4 reasons to pour salt down the drain

Salt dissolves matter in pipes

Salt has the ability to dissolve things in clogged drains, including grease. If you find your drains draining slowly, showing signs of an imminent blockage, pour half a cup of salt down, followed by a cup of white vinegar and baking soda. After about 10 minutes, you flush the drain thoroughly.

The salt will help dissolve the clog, allowing it to drain faster when unclogging the drain.

Prevent tree roots from entering pipes

Plant roots often extend to the nearest water source, including the drain pipe. Plants are afraid of salt, so you can pour salt down the drain to prevent roots from attacking the drain.

It's best to pour salt down the drain for cleaning a few times a year.

Get rid of sewer flies

Sewers are the perfect habitat for sewer flies. Adding salt to the drain will prevent them from nesting in the drain and may help kill the critters.

Hard water softener

Salt softens hard water that contains many ionic minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, to help prevent dirt from sticking to the walls of items.

Just put some salt down the drain and leave it overnight. Salt will soften hard water, helping to prolong the life of kitchen and bathroom equipment.

Note: Salt is also corrosive, so users need to be careful when using it. After pouring salt into the drain, drain the water thoroughly.

When using salt water softeners, care must be taken not to leach into the water source, which can be a health hazard.

Kareem Winters

Update 21 March 2023