What Acid Do Plumbers Use To Unclog Drains

A sulfuric acid drain cleaner can clear clogs that other drain cleaners can t but sulfuric acid is hazardous and must be used with care.

What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains.

Once the water starts draining properly open the faucet fully for another five minutes to flush all traces of acid out of the system. Overall plumbers say the best way to clean out clogged drains is by mechanical means plunging and snaking and some hot water. All of these can create clogs. Chemical drain cleaners contain a high concentration of lye bleach or sulfuric acid to soften and break up clogs.

See below for instructions and tips on using each of these solutions. Call a plumber to unclog the drain if the muriatic acid fails to clear the stoppage. An auger also known as a plumbing snake or flat sewer rod can clear blockages deep in drain lines. Strong commercial drain cleaners may contain an acid but it s usually sulfuric acid which dissolves organic matter better than hcl.

The mechanism behind baking soda vinegar solution to clear clogged drains baking soda is an alkaline element while vinegar is a slightly sour acid when the two are forced to combine they tend to neutralize each other s effect resulting in expanding and producing immense pressure. The mixture will foam up on its own as the chemical reaction occurs. But if manual methods fail liquid drain cleaner can save you a plumber s fee. Don t use plastic for this.

Use the recommended amount avoid splashes and wear protective eyewear and clothing. If you do end up having a clog and it won t get out with hot water dish soap and plunging take a look at our how to unclog a kitchen drain article. For a vinegar and baking soda combination. Pour vinegar and another drain opening agent down the drain.

You ll want to dilute it and that could be hazardous. If you re going to use muriatic acid to clean a drain line you ll probably reach for a solution sold in the paint or masonry section of the hardware store. Position the lip of the jug directly over the drain outlet. Add your muriatic acid to the water carefully pour the diluted solution into the clogged drain and leave for about 10 minutes.

While not for use in completely clogged drains through which no water flows the longer dwell time needed to clear. Measure out one half cup of water into a glass measuring cup. Use 1 2 cup of baking soda and 1 2 cup of white vinegar.