Social media is packed with videos that promise quick fixes for just about everything, including clogged drains. From TikTok tutorials to YouTube “plumbing hacks,” countless creators swear by simple pantry staples like baking soda, salt, or even cola to clear your pipes. These solutions look appealing, cost next to nothing, and seem harmless enough.
However, when it comes to deep plumbing issues—especially those involving your main sewer line—these DIY tricks rarely deliver the results they promise. And worse, they can cause more trouble than they solve. Understanding why are home remedies for tree roots in sewer lines not effective enough can help homeowners avoid costly damage down the road.
Trending DIY Hacks (and What They Claim to Do)
Here are some of the most common homemade sewer cleaning methods circulating online:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This classic fizzing combo is often recommended for everything from clogged sinks to bathroom drains. Supposedly, the bubbling reaction helps break down grease and residue.
What actually happens? The reaction does create movement, but only enough to loosen minor blockages in small pipes—not deep inside your sewer line.
2. Hot Water and Salt
Some videos suggest pouring boiling water mixed with salt down the drain to melt away grime or soap buildup.
Reality check: While hot water can dissolve light grease, it won’t move solids, roots, or years of buildup in a main line. Salt, in this context, offers little benefit and might contribute to pipe corrosion over time.
3. Cola and Mentos or Cola Alone
A dramatic soda explosion might look like a cleaning miracle, but it’s more likely to make a mess than a difference.
Truth is: Cola is acidic, but not enough to eat through stubborn clogs or reach more than a few inches beyond the sink trap.
Why These “Fixes” Don’t Work on Sewer Lines
Your home’s sewer line is not the same as a kitchen sink or shower drain. It’s a wide, underground pipe that connects your plumbing to the municipal sewer or septic system. Blockages here are serious, and they often involve:
- Tree root intrusions
- Compact waste buildup
- Collapsed or cracked pipes
- Grease hardened into solid blockage
Most DIY methods barely reach beyond the immediate drain. They don’t have the pressure, reach, or chemical strength to affect anything deeper than the P-trap. In fact, trying to force these materials into the sewer line can cause backflow or push the clog further, worsening the blockage.
The Risks of DIY Sewer Cleaning
Hoping to save time and money, homeowners often attempt these tricks first. Unfortunately, many discover too late that the consequences are more expensive than they imagined.
Here’s what could go wrong:
- Worsening the clog: Gentle bubbling isn’t enough to remove compact waste. In some cases, these mixtures add more material to an already full pipe.
- Causing pipe damage: Hot water or abrasive materials like salt and baking soda may damage older or corroded plumbing.
- Missing the real problem: DIY hacks can temporarily disguise symptoms without addressing root causes like root growth, pipe breaks, or sagging lines.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
Trying out a kitchen concoction for a slow-draining sink might be harmless. But if you’re dealing with frequent backups, bubbling toilets, or a foul odor from multiple drains, these are signs of a deeper sewer issue.
Professional plumbers use specialized tools like hydro jetting machines and sewer cameras to properly diagnose and resolve the issue. These techniques not only remove the clog entirely but also prevent future problems.
With expert teams like Ben’s Plumbing, you can count on certified professionals who know how to tackle sewer line blockages safely and efficiently—without causing more damage. Instead of guessing what’s going on underground, you’ll get accurate insights and long-term solutions.
DIY hacks might seem like a quick fix, but when it comes to sewer lines, they’re usually no match for the real problem. These social media tricks can work for minor surface clogs—but not for the heavy-duty blockages hiding in your main sewer pipe.
If you’re facing a recurring or stubborn clog, skip the cola and salt experiments. Call a trusted plumbing expert who can assess and clean your system with the right tools and expertise. In the long run, it’s safer, smarter, and often more affordable.