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.

What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains.

Use 1 2 cup of baking soda and 1 2 cup of white vinegar. An auger also known as a plumbing snake or flat sewer rod can clear blockages deep in drain lines. 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. All of these can create clogs.

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. During this time the acid will work on the clog heating it up and breaking it up as promised. While not for use in completely clogged drains through which no water flows the longer dwell time needed to clear. 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.

Measure out one half cup of water into a glass measuring cup. The mixture will foam up on its own as the chemical reaction occurs. Overall plumbers say the best way to clean out clogged drains is by mechanical means plunging and snaking and some hot water. Position the lip of the jug directly over the drain outlet.

Call a plumber to unclog the drain if the muriatic acid fails to clear the stoppage. No mixing is needed before pouring down the drain. You ll want to dilute it and that could be hazardous. Don t use plastic for this.

Pour vinegar and another drain opening agent down the drain. See below for instructions and tips on using each of these solutions. Once the water starts draining properly open the faucet fully for another five minutes to flush all traces of acid out of the system. Chemical drain cleaners contain a high concentration of lye bleach or sulfuric acid to soften and break up clogs.

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