for that matter. Either it passes the test or not. Just wondering.

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

Honestly, we used the blow bag (it pressurizes the water) just to show how simple a cure for a clog is with the correct tools. Even easier, as almost all sink clogs are inside the trap (the U in this video), is to just unscrew the trap and clean it out. With a wrench that would take about 10 or 15 minutes and be a long lasting solution. Thanks much for reaching out.

@jonburrows2684 3 жыл бұрын

I just use the vinegar and baking soda to kill off the nasty pee smell that somebody keeps peeing while in the tub

@donnapevey4672 3 жыл бұрын

Vinegar and baking soda followed by boiling water will unclog your drain. A NORMAL clog. This is overkill.

@wickedblade 6 ай бұрын

I think your meant to cover the hatch as quickly as you pour the vinegar in as the pressure of the activation is what pushes it out, if you leave it open like he did I don’t think the will be any different, so baking soda then vinegar then quick over the hatch with something hand maybe.

@balkanplumbing 6 ай бұрын

Agreed. This was a first try. Here is a much better 2nd try: Unclog Sinks with Baking Soda and Vinegar Part II kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html

@jamescatlover123 Жыл бұрын

It does unclog but you're missing hot water

@martinradtke5181 3 жыл бұрын

Baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate is ~ "Base". Vinegar is Acetic Acid is ~ "Acid". Combined they have a chemical reaction....mostly foam and a bit of heat. These ingredients are popular home cleaning remedies.

@Ham549 2 жыл бұрын

That don't work as those ingredients neutralize each other and you lose the cleaning power.

@TheSasquatchNation 2 жыл бұрын

Pfffft....I’ve used just straight white vinegar without the baking soda and it did just fine.

@cristianogomez7731 Жыл бұрын

Even my limited knowledge knows they didn't do proper set up. Why do tankless water heater companies suggest using vinegar? Should you use hot water?

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Tankless water heaters get mineral build up over time. White vinegar helps remove mineral deposits. Hope that helps.

@clowninartzvp Жыл бұрын

Just cleared a clogged bathtub drain yesterday, it took care of the hair ball that would not pull through the grate/screen of the drain. I call bull! But if it was my profession I would say it wasn’t time efficient. Not that it’s a myth.

@guruofendtimes819 4 ай бұрын

The key is you have to seal the top of the pipe after you put the vinegar and baking soda in so I can build pressure up to push the clogged

@lukaskyle8640 3 жыл бұрын

This is so bad and only reinforces stereotypes of "professionals" being shady and ripping people off. Instead of trying to disprove the effectiveness of baking soda and vinegar, he would have served himself and his industry more, if he had shown how using this combination could be a solution for small clogs and then highlighted where professionals come in, he would have succeeded in both providing valuable information as well as building trust and confidence in his company.

@donnapevey4672 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly my point in my comment above. I think everyone is smart enough to know baking soda and vinegar will not unclog that mess. But to say it doesn't work at all is very misleading.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

@@donnapevey4672: These solutions could work given a longer-term time horizon, investing in more of the stuff.

@paulna5526 Жыл бұрын

it's a proven fact that mixing bs and vinegar does nothing but produce water, it's about chemistry problem. in 3 seconds you have nothing but water, it's a fact

@muffin2u63 Жыл бұрын

I've never tried it, but I've heard some just dump a good bit of dishwashing liquid and let it sit overnight to loosen up the clog.

@MAGAMAN Жыл бұрын

Dishwashing liquid will build up clogging the drain even more.

@muffin2u63 Жыл бұрын

@@MAGAMAN You rinse it down with boiling/hot water. People wash dishes everyday with dishwashing liquid. My drain is not clogged.

@bearnecessiteespolio5359 Жыл бұрын

Liquid that goes in a dishwasher machine? Or liquid that is for manually washing dishes by hand?

@muffin2u63 Жыл бұрын

@@bearnecessiteespolio5359 For washing dishes by hand.

@muffin2u63 Жыл бұрын

@@MAGAMAN I wash dishes by hand all the time and my drain hardly ever is clogged. It's made for washing dishes, just like detergent is made for washing clothes. I always use liquid detergent instead of the powder in the washer because powder really builds up over time. If I need to unclog my drains, I use a hand pump I bought on amazon and it builds pressure, you put it over your drain, then press the button. That works great for me without chemicals.

@rickselby8068 Жыл бұрын

As a plumber, I periodically use a little baking soda and vinegar to clean drains. I’ve never needed it for clogs. “I would never use draino”

@Helmuesi911 Жыл бұрын

Why do you have “I would never use draino” in quotes?

@seville2519 10 ай бұрын

Duh. Draino eats up pipes.

@anthonycrossley2426 Жыл бұрын

I completely remove the Plastic Pipes in Kitchen and Laundry and rinse out with a Scrubber..time consuming..but works a treat....

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Now you are saying something meaningful. Little skill involved, sure fire cure. More folks should simply do this! Thanks.

@Santaheckler Жыл бұрын

Nothing beats a drain bladder…

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Finally a sensible and on point response. There is hope for the drain world!

@mylovesongs2429 7 ай бұрын

so tell me how it works.

@jdcable Жыл бұрын

I AGREE with wil, you didnt set up the experiment correctly, you didnt wait 10 minutes to let the baking soda and vinegar dissolve but i use a small sink plunger that "assists" after pouring hot water after waiting 10 minutes, (i did call a pro, he didnt fix it..i ended up doing it and was successful in cleaning the clog)

@albertocabrera6614 2 жыл бұрын

@balkanplumbing I find if difficult to believe a drain is clogged with solid butter. I saw this video before I tried this method. I already had both products. My lost if it did not work was $2, so no big deal if it failed. But I did not follow what you did because you missed two important steps. I now realized you did that on purpose. I went ahead poured the baking soda, then the white vinegar. Waited 15 mins and then pour boiling water. I did it a second time for good luck. After I did that, I cleaned my shower floor and then took a shower. No issue. The water drained and did not pool like it did before. So the baking soda and vinegar method works. Maybe it will not work with a solid piece of butter and using cold water, but for the issue I had, this method when done correctly worked flawlessly.

@maninthemiddle55 2 ай бұрын

Ok, judging from the comments here it appears that many people have found success using baking soda and vinegar. But my question is different: does baking soda and vinegar damage cast iron piping?

@balkanplumbing 2 ай бұрын

Well vinegar is acidic and combining the two does create salt. Both those things hurt pipes. But I’m not really sure, because how frequently are you introducing those into your pipes anyway? Hard for me to say.

@maninthemiddle55 2 ай бұрын

@@balkanplumbing Thanks for the timely response. I may have answered my own question, from the Wikipedia entry on rust: “Other degrading solutions are sulfur dioxide in water and carbon dioxide in water. Under these corrosive conditions, iron hydroxide species are formed. Unlike ferrous oxides, the hydroxides do not adhere to the bulk metal. As they form and flake off from the surface, fresh iron is exposed, and the corrosion process continues until either all of the iron is consumed or all of the oxygen, water, carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide in the system are removed or consumed. When iron rusts, the oxides take up more volume than the original metal; this expansion can generate enormous forces, damaging structures made with iron.” So the carbon dioxide and hydroxides formed from the neutralization of the vinegar with baking soda can/will degrade iron pipe. Your question, about how often the baking soda/vinegar combination is used, is spot on. I’ll use it only occasionally but not more than absolutely necessary.

@tassie7325 Жыл бұрын

There is a huge difference between cleaning a sinks drain pipes and trying to un-clog a blocked drain pipe.

@thomastucker5686 Жыл бұрын

Baking soda and vinegar is a joke, a myth, useless. After the bubbles, you end up with salt water. Just start with salt water if that is your intention unless the wonderful bubbly show is what you are after. This myth just carries on.

@SurefireWoodsman Жыл бұрын

Exactly, their example is a farce to sell something expensive. Putting in a giant fresh drain plug and clearing a slowly developed clog is not a fair comparison.

@trixysvinylmusicfordjs8799 10 ай бұрын

nice video but the engineers method wont clear pipes with months of calcified deposits in them though... especially with pipes that have been narrowed by calcification...

@balkanplumbing 10 ай бұрын

Agreed. Frequently snaking is required.

@rhondablessing9445 Жыл бұрын

Baking soda and vinegar works. The only thing you did not do is the boiling hot water. I have used this for about 5 years and never needed a plumber. I also, pour in my drains 2x a year for prevention. I pay about $3.00 a year...Not $300.00!!!!

@mmichaels5345 2 жыл бұрын

Would have been better to mix the "clog" ingredients in a cup and then put it down it. That much butter on top of all the other stuff acted as a seal. That would be like pouring fat alone down your drain. I don't think the "clog" was real-world. I do like the way they get rid of them without dangerous drain cleaners. I've read that vinegar/BS mix is really best for maintaining the drain vs unclogging. I prefer plunging.

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

All valid points. This was actually our 1st attempt at testing out baking soda and vinegar, so we were also sort of just having some fun with it.. Here's perhaps a more on-point attempt: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html . Thanks for the feedback.

@eddyvideostar 2 жыл бұрын

To MM: The BKSD and vinegar are good for maintenance. Notwithstanding, the BKS's fizz is what helps the solvent work. Over time this can corrode the clog.

@docholiday9513 Жыл бұрын

My mom never had a clogged tub ever because she would put baking soda in tub to remove stains and rinse with hot water and bam she never needed vinegar because it never got outta hand lol

@porchy4104 2 жыл бұрын

What about grease? Need something to cut the grease? Water and air don’t cut grease?

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

For grease stoppages there are no easy answer,s. There is soft grease and hard grease. Hard grease may need a water jet, or just replace the sink trap or sink drain pipes if they're accessible. Soft grease may be moved and cleared by baking soda and vinegar, YMMV (your mileage may vary). Check out our later video that may be more helpful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html. A snake or auger will frequently just spin around in the grease, but not remove ti form inside the pipes. Hope that helps!

@porchy4104 2 жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing thank you for time in replying, 😊

@veronicavasco2572 Жыл бұрын

We had a horrible clogged toilet a couple days ago. The plunger did nothing so we decided to pour a huge jug of vinegar into the toilet. There was already some clean water sitting in the toilet so we gave it a few plunges and already brown stuff started bubbling up but it wouldn't flush. We let it sit for 24 hours, but when we tried to flush it down, it wouldn't move. We tried the plunger, still wouldn't move. Then I remembered reading how vinegar and baking soda work well together for drains. I poured an entire box of baking soda into a large bowl of warm-hot water and stirred it until it was completely dissolved. I then poured it slowly into the toilet (because I knew how BS and vinegar reacted together). It bubbled up huge. So, I continued to pour it in slowly until the entire BS mixture was emptied into the toilet. We also let this mixture sit for 24 hours. When we flushed the toilet, without hesitation, the clog was cleared. What a relief. I wonder how much money we saved. We were going to call a plumber if that mixture hadn't worked. So, because these pipes are really old, we're going to do this mixture every 4 months for upkeep. Sorry guys, but your test wasn't realistic. You definitely need to let it sit for a day so it can work its magic. I must admit, your video was quite entertaining.

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Baking soda and vinegar actually clears out clogs by the pressure the gas creates. The section of the pipe must be enclosed, that maintain the gas pressure. Here’s actually a better test after we learned from our first attempt how to do a better example. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9KPa5ejmrybeWg.html

@veronicavasco2572 Жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing Wonderful...I'm going to check it out. Thanks!

@gwine9087 11 ай бұрын

To be fair, that was some major clog.

@balkanplumbing 11 ай бұрын

Honestly, we were sort of just fooling around a bit and testing things out for ourselves. We did 2 better videos after this one.

@mattie9419 10 ай бұрын

Water bladder didn't work used it down the main and sewer tub still clogged nothing in the tub p trap

@balkanplumbing 10 ай бұрын

The agitation of snaking is frequently the solution. Electric or hand auger. Hope that helps.

@shaunwalley 5 ай бұрын

Next video please use CLEAR pipework so we can SEE the effects of the cleaner in action, thank you.!

@balkanplumbing 5 ай бұрын

Here you go! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html

@robertrockwell7581 Жыл бұрын

if anything it will make it smell better.

@paulle1553 2 жыл бұрын

So size DOES matter. Just add 2 more inches to the air gun and you get a satisfied unclogged pipe :)

@soloneptune5637 2 жыл бұрын

I just use the high acidic fluid i buy from tradies warehouee bunnings... the sell this hydro clean chemical specially for clogged sinks...just pour it accordingly ....

@vanessawhetstone4251 2 жыл бұрын

Follow up w boiling water

@Trex1268 2 жыл бұрын

All drains are vented. Good luck trying to build up pressure with that thing.

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

True. But fixture traps are vented downstream. Meaning past the trap. Most clogs in sinks are in the trap, hence pressure can be obtained by covering the drain inlet.

@zeke112964 Жыл бұрын

Vinegar is an acid and baking soda neutralizes acid. That chemical reaction produces a salt and water and also carbon dioxide gas

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Yup. And creates pressure to push out clogs.

@zeke112964 Жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing It can't push anything if there's an open end on the drain. Even if it was closed off I doubt it would create enough pressure to make a difference

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Agreed. This was a first lighthearted attempt to see what would happen. We did two better tests on KZfaq afterwards. In the others we learned to pressurize the pipe. Then it worked just fine, as you suggest.

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Here’s a better test like you suggested: Unclog Sink Drain Clogs: Baking Soda & Vinegar Part III kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9KPa5ejmrybeWg.html

@bethshoaf Күн бұрын

I saw this as a video looking to disprove baking soda, and vinegar to unclog drains. And then one of his comments, he basically insults people who are attached to their baking soda and vinegar. These people are just not a reliable source. Someone wants to pay money to hire a plumber go for it. The rest of us look for ways to save money.

@penny8579 6 ай бұрын

I heard you add salt whatever this guy was not trying to make it work. Almost anything you use to unclog a drain will require some air to be pumped in to push the clog out or hot water.

@marysharp6366 2 ай бұрын

I have used baking sofa and vinegar for 60 years it works like magic

@balkanplumbing 2 ай бұрын

On clogs or slow drains or for both?

@balkanplumbing 2 ай бұрын

Here’s a better video btw. Unclog Sinks with Baking Soda and Vinegar Part II kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html

@marysharp6366 2 ай бұрын

On slow drains

@balkanplumbing 2 ай бұрын

@@marysharp6366 Interesting. On our 2nd video (I sent you a link) it clearly worked on a clog due to the gas created. On a sink the overflow would have to be blocked to let the gas pressure build up.

@marysharp6366 2 ай бұрын

@@balkanplumbing Thanks for sending the link to your 2nd video which I watched, it was very interesting.

@nancyarif5298 11 ай бұрын

Demonstration wasn't done properly doesn't happen in an instant.I use baking soda, vinegar it does work!!!!! Plumbers want your money!!!! For simple matters!!!!

@annieoakslee Жыл бұрын

They didn't flush the drain ...There was no water in it when they used the vinegar

@balkanplumbing 2 жыл бұрын

This was an initial attempt at a baking soda and vinegar video, and obviously somewhat lighthearted, and made with no ill intent. We've actually made 2 follow up videos that may be more on point: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9KPa5ejmrybeWg.html and kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gt2Dm8Z3lsuvpJ8.html. Hoping you find these 2 more meaningful.

@solveigmortensen2608 2 жыл бұрын

Point taken. Cause the baking soda and vinegar might do it for some more minor jobs, but that air pump and extended hose really got er done. Sooo

@DavidBalkan 2 жыл бұрын

@@solveigmortensen2608 Just an FYI: A blow bag / flush bag I believe costs less than $30.00, and is great as blowing out clogs. All that is needed is a water supply. Because essentially water does not compress, once the bag pressurizes, many clogs will be pushed out of the drain line.

@stevemouton7531 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe I’m reading into the lines too much but it’s in your business benefit that it doesn’t work, plus you forget the dishwashing liquid, anyhow, it always works at my house…..

@CashewBestofNuts Жыл бұрын

Makes impossible clog step 1

@tractorfone5567 Жыл бұрын

I use the wet vac on clogs.

@markhildebrand2417 Жыл бұрын

They're doing it all wrong. I use baking soda & vinegar all the time to clear drains. First of all you don't just start throwing it all into the drain. You add about a half cup of baking soda then pour about a cup of vinegar in and let it sit for thirty minutes and add another cup of vinegar wait another half an hour and you should start seeing results. They waited 30 seconds at most which doesn't give it a chance to work.

@CHAOSMOVEMENT Жыл бұрын

I cleared a bad clog yesterday. Pulled the P trap, bunch of Asian noodles and other stuff half clogging it, then went further back with a claw snake and felt some serious obstruction. Broke that up best I could and ran Liquid Plumbr for 20 minutes then a bunch of hot water and it's clear.

@edl653 3 ай бұрын

Vinegar is an Acid and Baking Soda is a Base, so they will neutralize each others PH.

@balkanplumbing 3 ай бұрын

And that fact has nothing to do with their effectiveness as a drain cleaner which is based upon the gas they form.

@rjb7569 Жыл бұрын

I didn't have my glasses on when I read the title. I thought it said: *"Cleaning Brains With Baking Soda And Vinegar."*

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

Exactly!!! Pour in one ear, and make sure to block the opposite ear to create adequate pressure. I love it! No need for a plumber for sure…

@bobisolano3161 Жыл бұрын

I use b.soda+vinegar for maintenance/cleaning, NOT CLEARING pipes. I use "bladder" and compressed air but they can blow junctions apart. All chemicals for cleaNing and cleaRing are very corrosive and will eat up the plumbing in the long run. Baking soda and vinegar is a combination of 2 good cleaners. Vinegar is a great decacificant and calcium is a big factor in pipe build up and clogs.

@onebadmoto5081 4 ай бұрын

I literally just did this and it worked so…

@jolietia Жыл бұрын

What about citric acid?

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

I think many folks do not seem to understand that baking soda and vinegar combined makes gas. Gas if contained properly creates pressure and can force out a clog. A lot of the other personal experiences described are just that. Not really based on anything. We did 2 other better videos than this initial lighthearted attempt. The other two illustrate how the pressure of the gas can push out a clog. I do not believe citric acid would have any effect whatsoever on clog. Maybe if left inside metallic pipes it would rot them out like any acid would. Hope that helps.

@jamesdonald8458 Жыл бұрын

B/S and vinegar all day

@TingTingalingy Жыл бұрын

That pressure dohickey he brought it was cool

@balkanplumbing Жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9KPa5ejmrybeWg.html this is actually a better test. We learned from the first initial lighthearted attempt.

@TingTingalingy Жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing of right on, thank you!

@josecarrasco1455 Жыл бұрын

You forgot the Hot Water

@dominiquen1326 Жыл бұрын

I heard baking soda and vinegar kill those little flies that come out your drain not unclog the drain

@woodstream6137 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think vinegar works for grease. Baking soda and vinegar foams up which might release some light dirt, it might generate some pressure on a sealed system and loosen a clog but doubt it. When you make salad dressing with vinegar and oil, the vinegar doesn't do anything to the oil.

@ChelaTee1 3 жыл бұрын

It worked for my drain

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

I'm interested if you had a slow drain, a slight clog - or a full fledged clogged drain. As an FYI Arm And Hammer themselves only recommends baking soda and vinegar for a slow moving drain or a mild clog. From - www.armandhammer.com/articles/baking-soda-cleaning-hacks

@donnapevey4672 3 жыл бұрын

@@balkanplumbing Then to better prove your point it doesn't work why didn't you compare it to a small clog or a slow moving drain?

@balkanplumbing 3 жыл бұрын

@@donnapevey4672 more videos to come to illustrate how baking soda and vinegar effect different types of clogs. Stay tuned…