why put salt down drain before bed
Kristina Davis

Ever wondered why put salt down drain before bed? We all know and have heard this from our elderly, but what’s the importance of doing so?

I had to find out the reality behind it. I am the type of person who really doesn’t like superstitions.

So, I dug deep and researched the importance of doing so, as well as if it is necessary.

Putting salt down the drain every night doesn’t do anything spectacular in itself. For unclogging, you’ll need to combine salt with baking soda, and vinegar, then pour hot boiling water down the drain. 

Salt as a Cleaning Solution?

salt as cleaning

Upon researching, I’ve found two faces in this discussion.

One is that salt hasn’t been an effective pantry staple for unclogging for some.

The second is that it is a simple, yet effective product for unclogging tight drains.

Salt, generally, is just part of these homemade remedies. You’ll need other products and materials to unclog and clean it

Paul Duffey of South End Plumbing

Experts from South End Plumbing say that salt is just part of the remedy – it’s not entirely the only thing that is going to solve the problem.

Ideally, it is said that salt can break all the grease, soot, and emulsified fats that are stuck inside the inner walls of the pipe effortlessly.

But using it alone might not give you the results that you are looking for.

Does Salt Benefit Your Drains?

salt benefits

Yes and no – it’s a bit complex and confusing, so, let me explain.

Salt is a magical product, and it has been for centuries now. Just recently, DIY experts have recommended it to have certain benefits when it comes to drainages.

But no, salt does not really have any beneficial factors for your plumbing system.

One claim is that coarse salt is effective in scouring the inside of the pipes, which will then be flushed out of the system after pouring boiling water.

However, as mentioned above, it is going to be effective when you combine it with other ingredients and staples. 

Now, let me discuss with you the reasons why plumbers recommend putting salt down the drain before you go to bed.

Why Put Salt Down Drain Before Bed?

why put salt

Putting salt down your drains before you go to bed has been an effective way of clearing your drains, especially during the winter season. 

Before discussing this, though, you’ll need other ingredients and products for clearing your drains.

Typically, you’ll need:

  • Vinegar
  • Hot boiling water
  • Baking Soda
  • Drain cleaner
  • Borax

These are a combination of the different methods and mixtures you can produce.

You won’t combine and mix all of these together – the only common thing you will need is salt and hot boiling water.

How to Clean Your Drains Using Salt

how to clean using salt

Leaving salt down your drains overnight may sound extremely simple, but that’s not what you only have to do.

In fact, there are different methods of how you can leverage salt and use it to ensure that your drains will be free and fresh from clogs.

Let me discuss with you 3 of the best and most effective salt solutions and mixtures you can use to pour down into your drains before you sleep.

Method #1: Salt + Baking Soda Mixture

salt and a baking soda

This first method will require you to use salt in collaboration with baking soda.

Baking soda has been known as an excellent deodorizing agent that you don’t have to purchase because you’ll most likely have it at home.

So, here’s how you can use a mixture of salt and baking soda in unclogging your drain.

  1. Get rid of the standing water that’s present in the drain.
  2. Then, pour baking soda into the drain. One cup of baking soda would do.
  3. After about 3 minutes, pour somewhere about half a cup of salt into the drain.
  4. Leave it overnight.
  5. When you wake up, pour boiling water first thing in the morning.
  6. 250 to 300 ml of boiling water should be good.
  7. Leave it for about 5 minutes, and lastly…
  8. Flush it with tap water.

Method #2: Salt + Borax + Vinegar Mixture

salt vinegar and borax

For the second method, you’ll need salt, borax, and vinegar to perform the process.

This concoction is simple to do. So, what you have to do is pour about ¼ cup of salt, and then ¼ cup of Borax down the drain.

Leave it for about 5 to 7 minutes, and then pour vinegar. Let this mix sit for 1 to 2 hours, and then follow it up with hot boiling water.

Allow this to sit overnight, and in the morning, rinse and flush it completely with tap water to rinse any of the solution debris out of the drainage.

Use hot tap water for this process so that it can remove and get rid of all other dirt, grease, and debris that could have been stuck up on the inner walls of the pipes.

Method #3: Coarse Salt and Boiling Hot Water

a coarse salt

Last, but most definitely not least would be by using coarse salt and boiling water.

Coarse salt is a type of salt that is purposely formed into big and large-sized granules or crystals.

So, here’s what you have to do.

  1. Remove standing water from your drain by manually draining it or by waiting for it.
  2. Once removed, pour about 500 ml of boiling hot water down the drain.
  3. This loosens up the debris stuck up on the path of water.
  4. Wait for 2 to 3 minutes, and then pour another 500 ml of boiling water.
  5. Wait for 5 minutes, and then pour coarse salt down the drain.
  6. To finalize, pour down hot tap water to flush it completely out of the drainage system.
This method is a bit counterintuitive because of the fact that we know salt doesn’t work effectively by itself, right? 

But you can use this as an initial process if the clog hasn’t built up to be that bad.

So, in case you were asking, why should I put salt down the drain, then it’s because of the convenience you’ll get because it will not be clogged up.

Can You Pour Salt Down the Bathroom Drains?

pour salt down drain

Yes, the three methods I outlined above work for all drains in your home.

You can use it for your kitchen drains, your bathroom drains, as well as outdoor drains like inside the garage, the porch, or the backyard.

Just make sure that you follow the steps religiously to ensure that it will be fully efficient and effective.

Is Salt Good For Smelly Drains?

Salt, in itself, is not going to be an ideal solution for your drains that emit bad and foul odor.

It does not have deodorizing and neutralizing properties that can contribute to the erasure of smell and odor.

The first mixture or method, which included the use of baking soda is the perfect homemade solution for smelly drains and clogs.

What You Should Not Put Down Your Drains

what not put in drain

Salt has been one of the best household staples experts and professionals plumbers recommend pouring down your drain.

However, there are several things you need to avoid to reach your drains.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • Used and unused cooking oil
  • Coffee beans
  • Hair
  • Plastic
  • Food bits like oats and rice

These are the top things you need to keep out of your drains to allow them to flow naturally.

Make sure you note these things, and you won’t have to worry about putting salt down your drains before you go to bed!

Read Next: Toilet Bubbling When Shower Drains?

The Bottom Line

So, why put salt down drain before bed?

It is a good ingredient, which can assure you that your drains will be free from clogs, foul odors, and even unwanted spits and discharges.

Use it with other ingredients and you can be carefree that your drains are going to be fresh, clean, and smooth-running!