Blocked kitchen sink and ... one-shot?

[PCM]

Has anyone used/would/wouldn't, used one-shot (acid) to clear a semi-blocked kitchen sink ( likely the long pipe under out kitchen floor? )

Any guidance would be most welcome!

😶

[The-Acre]

1 minute ago, PCM said:

Has anyone used/would/wouldn't, used one-shot (acid) to clear a semi-blocked kitchen sink ( likely the long pipe under out kitchen floor? )

Any guidance would be most welcome!

😶

It may not be environmentally friendly but I've found caustic soda works, pour it down while it's hot. You'll need windows wide open, the fumes are strong, and if you spill it on yourself you'll know it!

[NemesisUK]

Caustic soda definitely works but can work too well, actually dissolving the pipe or the joints! Spilling it on skin can lead to permanent tissue damage and in the eyes, blindness.

One-Shot works well but carries the same caveats as caustic soda. It can also be difficult to source since the acid attacks of recent years.

If you do use these highly caustic or acidic cleaners wear thick rubber gloves and eye protection. Also a good idea to spread petroleum jelly around the plughole to help protect it from corrosion.

As you pipe is only semi blocked I'd try one of the modern enzymatic cleaners. It uses bacteria to eat it's way through the sludge. Best added last thing at night and left to work overnight. Won't damage the fitting, or you and is environmentally OK. 

[PCM]

Thank you all.

I'll try an enzymatic ( surely a great name for a 1960's car ? ) one first and 'see' what happens. 

[Sundance]

Try using standard household ingredients ... baking soda followed by apple cider vinegar.

They combine and create a chemical reaction ... see YouTube or Google for guidance. 😉

[PCM]

Update: the only thing - and I mean only - that worked after many other attempts, was oneshot... 

[ Using long rubber gloves, eye protection etc. ]

[Herbie]

Just bought some One Shot myself yesterday for the same thing.

[slumber]

On 5/14/2021 at 6:33 AM, Sundance said:

Try using standard household ingredients ... baking soda followed by apple cider vinegar.

They combine and create a chemical reaction ... see YouTube or Google for guidance. 😉

I've found this to work pretty well. I'd avoid using caustic soda. It's not just the environment it's bad for. 

[Malc]

isn't a flexi push-rod type brush the more environmentally friendly and also won't dissolve the pipework nor your fingers !

Malc

[PCM]

I also used a long length of electrical cable to push through the pipe...

( Not plugged in of course! )

[GS300h2014]

My thoughts are only to use caustic soda or sulphuric acid on semi blocked pipes (just like Piers did). The logic being that if it doesn't clear a totally blocked pipe and you have to use mechanical means to clear it; then you're going to be dealing with some very unfriendly liquid in the way.

[Quantus]

On 11/29/2021 at 4:14 AM, GS300h2014 said:

My thoughts are only to use caustic soda or sulphuric acid on semi blocked pipes (just like Piers did). The logic being that if it doesn't clear a totally blocked pipe and you have to use mechanical means to clear it; then you're going to be dealing with some very unfriendly liquid in the way.

That's a really good point. I can't imagine you want that stuff backed up in a pipe that's still clogged. 

[John1971]

On 5/14/2021 at 12:01 PM, PCM said:

Thank you all.

I'll try an enzymatic ( surely a great name for a 1960's car ? ) one first and 'see' what happens. 

I have found the enzymatic ones that eat hair fat etc to be much better than the foaming kind.

You can also get attachments for your jet wash and for your wall paper stripper / steam generator i have both kinds but never used them yet lol. 

I have attached a image on one for sale online for £21 it looks like a posh colonic irrigation for your home and not to be used on humans or animals lol.

Cheers John

[gji25]

just remove the p-trap or s trap. most likely blocked there and dont forget to turn the water off 😁