After one of the wettest starts to a year in recent memory, households across Ireland are being encouraged to pour vinegar down drains this March to prevent blockages from heavy rain debris
Alex Evans Deputy Audience Editor and Anita McSorley
16:02, 08 Mar 2026
Stock image(Image: Andrei Zonenko)
Following one of the dampest starts to a year in recent history, many people across Ireland are keenly anticipating the arrival of astronomical spring on March 20.
The spring equinox signals the gradual comeback of longer days and brighter evenings – and, hopefully, some much-needed sunshine.
However, the recent bout of heavy rain and powerful winds can take its toll on homes. A common problem is outdoor drains getting blocked with dirt, leaves and other debris, leaving them struggling to handle the large amount of rainwater flowing through them.
When drains get clogged, it can result in flooded driveways and gardens, and in some instances even water seeping into a home’s foundations.
As a result, households across Ireland are being urged to pour vinegar down their drains this March to help keep them clear, reports the Irish Mirror.
This is particularly handy for outside drains, where debris can accumulate easily after bouts of heavy rain, but the same method can also help prevent blockages in indoor sinks.
If your outdoor drains regularly clog up, you might not need to shell out on pricey drain cleaners. A simple mix of vinegar and baking soda – also known as bicarbonate of soda – can help keep drains running smoothly.
Plumbing website Wolseley states: “Outside drains do many important jobs, handling everything from domestic waste to leaves and outdoor debris. This means that they can become easily blocked, but luckily, drain unblocking is quite simple to do by yourself if a problem occurs.
“The best way of preventing your drains from blocking is by controlling what goes down them. If your drains connect to the inside of your home, you should make sure that no one is putting cooking grease or coffee grounds directly down the drains, as these are common causes of blockages.
“You can also add grates and filters to your outside drains to stop garden debris from blocking them. These are very effective against leaves, which can contribute significantly to blockages. You can also add small filters to your plugholes indoors to catch food waste and hair from being flushed down and contributing to blockages.
“If your drains regularly block despite precautions, you may wish to start putting baking soda, vinegar, or small amounts of a chemical drain cleaner down your drains to help keep them clear for longer.”
Plumbing site Plumbcare also outlines how vinegar and baking soda can tackle a blocked drain effectively.
It advises: “Mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 part salt and pour down the drain.
“Warm 4 parts vinegar and pour down on top of the baking soda and salt. It will bubble and fizz. Let it work for 15 minutes and then flush through with hot water.”
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