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

[@wilsmith2907]

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]

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

[@eddyvideostar]

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]

@@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]

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

[@Prodigious1One]

Very good point!

[@PaulBurdo]

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]

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

[@thomastucker5686]

Boiling water will outperform vinegar and baking soda.

[@robertawhiteman6151]

That is too much stuff down that drain come on

[@robertawhiteman6151]

They want there commercial things to sell

[@paulna5526]

bs

[@artistlindaleehall]

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]

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]

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

[@moe9246]

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]

Thank you.

[@mylovesongs2429]

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.

[@Kammitoes]

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

[@TheVicV]

It works… Yea, I don’t trust these guys.

[@jasonpickerill4402]

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

[@c.anderson3444]

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]

😂😂

[@IvanToailoa]

It’s 2024 and I feel the same 😂😂

[@drinks_editor]

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]

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.

[@kosmotto]

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

[@mikeloosen53]

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]

All that seems to make sense.

[@Nycgirl377]

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

[@RobMonty248]

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.

[@hfxfirefighter]

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

[@WINGMAN66]

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…

[@henryptung]

It's a video reviewing an at-home alternative to a professional plumber, coming from a professional plumbing service. The conflict of interest should be very obvious.

[@meljenkins1016]

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]

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

[@judegirl7607]

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

[@rmonroe401]

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]

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]

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.

[@tammywilkins7242]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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]

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]

What would the results have been with just boiling water?

[@balkanplumbing]

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

[@donnapevey4672]

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

[@stevenfoust3782]

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]

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

[@Caronin0]

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

[@kosmotto]

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

[@MAGAMAN]

Scrubbing is what got the ring off your toilet bowls.

[@katkit1125]

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

[@SIGNALacquired]

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

[@phant0mwolf421]

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]

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

[@rackets7991]

.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 KZbin by someone not trying to selling you something..

[@petemiller519]

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.

[@michaelaitchison154]

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.😀

[@lukaskyle8640]

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]

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]

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

[@paulna5526]

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

[@fredfloyd68]

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

[@javier232]

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

[@eddyvideostar]

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]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@drdancel]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

Cool. Thank you.

[@mwadewda7974]

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]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0

[@mwadewda7974]

@@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]

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

[@eduardoazmitia8522]

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.

[@wickedblade]

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]

Agreed. This was a first try. Here is a much better 2nd try: Unclog Sinks with Baking Soda and Vinegar Part II kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0

[@josephcarlat9414]

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]

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.

[@marksreviewsandrants8554]

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.

[@JM-hg5ss]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@eddyvideostar]

@@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.

[@JosephMullin]

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]

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

[@jimmio1622]

Might help sanitize the pipes for drain flies.

[@cristianogomez7731]

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]

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

[@GKFC]

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]

Salt dissolves, not abrasive in solution.

[@GKFC]

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

[@trixysvinylmusicfordjs8799]

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]

Agreed. Frequently snaking is required.

[@AhJodie]

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!

[@porchy4104]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0. A snake or auger will frequently just spin around in the grease, but not remove ti form inside the pipes. Hope that helps!

[@porchy4104]

@@balkanplumbing thank you for time in replying, 😊

[@guruofendtimes819]

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

[@michaelnewell6385]

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.

[@pastypatsy7515]

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

[@adriennef1770]

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]

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]

@@balkanplumbing Thank you

[@anthonycrossley2426]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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

[@manuelortiz5164]

He didn't follow what people have been saying online. They didt use Boiling HOT Water afyer waiting 10 minutes or so for the mixture to work.

[@glennnancy1959]

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

[@nancyarif5298]

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!!!!

[@G2040T]

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

[@maninthemiddle55]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@clowninartzvp]

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.

[@ElCheffrey33]

The videos I’ve seen put boiling water before added the vinegar and baking soda. Then add more boiling water after.

[@balkanplumbing]

Here’s the thing. Info the trap, dump it out, reattach the trap. Takes less time and works 1000% better. To each their own.

[@guruofendtimes819]

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

[@russellkanning]

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

[@MAGAMAN]

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.

[@jolietia]

What about citric acid?

[@balkanplumbing]

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.

[@TanukiOfficial]

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.

[@jamescatlover123]

It does unclog but you're missing hot water

[@donnapevey4672]

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]

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]

@@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]

@@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]

exactly donna.

[@veronicavasco2572]

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]

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. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z53CaWeoartqf5Y

[@veronicavasco2572]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z53CaWeoartqf5Y and kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0. Hoping you find these 2 more meaningful.

[@solveigmortensen2608]

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]

@@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.

[@mattie9419]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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

[@martinradtke5181]

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]

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

[@嘉義雞肉飯]

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

[@vanessawhetstone4251]

Follow up w boiling water

[@muffin2u63]

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]

Dishwashing liquid will build up clogging the drain even more.

[@muffin2u63]

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

[@bearnecessiteespolio5359]

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

[@muffin2u63]

@@bearnecessiteespolio5359 For washing dishes by hand.

[@muffin2u63]

@@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.

[@Snookscat]

PVC drain, or metal

[@mrsteresa1999]

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

[@TheSasquatchNation]

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

[@AlliesClericalChatsAndMore]

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]

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]

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

[@donnapevey4672]

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

[@rhondablessing9445]

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!!!!

[@rickselby8068]

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]

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

[@seville2519]

Duh. Draino eats up pipes.

[@zeke112964]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

Yup. And creates pressure to push out clogs.

[@zeke112964]

@@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]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

Here’s a better test like you suggested: Unclog Sink Drain Clogs: Baking Soda & Vinegar Part III kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z53CaWeoartqf5Y

[@jdcable]

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]

@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.

[@ikedalb5174]

Baking soda and vinegar are not used to clear a clog... It's more used to clean the open drains and keep them from clogging. I have never known any vinegar and baking soda to clear a clot. But to keep the drains open. Yes. I have never had a problem with that. You put the baking soda and vinegar in the drain and let it do its thing and after that, give it a hot water rinse. You should be fine after that, but to clear a clog,,,,,, no.

[@mmichaels5345]

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]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0 . Thanks for the feedback.

[@eddyvideostar]

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.

[@Santaheckler]

Nothing beats a drain bladder…

[@balkanplumbing]

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

[@mylovesongs2429]

so tell me how it works.

[@penny8579]

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.

[@macanthony1982]

you forgot to let the baking soda&vinegar sit in drain for a few minutes then pour hot water, it actually works but not very thick clogs

[@tassie7325]

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

[@thomastucker5686]

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]

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.

[@stephentaylor9366]

I’m hoping this guy is a firefighter, because he doesn’t know crap about mixing various chemicals to get the proper results. There are some reason for drainage plugs that cannot be dissolved with vinegar and water. But many can. Those of us who use this method know it works well. It’s a matter of regular maintenance to prevent these plugs for home owners.

[@manuelortiz5164]

They knowingly didn't do the "mtyhe" correctly according to what people have done and that's why it didn't most likely didn't work.

[@shaunwalley]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0

[@dominiquen1326]

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

[@markhildebrand2417]

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.

[@TingTingalingy]

That pressure dohickey he brought it was cool

[@balkanplumbing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z53CaWeoartqf5Y this is actually a better test. We learned from the first initial lighthearted attempt.

[@TingTingalingy]

@@balkanplumbing of right on, thank you!

[@annieoakslee]

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

[@paulle1553]

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

[@tractorfone5567]

I use the wet vac on clogs.

[@stevemouton7531]

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…..

[@robbieanderson649]

Please block the pipe immediately after adding the baking soda to allow for pressure buildup. Bad demonstration

[@Trex1268]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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.

[@angelohisense7711]

I stopped watching 1/2 way through. Your 'clog' is hardly a real world example. 1/2 stick butter? a cup of dirt? all packed into the trap? Why not just dump some cement in there too? I have read the comments, and you say it was done 'in a light hearted way' only after people point out that only a plumber would make a video like this. If you REALLY care about honest representations, you would REMOVE the video and stick to truthful, honest, helpful info. You clearly have a very successful business and this type of 'lightheated' video does not help your reputation. PS: I do not use baking soda/vinegar --as I don't think it works either. For a real full clog, I think an auger or water pressure are best solutions. Chemicals only if need be.

[@balkanplumbing]

As you so stated this was sort of a lighthearted 1st attempt at us using baking soda and vinegar. It surely was not meant as a promotion for our services, just sort of a learning experience. Here's a followup after we learned from the 1st attempt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z53CaWeoartqf5Y

[@AaronFullerton-rc5fp]

Vinegar and Baking Soda works as a drain cleaner. Specifically from the drain it's self down to the P-Trap. Merely to minimize build up and odors in the open air part of the drain. Not as a clog remover. Therefore the content of this video dose not match the Title :|

[@dinas6845]

I believe that YOU believe that this doesn’t work. I’ve read your responses but this does work 100%. I thinking ppl have explained what you did wrong and I concur with all. There are a few variation but baking soda and salt are the most common. You may add borax and dawn dish soap if you want but not necessary. It depends on how bad the clog is. I’ve left the solution in the pipes for a few hours or overnight and then chased it down with white distilled vinegar. And 30 min later poured boiling water down and literally watched it clear up! It definitely works. I was shocked it worked too trust me but it works and my sinks were CLOGGED. I had to do it twice for one of my sinks because the sink was really clogged but that was it. Just an FYI to you . Denying this fact will make you consumers or potential consumers will not trust you. That’s why you are getting the comments you’ve gotten for this video.

[@dnet4006]

You didnt do it right. Have used this method and it can work. Where u went wrong was not capping it immediately, that gas build up is what forces the clog thru but u have to be quick to cap the drain with your hand and or a stopper and keep it plugged while the co2 build up does its job.

[@balkanplumbing]

Watch this 2nd better attempt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0si=-OsXhBsqBRPxqX5W

[@bobisolano3161]

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.

[@Marysharp6366]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

On clogs or slow drains or for both?

[@balkanplumbing]

Here’s a better video btw. Unclog Sinks with Baking Soda and Vinegar Part II kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqi2mZZ8Zsp-qs0

[@Marysharp6366]

On slow drains

[@balkanplumbing]

@@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]

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

[@robertrockwell7581]

if anything it will make it smell better.

[@rjb7569]

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

[@balkanplumbing]

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…

[@Dudenier]

Fake news! My shower drain was clogged. I physically removed all the hair and debris, still clogged then used baking soda and vinegar, worked like a charm! Not possible to always remove the p trap/s trap piping like you mention in other comments.

[@docholiday9513]

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