What Acid Do Plumbers Use To Unclog Drains

Pour vinegar and another drain opening agent down the drain.

What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains.

Strong commercial drain cleaners may contain an acid but it s usually sulfuric acid which dissolves organic matter better than hcl. Position the lip of the jug directly over the drain outlet. During this time the acid will work on the clog heating it up and breaking it up as promised. Once the water starts draining properly open the faucet fully for another five minutes to flush all traces of acid out of the system.

Don t use plastic for this. An auger also known as a plumbing snake or flat sewer rod can clear blockages deep in drain lines. You ll want to dilute it and that could be hazardous. Use the recommended amount avoid splashes and wear protective eyewear and clothing.

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. See below for instructions and tips on using each of these solutions. 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.

Use 1 2 cup of baking soda and 1 2 cup of white vinegar. Call a plumber to unclog the drain if the muriatic acid fails to clear the stoppage. Measure out one half cup of water into a glass measuring cup. No mixing is needed before pouring down the drain.

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. Chemical drain cleaners contain a high concentration of lye bleach or sulfuric acid to soften and break up clogs. All of these can create clogs. The mixture will foam up on its own as the chemical reaction occurs.

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. Add your muriatic acid to the water carefully pour the diluted solution into the clogged drain and leave for about 10 minutes. But if manual methods fail liquid drain cleaner can save you a plumber s fee.