Drains will be unblocked in 10 minutes if 1 item is poured down the plughole

Drains will be unblocked in 10 minutes if 1 item is poured down the plughole Drains often become clogged in summer but one item can clear a blocked drain in as little as 10 minutes There's nothing quite as frustrating as washing up, only to find the water draining away at a snail's pace while an odd gurgling noise emanates from the sink. Drains frequently become blocked during summer as foods like melted ice cream, salad leftovers, and grease from burgers are tipped down the sink on a daily basis. This can rapidly cause oils and fats to accumulate in the pipes, forming a thick, greasy coating. It's crucial to clear it promptly, as the odour is known to attract flies at this time of year. Fortunately, the experts at AC Plumbing have revealed a straightforward method for clearing a blocked drain without calling out a plumber or resorting to harsh chemical cleaners — all you need are soda crystals. They explained: "Soda crystals contain sodium carbonate, an alkaline compound that dissolves grease and fatty residues when activated with hot water. Unlike acidic drain cleaners producing corrosive fumes, soda crystals soften and separate grease bonds through alkaline reaction." The majority of household drain blockages consist of grease from food or soap residue, which solidifies into an oily plug that most chemical cleaners simply can't shift, reports the Express. Yet many people mistakenly attempt to unblock their sink using white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, a method that has gained popularity as a social media cleaning hack. While white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can be effective stain removers individually, combining the two merely produces a weak fizzing reaction that generates salt. While the fizzing action can sometimes dislodge bits of food from a drain, it simply isn't powerful enough to break down grease, which is why soda crystals are a far superior option. Soda crystals offer a natural method of unblocking a drain, as their alkaline properties rapidly break down the fat molecules found in grease, allowing any blockage to be flushed away with ease. It's a speedy and reliable way to clear a drain without resorting to harsh chemicals, and it's also incredibly convenient, as soda crystals are widely available in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets for around £2. How to clear a clogged drain with soda crystals If the sink is severely blocked, scoop out as much standing water as possible so the soda crystals can reach the pipes. If it's fairly clear, simply add two to four tablespoons of soda crystals directly into the plughole. Next, fill the kettle to capacity, bring it to the boil, and pour the hot water straight down the plughole. This activates the soda crystals and helps to loosen the grease build-up inside the drain. Leave the sink undisturbed for at least 10 minutes to allow the crystals sufficient time to break down the grease. Once done, refill the kettle and pour the boiling water down the plug to flush the blockage away completely. For particularly stubborn blockages, you may need to repeat this process once or twice more. Nevertheless, soda crystals remain the most effective natural solution for clearing a drain, without the need for expensive chemical cleaners or unreliable social media hacks.