A plumbing expert has warned against using a popular household item to unblock drains, as it could cause damage to your pipes and lead to costly repairs in the future Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters White vinegar and baking soda are praised for their eco-friendly properties, as well as being cost-effective. However, when it comes to drains, these two ingredients should be avoided. Mark McShane, a plumbing and heating expert from Boiler Cover UK, has cautioned people that it could lead to damage and expensive repairs.
"Using this mixture too often will corrode your pipes and harm your plumbing system," the specialist told the Express . "A lot of people use baking soda and vinegar for household cleaning because they say it is a cheaper and easier option than buying loads of expensive cleaning products." "It's true that this combination can work for some jobs, but you do have to remember it's a chemical reaction.
When the acetic acid in the vinegar mixes with the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda, it produces foam by releasing carbon dioxide gas, water and other by-products." While this reaction can clean pipes, it can also damage rubber seals and the pipes themselves, especially in older systems. Instead, Mark suggested using dedicated cleaning products that are safe and proven to work.
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