Should You Unclog Your Drains With Cola?

cola lined up in store

This Simple Hack

A slow-draining or clogged drain is never a fun time for a homeowner. Usually, when someone notices that the water is taking too long to drain, their first thoughts are:

  1. “It’ll resolve itself over time”
  2. “I bet I can fix it myself”

As much as it pains us to say it, a clogged drain usually won’t fix itself and only gets worse over time. In some situations, yes, you can unclog a drain yourself, but the method you choose is really what makes an impact on your DIY clearing.

Some people may not want to dump chemicals and drain cleaners down their pipes and resort to more homemade resolutions. One of the most popular DIY methods is the Coca-Cola drain cleaning. Does it work? Is it safe on your pipes? Let’s find out!

The Coca-Cola Drain Cleaning Method

Clearing a clogged drain with Coca-Cola is done in three simple steps:

  1. Grab a 2-liter bottle of room-temperature cola and pour it down the affected drain
  2. Let the cola sit in the drain for a few hours
  3. Flush out the drain with hot water and check to see if the clog is cleared

How reliable is this solution? Here are some of the pros and cons that come with the aftermath of this DIY process.

Coca-Cola is a Lighter Solution Than Drain Cleaner

One of the main ingredients in cola is phosphoric acid. Not only can this ingredient break through your teeth if you drink too much of it, but it is also effective when it comes to clearing out the grime in your pipes that is causing the clog.

While phosphoric acid is a strong ingredient for breaking down materials, it is still far less caustic on your pipes than using a store-bought chemical drain cleaner.

Not Recommended For Smaller Clogs

Since cola will stick to whatever it comes into contact with, you want to make sure to use this method on larger clogs that go beyond a slow drain. When the cola meets with a large clog, the acidity in the drink will quickly burn away any grime.

However, if you’re dealing with a small clog and attempt to use cola as a quick fix, be aware that the cola can leave behind a sticky residue that could result in future clogs.

For smaller clogs that you still want to resolve on your own, avoid the sticky mess and try out a combination of 1 cup baking soda, and 1 cup vinegar.

Stille Can’t Unclog the Drain? Call in a Professional!

If you’ve tried out both methods and still can’t get your drain unclogged, it’s time to reach out to a local licensed plumber. The cola and baking soda methods are really two of the safest DIY attempts one can make before they start wandering into dangerous territory.

Instead of trying to snake out a clog with a wire hanger, let a local plumber snake out your drain with the right equipment. A professional plumber can always help you find the clog and use the most effective and safe methods to get your drain flowing back to normal.

Keep Your Drains Flowing With Plumbing Dynamics

Don’t let a clogged drain overflow your mind with frustration. Reach out to the plumbing experts at Plumbing Dynamics and get your plumbing back in shape.

We’ve seen it all and approach every plumbing situation with confidence that we’ll resolve the problem successfully. Contact us today at 214-929-3431 to schedule an appointment with one of our master plumbers.