❌ Pouring the box down there dry and walking away.
It can combine with the gunk already in your pipes (think soap scum, grease, or hair) and turn into a concrete-like paste. Over time, this can absolutely contribute to a slow or clogged drain.
Baking soda is a fine powder. If you pour dry baking soda into a dry drain, it might stick to grease or hair and form a paste—creating a new problem.