One of the most common plumbing problems in households is clogged drains in the toilets, kitchen sinks, and bathrooms. This is typically due to hair strands, excess oil, and grime when washing or bathing.
Drains can be partially or fully clogged and a tell-tale sign that your drain is partially clogged is when water goes down slowly. On the other hand, you’ll know it’s fully clogged when the water won’t move down the drain at all. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for germs, and it can be one of the most annoying issues that you’ll have to face as a homeowner, especially if the water starts to accumulate.
Because clogged drains are just too common, people have come up with DIY measures to unclog them. One of these is pouring Epsom salt down the drain. But the big question is: Is Epsom salt safe for drains?
Let’s find out!
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It is called Epsom salt because it was discovered in the town of Epsom in Surrey, England.
It has been used for many years for its detoxification and healing properties, as it helps with inflammation and pain relief. However, because of its chemical composition, it has also been found effective for unclogging drains.
Is Epsom Salt Safe?
When Epsom salt is mixed with water, it creates a fizzle and soap reaction. Even if it gets into contact with your skin or eyes, it won’t have any adverse impacts on you. Unlike other strong chemicals, it doesn’t cause skin irritation or affect your lungs.
You can also mix it with other reactive agents such as baking soda or vinegar, and there won’t be any toxic chemical reaction. While it doesn’t instantly damage your drains, it is not recommended to be used too often, especially if they are stainless steel. Also, Epsom salt and hot water can damage the toilet wax or break the porcelain.
While it can clear any form of biodegradable waste and dissolve grime that causes clogs, it is not effective for clearing extreme ones. Serious clogging due to hard objects blocking the drain requires a professional plumber.
Let the Most Trusted Professional Plumbers Help You
Regardless of how careful you are or how well-maintained your house is, your drains can still be clogged. Because of this, you have to be ready to act when it happens. DIY measures such as the use of Epsom salt to unclog your drains can come in handy, especially in situations where an immediate solution is necessary.
However, it is important to note that there is still some risk with DIY. If you’re unsure of what caused the clog, it is not recommended to go the DIY route as you might accidentally mix up certain substances that result in a bad chemical reaction. So when in doubt, call your trusted plumbers right away!
At Rebel Refrigeration, we are one of the most reliable providers of plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration services in Las Vegas. From emergency repairs to installation and maintenance services, we’ve got you covered. The main advantage of working with our professional plumbers is that we resolve issues from their roots, preventing the problem from worsening or reoccurring.
Get in touch with us today so we can discuss how we can help you! Call (702) 766-9436 or contact us here.