Drain clogs are one of the most irritating home maintenance issues. Nobody wants to deal with them, but they’re one of those things we know we have to deal with before things get out of hand.
The question is, how do you get rid of a clog? There are several methods, but one approach that many people swear by is pouring Cola down the drain.
But is this really possible?
Did it just make the problem worse or solve it? And what about other methods for unclogging a drain—do they actually work?
In this article, we are going to find out everything you need to know about how to unclog a sink or bathtub drain using Cola. Also, we will look at other drain cleaning methods and see when it’s time to call a professional Drain and Toilet Clog Services in Columbia and Mid-Missouri.
Is Coca-cola a good drain cleaner?
It sounds like an urban legend, but the answer is yes. Cola is so effective at cleaning drains that it’s actually used as a drain cleaner in many parts of the world. And it’s not just regular old Coca-Cola that works—it’s even effective with diet colas!
So why does cola work so well at cleaning drains?
Coca-cola contains citric acid, phosphoric acid, and carbonic acid. These are all acids that help to break down food waste in drains. The carbonic acid also helps to remove grease and oil from the pipes.
The citric acid is what gives the drink its unique taste and fizz. It also dissolves grease and other grime that can clog up a drain. The citric acid also breaks down soap scum, which can build up in tubs and sinks over time.
The high sugar content of the drink also helps to break down any fat or oil that may be blocking the pipe.
When you pour cola into a clogged drain, it eats away at the sludge that has built up since your last cleaning session. It also dissolves any hair or debris that may have gotten stuck between cleanings.
How to unclog drain with cola?
When you have a clogged drain, you might be tempted to use harsh chemicals or expensive tools to get it working again. But there’s an easier way: Cola!
The best part about how to unclog the shower drain? You can do this yourself without any special tools or training! Just follow the below step-by-step instructions on how to unclog your drains with cola!
- Find the drain, and clean it out. Make sure there’s no debris or gunk blocking the opening.
- Pour a can of cola into the drain to help loosen up any stubborn blockages.
- Leave it for about one or two hours before removing the cola with boiling water. The carbonation in the cola will make the soda bubble up, which helps get rid of any gunk that may be stuck in your pipes!
When will cola be effective for drain cleaning?
Cola is an effective drain cleaner in the following five situations:
- When your pipes are clogged with grease or oil, cola will dissolve them so you can flush them away.
- If you have a waxy buildup in your drains, cola will dissolve and let you remove it easily.
- If you have a toilet that won’t flush properly because of a build-up of hair or another foreign object, pouring cola down the toilet will loosen it up and make it easier to remove.
- Cola is also great for removing rust stains from sinks and tubs, so if you have those kinds of problems on a regular basis, keep some cola handy!
- Finally, if your drain has become plugged with debris such as food scraps or other non-organic materials (such as plastic), cola works as an excellent solvent to help break down these materials so they can be flushed away easily without damaging your plumbing system or pipes.
However, Cola, a popular soft drink among many people all over the world, is not considered an effective drain cleaner to unclog shower drains.
The acids and sugar in colas may not be potent enough to dissolve the buildup of grease, hair, and other materials that cause blockages in pipes.
Moreover, carbonation in colas can create more bubbles and pressure that push the blockage further down the pipe, making the problem worse.
So what to do for unclogging drains? Wondering? That’s what we are going to talk about in the next section.
Other Best Drain Clog Practices
If you are looking for a way to unclog your drain, cola is not the best option. While it is true that cola can help clear out a clogged drain, there are other ways to do so that are less harmful to your pipes and water quality.
Here are a few practices you can follow that can help you avoid those annoying clogs in the future.
Don’t use your drain
What you think is a clog may just be a temporary blockage that can be cleared with a plunger. If you try to use the drain, you may end up damaging the pipes or creating more problems than you started with.
Use a plunger
Plungers are great tools for breaking down small clogs and loosening larger ones. They can be used in sinks, tubs, toilets, and even showers! Just make sure that the plunger fits securely over the drain opening before putting it in motion!
Use baking soda and vinegar
If your drains are clogged, there are a few things you can try. Try using baking soda and vinegar. This is one of the most popular DIY solutions for how to unclog bathtub drain.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar can create enough pressure to clear even the toughest clog.
Just pour them down your drain, let them sit for an hour or so, then pour hot water down to flush out any debris the mixture may have loosened. This solution is great for general clogs, but it won’t help with grease or hair that’s been caught in the drain.
Use a commercial drain cleaner
If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t get your drain cleared, it might be time to turn to more serious solutions like a commercial drain cleaner.
These solutions usually come in powder form, so all you need to do is pour them down the drain and wait for them to work their magic!
Try boiling water
One of the best ways to avoid a clog is by using boiling water. Pour boiling water down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before running cold water through it. This will help loosen any soap residue that may be stuck in your pipes and prevent clogs from forming.
You may need to repeat this procedure several times in order to get rid of everything, but it’s much better than trying to force something down there manually!
Use drain snake
Another option is using a drain snake. This is a device that you would insert into your drain and then turn on water pressure behind it—which causes it to spin around inside of your pipe and pull gunk out as it goes along.
Drain snakes are available at most hardware stores and can be purchased for less than $20—for an easy way to unclog those pesky drains!
Just make sure you read all directions carefully before using any product in your home!
Time to Call Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Columbia and Mid-Missouri!
You’ve tried everything. You’ve tried plunging it, you’ve tried pouring a hot liquid down the drain, and you’ve even tried flushing your drain with a high-pressure hose.
Yet, despite all of that, your drain is still clogged.
If none of the solutions to unclog drain work, it’s best to call a professional Columbia plumber to address the issue!
Master Tech Plumbing is the go-to drain cleaning service in Columbia and Mid-Missouri. We have more than 30 years of experience and can handle any drain clog or pipe repair.
Our services include drain cleaning, sewer inspections and repairs, water heater installation/repair/replacement, leak detection/repair, faucet repair/installation/replacement, and much more!
We are dedicated to offering our customers high-quality work at reasonable pricing. We have been serving the neighborhood since 1990, and our reputation has been built on word-of-mouth referrals from delighted clients like you.
Look no further than Master Tech Plumbing for honest and trustworthy skilled plumbers and HVAC specialists who will get the job done correctly the first time!
To book your appointment for Drain and Toilet Clog Services in Columbia and Mid-Missouri, call us at (573) 777-3660.