If water takes longer than usual to drain away in your sink or there is a horrible smell coming from the plug then you are dealing with a blockage, but luckily it is very easy to clear. 

Drains can become clogged over time due to the amount of food waste and grease going down kitchen sinks daily while hair and soap residue can cause blockages in the bathroom. 

Some may try to fix this problem by getting out the plunger or pouring pricy cleaners down the drain, but UK Gas Plumbers has shared that the best solution is using soda crystals. 

They said: “When faced with a clogged drain, many people turn to harsh chemical products to clear the blockage. 

“However, there is a more natural and environmentally friendly solution that can be just as effective – soda crystals.”

Why use soda crystals to unblock a drain? 

Soda crystals, also known as washing soda, are highly alkaline which means they can dissolve acidic grease and other organic substances clogging up your sink. 

Drains often become blocked due to grease and other organic fats such as food built up in the sink but soda crystals can break these substances down to clear them. 

It is often recommended to use vinegar or baking soda to clear a blockage, but while these natural cleaning agents can get rid of stains they are not strong enough to get rid of the build-up inside a drain.

The experts said: “When soda crystals are mixed with water, they create a solution that can dissolve grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris that may be obstructing the flow of water through the pipes. 

“This alkaline solution works by breaking down the bonds that hold the blockage together, allowing it to be easily washed away.”

Soda crystals will not only get rid of blockages quickly but they are biodegradable and gentle on your pipes so you clean your drains naturally without having to worry about making the problem worse.

How to use soda crystals to unclog a drain 

All you need to do is first boil the kettle and pour the hot water down the drain as it will help loosen the blockage. 

Then pour half a cup of soda crystals directly into the plug and fill the kettle with water once again. 

Pour the boiled water down the drain once again as it will dissolve the soda crystals to help wash away the blockage. 

Allow the soda crystal solution to sit for at least 30 minutes but you can also leave it overnight for particularly stubborn blockages. 

After waiting, boil the kettle a third time, pour it down the drain to flush away the blockage and ensure the pipes are now completely cleared. 

The experts said: “By following these simple steps, you can effectively use soda crystals to unblock drains and keep your plumbing system running smoothly without the use of harsh chemicals.”