Why Some Homeowners Are Pouring Salt in Their Toilets — And Why It Works

Plumbing problems are part of homeownership. And if you’ve ever dealt with a slow-flushing toilet, strange gurgling noises, or unpleasant odors, you know how frustrating it can be.

These symptoms might point to something more serious than a clogged drain—they could be signs of tree roots invading your pipes.

How Tree Roots Sneak Into Your Pipes

Over time, tree and shrub roots can grow toward the moisture inside underground plumbing lines.
They push through tiny cracks or joints, slowly widening them to make room for more growth.
Left unchecked, these roots can cause major damage, leading to leaks, backups, and expensive repairs.

The Rock Salt Trick Plumbers Swear By

Before things get out of hand, try a little-known plumber-approved tip: flush rock salt down your toilet.

Here’s how:

Pour about one cup of rock salt into the toilet.
Flush.
Let the salt move through the plumbing system.

The salt dehydrates the roots on contact, stopping further growth. It’s a simple, low-cost way to slow or halt damage early on.

Why Salt Is a Smarter First Step

Killing roots early can save you from replacing an entire sewer line—a costly and disruptive project.
By using salt, you might avoid major excavation, pipe replacement, and thousands in repair bills.

When to Call a Pro

If the salt treatment doesn’t improve things, it’s time to bring in a licensed plumber.
Persistent problems could mean the root intrusion is too advanced for a DIY fix.

Final Thought: A Simple Step with Big Impact

Next time your toilet starts acting up, don’t ignore it.
Try the salt method—it could be the easiest, cheapest fix you’ll ever make.
And if it doesn’t work? At least you tried the simple solution before facing a bigger problem.