Post By Admin
February 7, 2025You’ve probably come across countless DIY toilet hacks—baking soda, vinegar, even cola. But here’s one you might not have heard of: putting salt in your toilet.
You might be thinking, what does putting salt in your toilet do? Don’t worry, this isn’t some secret cooking tip! Instead, it’s a clever trick that helps you to repair a blocked toilet.
Without further ado, let’s start exploring how to do it effortlessly!
Why Should You Put Salt in Your Toilet?
Your toilet doesn’t flush properly? Bad news—that’s usually a sign of clogs. Now, you might ask a new question, why put salt in your toilet?
Salt is often mentioned as a DIY fix for toilet blockages, but is it really an effective solution? Well, yes and no. Let’s break it down.
Salt can help with minor clogs, but it’s not a magic fix for serious blockages. When mixed with hot water, salt breaks down grease and soap buildup so it’s easier to flush away small obstructions.
However, if you’re dealing with a completely blocked toilet, you might need something stronger—like a plunger or drain auger. That said, using salt regularly is great to prevent clogs from forming in the first place. Plus, it offers other surprising benefits!
Those benefits include:
- Breaks down grease and buildup: Salt, especially when combined with hot water, helps dissolve fatty residues that may cause minor clogs.
- Eliminates bad odours: Salt neutralise odours and keep your toilet smelling fresh.
- Kills bacteria: It has natural antibacterial properties that help sanitise the toilet bowl.
- Prevents mineral deposits: Hard water can cause mineral buildup, but salt can slow this process down.
- Eco-friendly and budget-friendly: Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, salt is non-toxic, inexpensive, and safe for your plumbing.
How to Unclog a Toilet Using Salt
Before the blockages cause bigger issues such as an overflowing toilet, it’s time to take action. No more asking what salts in the toilet do!
1. Choose the Right Salt
Not all salt works the same way. For the best results, use rock salt or coarse sea salt. These types are more abrasive and can help break down buildup more effectively than fine table salt.
2. Pour Salt into the Toilet
Start by pouring about half a cup of salt in the toilet bowl. Let it sit for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the salt to work on the clog. For tougher blockages, leaving it overnight will help break down any buildup even further. The abrasive texture of the salt helps loosen debris that might be stuck in the pipes.
3. Add Hot Water
After letting the salt sit, heat a pot of water until it’s hot but not boiling—boiling water can crack the porcelain. Slowly pour the hot water into the toilet bowl, allowing it to mix with the salt. The heat will help dissolve grease and soap buildup, making it easier for the clog to flush away.
4. Flush and Check
Once the salt and hot water have had time to work, flush the toilet. If the water drains smoothly, the clog has likely cleared. If your toilet doesn’t flush properly, repeat the process or use a plunger to add extra force.
5. Prevent Future Clogs
To keep your toilet clog-free, use salt regularly. Once a week is a good start to maintain the smooth flow of your toilet. Don’t forget to use the proper salt with a bigger texture for the best result.
FAQ about Using Salt for Toilet Clogs
Where do you put salt in the bathroom?
You can sprinkle salt in the toilet bowl, sink, or shower drain to help break down buildup, kill bacteria, and absorb odours. For toilets, pour it directly into the bowl and let it sit before flushing.
Is salt good for smelly drains?
Absolutely! Salt helps neutralise bad odours by breaking down bacteria and grease. Pouring salt followed by hot water can keep your drains fresh and odour-free.
Does salt damage PVC pipe?
No worries! Salt is safe for PVC pipes when used in moderation. Unlike harsh chemicals, it won’t corrode or weaken the material. Definitely a gentle cleaning option.
What happens if you flush salt down the toilet?
When you flush salt down the toilet, it helps in several ways. First, salt absorbs moisture and bacteria, which can reduce unpleasant odours and prevent microbial buildup in the pipes.
Additionally, salt can help dissolve mineral deposits from hard water, such as calcium and limescale, which can accumulate over time and restrict water flow.
However, it won’t work for major blockages—so if your toilet is still clogged, you might need a plunger or plumber!
Conclusion
Using salt in the toilet is an easy, affordable, and natural way to keep your toilet fresh and clog-free. Since this trick is easy peasy, you’ve got no excuses to neglect your toilet ever again!
But if you’re dealing with a bigger plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to call Neighbourhood Plumbing for expert help. Keep your toilet in top shape—one sprinkle of salt at a time!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
