Bottle Upside Down in the Drain: What This Trick Is Supposed to Do

An upside-down plastic bottle in the kitchen sink initially looks unusual. However, behind this household trick lies a simple principle: filled with a mixture of water and vinegar, the compressed PET bottle is supposed to act like a simple plunger.

As reported by the Brazilian medium „Super Rádio Tupi,“ the method is particularly helpful when the water is still draining, but significantly slower than usual. It combines two different effects: pressure on the drainpipe and the cleaning effect of a vinegar solution.

PET Bottle Should Act Like a Simple Plunger

The most important part of the trick is mechanical. The bottle neck is placed as tightly as possible on the drain. When the flexible bottle is then compressed, water and air are forced into the pipe under pressure.

According to „Super Rádio Tupi,“ this can move loose deposits in the front area of the pipe or in the siphon. The principle is thus similar to a conventional plunger method.

It is crucial that the opening of the bottle sits as close as possible to the drain. If water escapes sideways, significantly less pressure can be built up.

Why Vinegar is Added to the Water

Additionally, the bottle is filled with water and vinegar. According to the report, the vinegar is supposed to help with light deposits and biofilm, while the water or the resulting pressure is mainly responsible for the mechanical effect.

As a mixture, the source suggests approximately two parts warm water and one part white vinegar. Additionally, a small amount of dish soap is recommended.

However, it is important to note: The actual effect against a slight clog is mainly due to the built-up pressure. For larger or stubborn blockages, a PET bottle does not replace a proper plunger or cleaning of the siphon.

The limitations of this trick

According to the report, the method is primarily intended for sinks where the water is still draining but is becoming increasingly slower.

For a completely clogged pipe, solid objects in the pipe, or a deeper blockage, the method is unlikely to be sufficient. If the problem recurs after a short time, a more thorough cleaning or professional assessment may be necessary.

Prevention is mainly achieved by ensuring that food residues and larger amounts of fat and oil are not disposed of via the kitchen drain in the first place.

(VIENNA.AT)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article .