How to Clean Buildup From Your Drain Pipes

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Things You'll Need

  • Plunger

  • Baking soda

  • Vinegar

  • Boiling water

Use a plunger to loosen buildup in your drain pipes.

When you have buildup in the drain pipes, whether it be food residue in the kitchen sink drain or soap scum in the shower drain, you must remove it. Otherwise, you will eventually have a clogged drain that does not empty properly. The job requires ingredients that combine to dissolve the buildup without requiring you to take apart the drain.

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Step 1

Plunge the drain with a small plunger to loosen the buildup.

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Step 2

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.

Step 3

Slowly drizzle 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar into the drain. When the vinegar hits the baking soda, you'll see an instant fizzing reaction. Leave the ingredients alone for about one hour. This gives the fizzing solution enough time to work through your drain pipes and break apart the buildup.

Step 4

Pour a large pot of boiling water down the drain.

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