Households urged to pour 3 ingredients down drains this winter

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Households across the UK with modern PVC drainpipes are being urged to pour three ingredients down drains this winter to remove blockages. Pipes and drains can frequently become…

Households across the UK with modern PVC drainpipes are being urged to pour three ingredients down drains this winter to remove blockages.

Pipes and drains can frequently become blocked during the winter season thanks to the changeable weather conditions, which often sees heavy downpours washing leaves, twigs and other debris into outdoor drains and gutters, while a buildup of soap scum, hair and grease in pipes can cause slow drainage or blockages.

While cleaning your cutters and making sure outdoor drains are clear of any debris is a good place to start to tackle pesky drain cloggages, plumbing experts urge households to avoid using boiling water in an attempt to clear them. Instead, a safer and more effective method is recommended, which comprises three simple ingredients: baking soda, vinegar and hot water.

Most modern homes have PVC pipes rather than cast iron, but these are unable to withstand the extreme heat of boiling water, as the high temperature can cause the plastic to soften, warp, or even melt. Boiling water can also weaken the adhesive in pipe joints, causing them to loosen, while rubber seals can be damaged, leading to leaks over time.

Not only that, thick blockages made from soap, fat or food waste are rarely cleared by boiling water alone, and the water can end up pushing the clog deeper into the system, making it even harder to remove.

Meticulous Plumbing explains: “Here’s the big risk most people don’t think about: PVC pipes. These are common in many modern plumbing systems and are typically rated to handle water temperatures up to around 140F [60C].

"Boiling water straight off the stove can reach 212F [100C], which is more than enough to soften or even warp PVC pipes and joints.

“If your plumbing system includes PVC, repeated exposure to boiling water can lead to pipe damage, leaks, or costly repairs down the line. Even if you have metal pipes, extreme temperature changes can stress the joints and connections over time.”

So instead of boiling water…

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