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Epsom Salt: Clearing Drains Safely and Effectively

Epsom salts have many uses, and in the case of a clogged drain, they can be an extremely handy tool. Epsom salt dissolves oil and grease, which you can use to dissolve hair, body products, and grease from food spills. However, does Epsom salt clog drains? Even though a professional plumber should remove any obstruction in your drain, Epsom salts will help break down anything causing it to clog.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulphate, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used in the bathtub to make the water feel softer and more relaxing. Epsom salt may also be used on cuts, bruises, and other skin irritations.

It’s made up of two elements: magnesium and sulphate. Magnesium is an electrolyte that helps with muscle relaxation, and sulphates help detoxify the body by pulling out toxins from your organs and glands so they can be flushed out through urine or sweat glands.

Does Epsom Salt Clear Drain?

Epsom salt

Epsom salt is used in bath salts and foot soaks, but it can also be used to clear drains.

Epsom salt is a magnesium sulphate compound. It’s made up of positively charged magnesium and negatively charged sulphate ions. When dissolved in water, the magnesium and sulphate ions separate into their respective salts, creating an electrical charge. 

The electrical charge attracts grease, oil, hair, and other detritus to clog your drain pipes.

The process works because the electrical charge causes the particles to stick together and form clumps that are easy for wastewater to pass through. If enough of this material is in your plumbing system, it can create clear clogs that lead to backups or flooding.

There are two ways you can use Epsom salt to clear drains:

  • Pour it down the drain. Epsom salt is an excellent product for clearing clogs in sinks and tubs. It dissolves easily, so it can get into the drainpipe and break up the gunk blocking your pipes. This is a good way to use Epsom salt if you have a small clog that needs clearing.
  • Salt-water solution. Mixing one cup of Epsom salt with one gallon of warm water makes a powerful cleaner for your drains. Once again, this is excellent if you have only one or two clogged drains; however, if you have several drains that need cleaning, it’s best to call in a professional plumber because this process can take some time and effort on your part.

How to Clear the Drains With Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a natural mineral that is readily available in most homes. It is commonly used to soak sore muscles and clean drains and pipes. Epsom salt can be used to unblock your drain and restore the smooth functioning of your pipe.

  • Before using Epsom salt to clear your drain, you’ll want to ensure that there aren’t any other substances in your drain line that could potentially cause damage if the Epsom salt solution flushed them out. The easiest way to do this is by pouring hot water down your drain line before adding the Epsom salt solution.
  • Prepare the Epsom Salt Solution. Mix one cup of Epsom salt with two cups of boiling water in a bucket or container large enough to hold the entire length of your drainpipe. Stir it well until all clumps are dissolved, and the solution is clear.
  •  Pour the Solution Down the Drain. Pour this solution into your sink or bathtub drain, whichever you want to clean, and allow it to sit there for 30 minutes or so. You may want protection on any flooring and around your sink so that overspray doesn’t get on anything else but your pipes.

Pros of Clearing Drains With Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is an effective home remedy for clearing drains. It has an abrasive property that helps to dislodge and remove blockages in the drain. The salt dissolves easily and works as an excellent drain cleaner.

It’s also safe for pipes and septic tanks, so there’s no need to worry about damaging your water system.

Here are some pros of clearing drains with Epsom salt:

  • Safe for Pipes

Epsom salt is safe for pipes because it’s non-toxic and dissolves easily in water. It doesn’t damage pipes or septic tanks like other harsh chemicals do. So, you can use it without worrying about causing any damage to your plumbing system.

  •  Clears Blockages Fast

Epsom salt clears blockages fast because it has an abrasive property that helps to dislodge and remove them from the pipes. You can use this remedy anytime you see a clog in your drain, even if it’s just a minor one that doesn’t affect the flow of water too much yet.

  •  It’s cheap

This is one of the biggest benefits of using Epsom salts for clearing your drain. Using Epsom salt will cost you next to nothing compared with other methods that may require expensive tools or equipment to be effective. Depending on how advanced they are, these tools can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Cons of Clearing Drains With Epsom Salt

Epsom salt

  • It Can Cause Damage to Your Pipes

The salts can cause the pipes to corrode and even crack over time. They also tend to clog up your drains, which can cause major problems in the long run. 

  • It Can Cause You Health Problems

Epsom salt isn’t good for you because it contains magnesium sulphate, which is toxic to humans and animals. This means that using it in your home could cause health problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, depending on how much of it you consume. It’s also unsafe for aquatic life because it can kill fish and other aquatic species if exposed to too much of it at once, so you’re better off using something else altogether,, if possible, instead of trying this method out yourself.

Final Word

Epsom salt is actually used to unclog drains. Epsom salt is made from magnesium, which a clogged drain lacks. It is important to keep the water line above the drain cover and add the Epsom salt slowly. Too much magnesium in the line will prevent it from flowing further, making it a safe fix. 

However, using this method too often may cause the pipes to become corroded and should be used only as needed in small amounts on a limited basis. But for immediate problems, not calling for emergency service is better for finances and saves time.