How ice cubes can tell if your sink drain needs cleaning

A clogged sink drain is a common problem in the kitchen and bathroom. Food residues, coffee grounds, hair, and deposits can cause pipe blockages, resulting in unpleasant odours and slow water drainage. This often makes daily dishwashing or meal preparation more difficult.

How can you prevent this situation? The best way is to clean the drain regularly. But how do you check if it’s clean when the water drains properly and there’s no nasty smell? There’s a simple trick to determine if cleaning the drain is time. This trick was presented by a popular TikTok user whose video has millions of views.

The method to check the drain is straightforward. Just pour some ice cubes into the sink and turn on the water. Although this doesn’t clean the sink, this test will show if it’s time for a thorough pipe cleaning. The ice will partially block the drain, and dirt from the pipes will go back into the sink, allowing you to assess the level of build-up.

How can you unclog the drain using home remedies? There are at least two effective methods. One is to pour half a teacup of bicarbonate of soda into the pipes and then half a teacup of vinegar. However, this requires some time. We need to cover the drain (e.g., with a cloth) and leave it for about half an hour, then rinse it with hot water.

We can also try the aspirin trick. This remedy is not just a panacea for health problems. The popular cold medicine can effectively unclog pipes. Drop two aspirin tablets into the drain and pour a teacup of vinegar over them. The mixture will start to fizz, and the problem with the clogged sink will disappear within a few minutes.

Many people also use popular chemical agents, available in gel or granule form. However, improper use of these products can be dangerous to our health, so we must exercise appropriate caution when using them.