PVC pipes are unable to withstand the extreme heat of boiling water (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Homes across the UK with modern PVC drainpipes are being urged to pour three ingredients down drains to remove blockages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pipes and drains<\/a> can frequently become blocked during the spring season<\/a> thanks to the often unsettled weather conditions<\/a>, with heavy rain washing leaves, twigs and other debris into outdoor drains and gutters, while a buildup of soap scum, hair and grease in pipes over the winter can cause slow drainage or blockages in early spring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While cleaning your cutters and making sure outdoor drains are clear of leaves and mud is a good place to start to tackle drain cloggages, plumbing experts are urging people to avoid pouring boiling water down drains<\/a> in an attempt to clear them, and instead opt for a safer and more effective method, which comprises three simple ingredients: baking soda, vinegar and hot water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Read More:<\/strong> Households with an induction hob in kitchen urged to spend 50p now <\/a><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> Green algae will brush clean from patios in 5 minutes with 2 ingredients <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Most modern homes have PVC pipes rather than cast iron, but these are unable to withstand the extreme heat of boiling water, as the high temperature can cause the plastic to soften, warp, or even melt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It can also weaken the adhesive in pipe joints, causing them to loosen, while rubber seals can be damaged, leading to leaks over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Not only that, thick blockages made from soap, fat or food waste are rarely cleared by boiling water alone, and the water can end up pushing the clog deeper into the system, making it even harder to remove.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explaining why boiling water shouldn\u2019t be poured down PVC pipes to clear blockages, Meticulous Plumbing said: \u201cHere\u2019s the big risk most people don\u2019t think about: PVC pipes. These are common in many modern plumbing systems and are typically rated to handle water temperatures up to around 140F [60C].<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Boiling water straight off the stove can reach 212F [100C], which is more than enough to soften or even warp PVC pipes and joints.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIf your plumbing system includes PVC, repeated exposure to boiling water can lead to pipe damage, leaks, or costly repairs down the line. Even if you have metal pipes, extreme temperature changes can stress the joints and connections over time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n So instead of boiling water, experts recommend opting for a combination of baking soda, vinegar and hot water (not boiling) to remove blockages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Hot water from the tap helps to wash away a light build-up inside your pipe, while baking soda and white vinegar together create a fizzing and foaming action that can dislodge minor clogs and soap scum from your drain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Experts recommend pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down your drain and allowing this to sit for around ten minutes before rinsing with hot water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dankia Plumbing said: \u201cWhen baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) meets vinegar (acetic acid), they create a powerful reaction that produces carbon dioxide bubbles. Those bubbles? They\u2019re like tiny scrub brushes working inside your pipes to clean away buildup and debris.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s not just the fizzing action that makes this cleaning method so effective. The alkaline baking soda breaks down organic materials like grease and hair, while the acidic vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum that accumulate over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWhen you pour these two cleaning agents together, they tackle different types of buildup simultaneously, making this one of the most comprehensive natural cleaning solutions available.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Blocked](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/1200x712\/secondary\/blocked-outdoor-rainwater-storm-drain-in-britain-6854137.jpg?r=1775896279976\" "\\"Blocked")
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