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Acid for drain cleaning?
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TomR
Aug 5, 2012, 10:50:12 AM8/5/12
to
I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I
can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so
far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in
the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried
to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if
by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem.
Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever. I know about
keeping acid off of porcelain, and I know about adding acid-to-water and not
water-to-acid from chemistry classes and past experience. And, since it is
someone else's house, I don't want to mess up their drain lines with too
much or too strong of acid.
Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific suggestions
would be appreciated.
Again, I am going there in a couple of hours, but I'll check here beforehand
just in case anyone gets to respond before then.
Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any
suggestions that we may want to try.
can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so
far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in
the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried
to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if
by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem.
Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever. I know about
keeping acid off of porcelain, and I know about adding acid-to-water and not
water-to-acid from chemistry classes and past experience. And, since it is
someone else's house, I don't want to mess up their drain lines with too
much or too strong of acid.
Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific suggestions
would be appreciated.
Again, I am going there in a couple of hours, but I'll check here beforehand
just in case anyone gets to respond before then.
Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any
suggestions that we may want to try.
Oren
Aug 5, 2012, 11:19:18 AM8/5/12
to
On Sun, 5 Aug 2012 10:50:12 -0400, "TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote:
>Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
>of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
I recently used a Draino product for a sink and tub. Allowed to sit
>Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
>of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
and then flush with hot water. They claim to give your money back if
it did not work (check the container for the claim). It work for me.
Consider putting a water hose down the vent pipe from the roof and
running water to ensure the vent is clear.
Acid will damage metal pipes, drains and a septic system (if not
neutralized first).
Let us know the final results.
--
Duesenberg
Aug 5, 2012, 11:32:22 AM8/5/12
to
failed to check for copper drains before adding not so diluted acid into
a slow/clogged drain.
Lost part of a nice fibreglass acoustic suspended ceiling from the floor
underneath the copper drain about 4 hours later. The acid ate a hole in
the 44 year old copper pipe but the water from the first shower
afterwards didn't leak straight down from the hole, it trickled and ran
along a 16 foot support tee that held up the ceiling, so that about 8 or
9 ceiling tiles soaked up the water and stained the next day.
Don't be like me: Stay in school and never take the hard way to learn...
Bob F
Aug 5, 2012, 12:24:39 PM8/5/12
to
Stick the end of the hose down the drain. Wrap a rag around it and stuff it down
the drain to form a seal so water can't come back out. Press another rag over
the overflow drain, if any, and holding both rags firmly in place, have your
assistant turn on the hose, going up to full blast if the water is not all just
forcing it's way back out past the rags. Pull everything out - problem solved.
Han
Aug 5, 2012, 12:31:06 PM8/5/12
to
"TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote in news:jvm177$kqo$1...@dont-email.me:
I have a bathtub drain that is slow on occasion. Snaking it doesn't help
a bit. Drano is not all that effective either. The system has a long
horizontal part to the drain that collects silt and stuff. Theonly thing
I have found to really work is plugging the tub's and sink's overflow
openings and then to use a toilet plunger really hard, with hot water
running. It loosens all the sludge and rinses it down the drain.
In a bathtub system, you deal with hair and other proteinaceous stuff.
While alkali (DRano etc) can dissolve this, acid will NOT, unless you
really heat it up. So the acid is standing in the pipe and eating it
(metal, PVC excepted of course) as Duesenburg found out. Of course
you're free to test this yourself.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
a bit. Drano is not all that effective either. The system has a long
horizontal part to the drain that collects silt and stuff. Theonly thing
I have found to really work is plugging the tub's and sink's overflow
openings and then to use a toilet plunger really hard, with hot water
running. It loosens all the sludge and rinses it down the drain.
In a bathtub system, you deal with hair and other proteinaceous stuff.
While alkali (DRano etc) can dissolve this, acid will NOT, unless you
really heat it up. So the acid is standing in the pipe and eating it
(metal, PVC excepted of course) as Duesenburg found out. Of course
you're free to test this yourself.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzzz
Aug 5, 2012, 12:56:57 PM8/5/12
to
On Sun, 5 Aug 2012 10:50:12 -0400, "TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote:
won't do help any plastic parts. Drain cleaners are basic. Use something
meant for the task or call a plumber. After using an acid strong enough to do
any good, you surely will.
I've never had any luck with the liquid drain cleaners. The crystals (sodium
hydroxide, IIRC) work well, though. I've found that some brands are better
than others (concentration?). Remove any standing water, add the crystals
directly to the drain, and add hot water until the drain is full. BE CAREFUL
SO YOU DON'T SPLASH WATER and don't breathe the vapors. If it's draining
slowly, you can add some more water and crystals. The instruction often say
to let stand for a half hour. With stubborn clogs (we had a bathtub drain
that the hair and soap would do in) I've left it stand overnight. Then rinse
completely.
bob haller
Aug 5, 2012, 12:58:34 PM8/5/12
to
i had a slow shower drain, fortunately it leaked one day and that
showed me the issues.
the drum trap was rusting bad but stated to leak.... the main leak was
from a long copper drain line that failed after i used liquid
plumber....
that line didnt have enough fall, and the lines interior was a pencil
sized.....
after looking at the job i paid a plumber to do it...
all new line from just under the roof to the basement, plumber
resloped line, and a standard trap replaced the drom trap.
900 bucks well spent, no more leaks, no more clogs.
i took all the old copper line to the scrap yard which paid 100 bucks
back.......
if theres a repetive problem sometimes its best to dig in and tear
down cielings and walls where necessary.
my main cast iron soil stack is showing signs of failure, its over 70
years old, and the main terracota underground line is tree root
infested as well.....
when homes age things wear out
showed me the issues.
the drum trap was rusting bad but stated to leak.... the main leak was
from a long copper drain line that failed after i used liquid
plumber....
that line didnt have enough fall, and the lines interior was a pencil
sized.....
after looking at the job i paid a plumber to do it...
all new line from just under the roof to the basement, plumber
resloped line, and a standard trap replaced the drom trap.
900 bucks well spent, no more leaks, no more clogs.
i took all the old copper line to the scrap yard which paid 100 bucks
back.......
if theres a repetive problem sometimes its best to dig in and tear
down cielings and walls where necessary.
my main cast iron soil stack is showing signs of failure, its over 70
years old, and the main terracota underground line is tree root
infested as well.....
when homes age things wear out
Joe
Aug 5, 2012, 2:05:59 PM8/5/12
to
TomR wrote:
> But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid --
> probably not something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or
> whatever. I know about keeping acid off of porcelain,
Strong (full-strength) muriatic acid (HCL) is great for taking mineral
> But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid --
> probably not something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or
> whatever. I know about keeping acid off of porcelain,
film off porcelain. It won't harm it one bit.
But as a drain un-blocker, it's completely stupid to use for that.
Buy a can of draino crystals and dump 1/4 or 1/3 of the can down the
drain, add about a cup of hot water while you're doing that so the water
carries the crystals to the site of the blockage. Then cap the drain
with a plug and close the bathroom door and open a window and give it 8
to 12 hours and then flush the tub (or sink) with a lot of water.
That will ALWAYS work.
Stormin Mormon
Aug 5, 2012, 2:18:30 PM8/5/12
to
Acids are used for calcium based drain clogs.
Alkalai (Hydroxide) cleaners are used for grease, soap, hair.
Bathroom sink clogs are usually grease, soap, hair.
If the clog is calcium based, then vinegar should help. Just pour it in,
acetic is a mild acid by nature.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
"TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote in message
news:jvm177$kqo$1...@dont-email.me...
Alkalai (Hydroxide) cleaners are used for grease, soap, hair.
Bathroom sink clogs are usually grease, soap, hair.
If the clog is calcium based, then vinegar should help. Just pour it in,
acetic is a mild acid by nature.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
"TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote in message
news:jvm177$kqo$1...@dont-email.me...
recycl...@gmail.com
Aug 5, 2012, 2:39:21 PM8/5/12
to
Doug Miller
Aug 5, 2012, 5:12:41 PM8/5/12
to
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I
> can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so
> far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in
> the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried
> to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if
> by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem.
>
> Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
> of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
>
> But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
> something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever.
NOT NOT NOT if you've tried Liquid Plumber or Drano first!!! NEVER EVER mix alkali and
> can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so
> far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in
> the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried
> to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if
> by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem.
>
> Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
> of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
>
> But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
> something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever.
acids!
When I was in junior high school, one of our shop teachers learned about that the hard way.
Some knucklehead student dumped a bunch of sawdust down the sink drain in the wood
shop, which of course clogged it. Teacher poured some Drano in there. No effect. Next
thing the teacher tried was muriatic acid. The [entirely predictable] reaction with the alkali
that was already there blew the acid back in his face. He wasn't wearing safety goggles,
either. Fortunately for him, the wood shop was next door to the boys' locker room; couple of
students dragged him in there and threw him in the shower -- the doctors said that's what
saved his sight. But it wasn't quick enough to prevent some really horrible scarring.
And consider this: why do you suppose that commercial drain cleaning products such as
Drano, Liquid Plumber, and so on are alkaline? If acids worked better, wouldn't these
products use acid instead?
TomR
Aug 5, 2012, 5:28:08 PM8/5/12
to
TomR wrote:
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see
> if I can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it
> yet, but so far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub
> (and maybe a sink in the same bathroom) that has a slow drain
> problem. I think he said he tried to unclog it before but had some
> problems with it, . . . ,
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see
> if I can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it
> yet, but so far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub
> (and maybe a sink in the same bathroom) that has a slow drain
> problem. I think he said he tried to unclog it before but had some
>
> Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific
> suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks everyone. Here's the outcome:
> Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific
> suggestions would be appreciated.
I checked all of the responses that were posted before I left to go there.
The one about Drano caused me to also try checking out the Drano.com website
to see what they say. Basically, the Drano website said to use Drano Gel if
the tub doesn't drain at all, or Drano Foaming-something if the problem is a
slow drain and not a completely clogged drain. So, I bought those on the
way there.
When I got there, it was two tubs -- one on the second floor and one on the
first floor below that. The upper tub would not drain at all and the lower
one was a slow drain.
The good news was that each one had an access panel in the wall behind the
tub plumbing fixtures. By opening those, we could see the way in which the
tub drain lines ran. For both, the overflow pipe ran straight down past
where the drain ties into that pipe, and continues straight down to into a
regular "U" trap and then continued on to the rest of the drain line. That
meant that we could take off the overflow cover, take out the piece that is
used to plug the tub drain, and drop a 1/4-inch snake in there and easily
snake it out. We also used one of those cheapie plastic drain hair cleaner
devices in each drain but no real hair etc. came out. So, the clogs were in
the regular drain line and not right at the tub drain itself.
The upstairs one could only be snaked out about 2 feet in and then hit a
clog or obstruction. The downstairs one was easy to snake out completely.
Snaking out the downstairs one solved that problem right away.
After trying to snake out the upstairs one and hitting a clog or
obstruction, we then did some serious plunging while sealing off the
overflow and that cleared that clog.
For both, we ran lots of hot water while snaking and plunging.
We ended up not needing to use any drain cleaner, and definitely not acid. I
read enough here to give up on the whole acid idea both before and after
going there to do the job.
So, thanks again. Problem solved, and I now know to delete all of the acid
thoughts that I was conjuring up in my brain beforehand.
Message has been deleted
Frank
Aug 5, 2012, 7:19:22 PM8/5/12
to
I cringe at some of these drain cleaners. A 1% caustic solution in the
eyes can cause blindness. It is a good idea to protect eyes when using
these products.
Han
Aug 5, 2012, 8:27:59 PM8/5/12
to
Frank <frankperi...@comcast.net> wrote in news:jvmv1t$8i5$1@dont-
email.me:
> I cringe at some of these drain cleaners. A 1% caustic solution in the
> eyes can cause blindness. It is a good idea to protect eyes when using
> these products.
Yes. Alkali dissolves protein (cornea). Acid denatures protein, making a
"protective" layer, but it doesn't keep on eating away at the eye. I got a
very small droplet of "chromic acid" (an excellent glassware cleaning
solution, long since banned because of the carcinogenity of chromium
compounds). It hurt like hell, but I barely remembered a day later. I
think it was my right eye, and ever since (and before) I have been a leftie
...
email.me:
> I cringe at some of these drain cleaners. A 1% caustic solution in the
> eyes can cause blindness. It is a good idea to protect eyes when using
> these products.
"protective" layer, but it doesn't keep on eating away at the eye. I got a
very small droplet of "chromic acid" (an excellent glassware cleaning
solution, long since banned because of the carcinogenity of chromium
compounds). It hurt like hell, but I barely remembered a day later. I
think it was my right eye, and ever since (and before) I have been a leftie
...
k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzzz
Aug 5, 2012, 8:35:22 PM8/5/12
to
Han, we all knew that. ;-)
DD_BobK
Aug 6, 2012, 3:03:59 AM8/6/12
to
I guess it's all moot since you;ve got the clog cleared.
But surprising as it may seem... there are several acid based drain
cleaners.
This may seem contrary to "common knowledge" but acid based cleaners
can clear drains without harming pipes.
I'm not suggesting the use of plain acid but acid based drain cleaners
are very effective (and surprisingly stinky)
http://www.amazon.com/Sulfuric-Liquid-Drain-Cleaner-12-Pack/dp/B005E0N95Y
http://www.alpharubicon.com/kids/superdraino.htm
Nearly 30 years ago my dad helped me clear a clog with a product, as I
recall, named "Mule Kick".
I believe it was sulfuric acid based and it worked great but stunk up
the house.
cheers
Bob
Han
Aug 6, 2012, 6:33:28 AM8/6/12
to
"k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzzz" <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzzz> wrote in
news:a94u18h2d83mudbqd...@4ax.com:
I knew you'd pay attention, Keith!
news:a94u18h2d83mudbqd...@4ax.com:
Stormin Mormon
Aug 6, 2012, 7:38:37 AM8/6/12
to
Thanks, glad to hear a good word, now and again.
"Frank" <frankperi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:jvmv1t$8i5$1...@dont-email.me...
"Frank" <frankperi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:jvmv1t$8i5$1...@dont-email.me...
notbob
Aug 6, 2012, 8:47:47 AM8/6/12
to
On 2012-08-05, TomR <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote:
> Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any
> suggestions that we may want to try.
I also have a tub with a slow drain. I've tried them all, including
> Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any
> suggestions that we may want to try.
an acid based drain cleaner sold by True-Value. It's called Rooto
Professional Drain Cleaner and it's sulfuric acid based. Comes in a
white/red 33 oz bottle fer about $12. It didn't seem to work much
better than one of the drain cleaner gels you can get at any supermkt.
Temporarily Improves drainage, but not as much as I like to see. I
know for a fact the tub has a rather horizontal run, so I may try
cleaner along with some of the other suggestions I've read.
nb
--
"Do you recognize me? No!
...cuz I don't work here"
Support labelling GMO foods
http://www.nongmoproject.org/
k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzzz
Aug 6, 2012, 10:05:10 AM8/6/12
to
Don Phillipson
Aug 6, 2012, 11:22:28 AM8/6/12
to
"TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote in message
news:jvm177$kqo$1...@dont-email.me...
news:jvm177$kqo$1...@dont-email.me...
>I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I
>can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. . . . But, I was wondering
>if anyone has ever tried using acid . . .
If your hardware store has more than one type of acidic drain
cleaner, it should be able to explain the difference. Muriatic
acid (dilute hydrochloric acid) seems to be the most common.
You may wish also to consider whether the drain pipes are
metal or plastic or ceramic (each of which responds differently
to various acids, resisting some but not others.)
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)
gro...@trippin.com
Aug 6, 2012, 3:55:42 PM8/6/12
to
On Sun, 5 Aug 2012 10:50:12 -0400, "TomR" <To...@tomrljp5.lhd> wrote:
>But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
Back in the late 60's I dropped acid a few times. It was a decent trip,
but after seeing some friends get busted by the cops for the stuff, I
quit taking it. It's some pretty groovy stuff and the best acid is
really far out, but it's still illegal and you could go to prison for
possession. If you have any, toss it in the garbage before the pigs
come. They'll be oinking outside your door before you know it. If you
wanna get buzzed, just smoke pot and drink beer. It's much safer and
legal in most places.
Oren
Aug 6, 2012, 4:10:49 PM8/6/12
to
On Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:55:42 -0500, gro...@trippin.com wrote:
>Back in the late 60's I dropped acid a few times. It was a decent trip,
>but after seeing some friends get busted by the cops for the stuff, I
>quit taking it. It's some pretty groovy stuff and the best acid is
>really far out, but it's still illegal and you could go to prison for
>possession. If you have any, toss it in the garbage before the pigs
>come. They'll be oinking outside your door before you know it. If you
>wanna get buzzed, just smoke pot and drink beer. It's much safer and
>legal in most places.
Thanks for sharing fred flintstone, "jw" or what whatever your
>Back in the late 60's I dropped acid a few times. It was a decent trip,
>but after seeing some friends get busted by the cops for the stuff, I
>quit taking it. It's some pretty groovy stuff and the best acid is
>really far out, but it's still illegal and you could go to prison for
>possession. If you have any, toss it in the garbage before the pigs
>come. They'll be oinking outside your door before you know it. If you
>wanna get buzzed, just smoke pot and drink beer. It's much safer and
>legal in most places.
nym-shift is today.
--
David Kaye
Aug 6, 2012, 5:08:55 PM8/6/12
to
"DD_BobK" <rkaz...@gmail.com> wrote
> But surprising as it may seem... there are several acid based drain
> cleaners.
I never never never recommend any acid or alkali based drain cleaners. I
always recommend using a snake. The reason is that acids can weaken rubber
washers on drain connections causing leaks. Strong acids can eat pipes.
Alkalis (such as Drano) are extremely dangerous if they "flash back" at you,
and they also tend to cake at the bottom of the trap, sometimes forming a
cement-like plug.
Snakes not only are great for clearing organic blockages, but they can also
find things that have gotten stuck such as toothbrushes, and other items.
> But surprising as it may seem... there are several acid based drain
> cleaners.
always recommend using a snake. The reason is that acids can weaken rubber
washers on drain connections causing leaks. Strong acids can eat pipes.
Alkalis (such as Drano) are extremely dangerous if they "flash back" at you,
and they also tend to cake at the bottom of the trap, sometimes forming a
cement-like plug.
Snakes not only are great for clearing organic blockages, but they can also
find things that have gotten stuck such as toothbrushes, and other items.
DD_BobK
Aug 7, 2012, 1:42:43 AM8/7/12
to
On Aug 6, 2:08 pm, "David Kaye" <sfdavidka...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> "DD_BobK" <rkaza...@gmail.com> wrote
This statement is true....(about some pipes) but acid drain cleaners
are not merely strong acids.
Saint Joseph's Hospital (Orange, CA) used that acid based drain
cleaner (Mule Kick) for years with no ill effects.
Chemical drain cleaners are generally safe for drain plumbing
materials. "No-Hub" rubber connectors can easily withstand the
minimal exposure to any kind of drain cleaners they reasonably
encounter. Check out the Fernco website for chemical resistance.
Just as drain cleaners that are improperly used, an inexperienced
snake operator can damage drain plumbing just as well.
cheers
Bob
> "DD_BobK" <rkaza...@gmail.com> wrote
are not merely strong acids.
Saint Joseph's Hospital (Orange, CA) used that acid based drain
cleaner (Mule Kick) for years with no ill effects.
Chemical drain cleaners are generally safe for drain plumbing
materials. "No-Hub" rubber connectors can easily withstand the
minimal exposure to any kind of drain cleaners they reasonably
encounter. Check out the Fernco website for chemical resistance.
Just as drain cleaners that are improperly used, an inexperienced
snake operator can damage drain plumbing just as well.
cheers
Bob
bud--
Aug 7, 2012, 10:43:56 AM8/7/12
to
Every acid drain cleaner I have seen is sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid
attacks organic materials.
james...@gmail.com
Aug 7, 2012, 1:24:37 PM8/7/12
to
On Sunday, August 5, 2012 10:50:12 AM UTC-4, TomR wrote:
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem. Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc. But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever. I know about keeping acid off of porcelain, and I know about adding acid-to-water and not water-to-acid from chemistry classes and past experience. And, since it is someone else's house, I don't want to mess up their drain lines with too much or too strong of acid. Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific suggestions would be appreciated. Again, I am going there in a couple of hours, but I'll check here beforehand just in case anyone gets to respond before then. Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any suggestions that we may want to try.
I agree wiht the poster about using a snake. I noticed some of the chemical drain cleaners now also come with a short plastic snake. I think that probably does more for the clog than the chemicals. On a system without age related or chronic problems clogs are almost always at or near the fixture drain. The pipes just get bigger as you move further away from the fixture.
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem. Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc. But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever. I know about keeping acid off of porcelain, and I know about adding acid-to-water and not water-to-acid from chemistry classes and past experience. And, since it is someone else's house, I don't want to mess up their drain lines with too much or too strong of acid. Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific suggestions would be appreciated. Again, I am going there in a couple of hours, but I'll check here beforehand just in case anyone gets to respond before then. Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any suggestions that we may want to try.
I agree wiht the poster about using a snake. I noticed some of the chemical drain cleaners now also come with a short plastic snake. I think that probably does more for the clog than the chemicals. On a system without age related or chronic problems clogs are almost always at or near the fixture drain. The pipes just get bigger as you move further away from the fixture.
Norminn
Aug 7, 2012, 3:45:28 PM8/7/12
to
On 8/5/2012 10:50 AM, TomR wrote:
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I
> can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so
> far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in
> the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried
> to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if
> by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem.
>
> Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
> of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
>
> But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
> something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever. I know about
> keeping acid off of porcelain, and I know about adding acid-to-water and not
> water-to-acid from chemistry classes and past experience. And, since it is
> someone else's house, I don't want to mess up their drain lines with too
> much or too strong of acid.
>
> Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific suggestions
> would be appreciated.
>
> Again, I am going there in a couple of hours, but I'll check here beforehand
> just in case anyone gets to respond before then.
>
> Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any
> suggestions that we may want to try.
>
>
Here is my personal theory: in a bathroom drain, it isn't likely
> I am going to meet with a friend of mine in a couple of hours to see if I
> can help him with a clogged/slow drain issue. I haven't seen it yet, but so
> far, he seems to be saying that it is mostly a bathtub (and maybe a sink in
> the same bathroom) that has a slow drain problem. I think he said he tried
> to unclog it before but had some problems with it, and he wants to know if
> by looking at it if I could figure out how to correct the problem.
>
> Of course, we'll be doing the routine stuff -- using a plunger, a snake, one
> of those plastic hair-cleaning gadgets, maybe Liquid Plumber, etc.
>
> But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using acid -- probably not
> something too strong, but maybe diluted acid or whatever. I know about
> keeping acid off of porcelain, and I know about adding acid-to-water and not
> water-to-acid from chemistry classes and past experience. And, since it is
> someone else's house, I don't want to mess up their drain lines with too
> much or too strong of acid.
>
> Any thoughts or experiences on the acid idea and any specific suggestions
> would be appreciated.
>
> Again, I am going there in a couple of hours, but I'll check here beforehand
> just in case anyone gets to respond before then.
>
> Also, I may just pass on the whole acid idea unless someone here has any
> suggestions that we may want to try.
>
>
kitchen grease. For kitchen grease, a pot of boiling water with some
added Dawn poured slowly into the drain. If kitchen slime, hot water
followed by bleach; let sit. In bathroom, both drains at one time
suggest downline problem or problem with vent. If it is neither of
those, it is likely hair. Damn hard to dissolve hair globs, even with
acid. Snake (or coat hanger with a hook end) to try to clear hair
globs. If that doesn't work, try longer snake. If that doesn't work,
have a pro check out the sewer line.
At one house of mine, I called the plumber when tub drain got too slow.
He snaked it, pulled out a smallish clump of hair. He also identified
the hair as belonging to two different people, which was correct :o) At
another house, the shower drain got very slow very suddenly. I took of
the drain cover, reched in with my trusty coat hanger and the coat
hanger went straight down into some mush. Scared me, but I probed a
little more and pulled out the nastiest, biggest clump of hair
imagineable. Yuck!!
Have had drains slow badly after feeding large helping of potato peels
through disposal; bad idea. At condo, two toilets backed up withing
minutes of each other; obviously, a problem downline. Turned out the
line to the sewer was half rusted away along it's bottom.
cecilia...@bealeaderfoundation.org
Feb 2, 2019, 5:16:35 PM2/2/19
to
Hi y’all my brother poured sulfuric acid down the drain the house smells like crap and I woke up this morning and the walls are stained ? Is this normal
trader_4
Feb 2, 2019, 11:18:20 PM2/2/19
to
On Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 5:16:35 PM UTC-5, cecilia...@bealeaderfoundation.org wrote:
> Hi y’all my brother poured sulfuric acid down the drain the house smells like crap and I woke up this morning and the walls are stained ? Is this normal
Yes, it's normal. Many brothers are idiots.
> Hi y’all my brother poured sulfuric acid down the drain the house smells like crap and I woke up this morning and the walls are stained ? Is this normal
Frank
Feb 3, 2019, 9:59:28 AM2/3/19
to
On 2/3/2019 9:26 AM, Meanie wrote:
> Most likely caused an exothermic reaction which produced and released
> gases that stuck to the walls. The fact you can smell it confirms the
> release of the gases.
That's correct. Concentrated sulfuric acid has a very high heat of
dilution and exothermic reaction might have spewed gasses out of the
drain if too much was dumped in.
> gases that stuck to the walls. The fact you can smell it confirms the
> release of the gases.
That's correct. Concentrated sulfuric acid has a very high heat of
dilution and exothermic reaction might have spewed gasses out of the
drain if too much was dumped in.
Rod Speed
Feb 3, 2019, 11:37:59 AM2/3/19
to
"Frank" <"frank "@frank.net> wrote in message
news:q36vkb$j7a$1...@dont-email.me...
The original is clearly a pathetic excuse for a troll.
Frank
Feb 3, 2019, 12:19:49 PM2/3/19
to
spewing out junk.
I responded in part because I worked in the lab and used sulfuric acid
extensively. Never saw any discolored walls but saw a lot of clothing
destroyed by it.
Rod Speed
Feb 3, 2019, 1:13:01 PM2/3/19
to
"Frank" <fr...@frank.net> wrote in message
news:q377rh$d5m$1...@dont-email.me...
provided houses for some of the staff. His approach to blocked drains
was to pour a full winchester of conc nitric acid down the drain.
That was in the days of earthenware sewer pipes tho.
Not a great approach with modern plastic sewer pipes.
Colonel Edmund J. Burke
Feb 5, 2019, 9:33:24 AM2/5/19
to
>> Hi y’all my brother poured sulfuric acid down the drain the house smells like crap and I woke up this morning and the walls are stained ? Is this normal
>>
>>
> Most likely caused an exothermic reaction which produced and released gases that stuck to the walls. The fact you can smell it confirms the release of the gases.
Exothermic?
LOL
David
Aug 20, 2019, 6:44:07 AM8/20/19
to
replying to TomR, David wrote:
Rooto Professional is a 93% sulfuric acid says Rooto website:
ROOTO PROFESSIONAL DRAIN OPENER 16, 32, 64 & 128 OZ - 93% VIRGIN SULFURIC ACID
PVC of the pipes does get affected by sulfuric acid, which is perhaps the main
reason you will not see the word "safe" used by this manufacturer or by other
companies making similar products. Over time PVC pipe exposed to sulfuric acid
will become brittle, develop cracks and eventually fail. But it all depends on
the length of exposure time. I have seen results of studies of the effects of
sulfuric acid on various pipe plastics, including PVC, based on 97% sulfuric
acid. The first signs of trouble start to appear way past the 100 hours mark
(more like 300-500hrs).
--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/acid-for-drain-cleaning-708343-.htm
Rooto Professional is a 93% sulfuric acid says Rooto website:
ROOTO PROFESSIONAL DRAIN OPENER 16, 32, 64 & 128 OZ - 93% VIRGIN SULFURIC ACID
PVC of the pipes does get affected by sulfuric acid, which is perhaps the main
reason you will not see the word "safe" used by this manufacturer or by other
companies making similar products. Over time PVC pipe exposed to sulfuric acid
will become brittle, develop cracks and eventually fail. But it all depends on
the length of exposure time. I have seen results of studies of the effects of
sulfuric acid on various pipe plastics, including PVC, based on 97% sulfuric
acid. The first signs of trouble start to appear way past the 100 hours mark
(more like 300-500hrs).
--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/acid-for-drain-cleaning-708343-.htm
trader_4
Aug 20, 2019, 2:42:19 PM8/20/19
to
it cleans em out as opposed to all the ones I tried that did nothing.
I couldn't believe it was 93%, but googling it is and I also came
across reports of people being severely injured, eg some guy bought
it at a grocery store, it fell off the bottom of the cart, broke open
and splashed on his 5 year old's leg causing a sever injury.
I'd say selling this stuff in
the kind of stores that the average Joe goes to is irresponsible.
People are used to things like this being like bleach or typical
strength drain cleaner, 93% sulfuric is some really nasty stuff.
liljan...@gmail.com
May 8, 2020, 4:06:45 PM5/8/20
to
The pipes in our basement are leaking when the toilet on the first floor is flushed. Should we just disconnect the pipes and unclog or replace? Does this mean we have clogging further down our pipes outside? There Is a large tree in our neighbors yard. We have had issues with roots a few months back. I see all of the warnings against liquid acid. Would you recommend the crystals instead applied directly to our basement drain?
Dean Hoffman
May 8, 2020, 4:13:49 PM5/8/20
to
On 5/8/20 3:06 PM, liljan...@gmail.com wrote:
> The pipes in our basement are leaking when the toilet on the first floor is flushed. Should we just disconnect the pipes and unclog or replace? Does this mean we have clogging further down our pipes outside? There Is a large tree in our neighbors yard. We have had issues with roots a few months back. I see all of the warnings against liquid acid. Would you recommend the crystals instead applied directly to our basement drain?
>
I've read good old fashioned dish soap sometimes works. It's
> The pipes in our basement are leaking when the toilet on the first floor is flushed. Should we just disconnect the pipes and unclog or replace? Does this mean we have clogging further down our pipes outside? There Is a large tree in our neighbors yard. We have had issues with roots a few months back. I see all of the warnings against liquid acid. Would you recommend the crystals instead applied directly to our basement drain?
>
cheap, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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