Unlike sodium hydroxide, which releases significant heat (exothermic reaction) to melt fats, the baking soda-vinegar reaction is relatively thermally neutral. The cleaning action is primarily mechanical. The effervescence (bubbling) creates turbulence within the standing water.
The reaction between baking soda (a weak base) and vinegar (a weak acid) is a classic acid-base neutralization reaction. how to clear a drain with baking soda
While safer than caustic acids, this method is not universally safe: Unlike sodium hydroxide
Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The hot water helps wash away loosened grime. how to clear a drain with baking soda