Does Pouring Soda Down The Sink Magically Clean A Drain? Here's The Truth

When you notice your sink draining slowly, oftentimes, something is clogging your pipes. It's important that you find a solution before the issue progresses into further damage or unpleasant odors. Instead of panicking or rearranging your schedule around a plumber, it may be possible to simply flush the blockage. When it comes to flushing out your drain, chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous to you and your pipes, while water alone may not have enough power to clear clogs. Depending on the blockage, sometimes soda pop can be your solution.

Some sodas, like cola, for example, get their tangy taste from an ingredient known as phosphoric acid, though not all sodas are the same. Essentially, phosphoric acid acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It's important to make sure that the soda you choose actually contains phosphoric acid if you want to use it for this purpose. With a higher acidity than vinegar, phosphoric acid can be used to remove rust, break down mineral buildup, and descale pipes. It's actually used in many different commercial products, such as toilet cleaners. In the same way, you'll find that Coca-Cola can actually be used in surprising ways around your house. Although it cannot break down anything and everything that could block your drain, another benefit of phosphoric acid is that, because it is only mildly acidic, it poses less of a threat to older pipes that may be more damage-prone.

When it comes to kitchen essentials to keep your sink and drain clean, soda may not generally be at the top of your list, but it can easily simplify this job. Even better, the process for clearing your drains with soda is not terribly complicated. All you will need is a 2-liter bottle of soda, patience, and some hot water. Consider opting for a diet soda to prevent any sticky residue.

Simply pour the bottle of room-temperature soda down the drain. As the chemicals react, the soda will fizz and break down debris within your drain. Allow two hours for the soda to sit as it works. After the time has passed, pour hot water down the drain to flush out all the broken-down debris. While phosphoric acid can loosen and break down grime, it may not be aggressive enough for hair, food, or other larger blockages. If your drain remains blocked after this process, it may be time to consider something stronger, or you may have to contact a professional.