Shower disaster - caustic soda turned solid in plug

DisasterZone_2

Yes - a stupid mistake - please help!
The shower was draining slowly and I decided to pour some caustic soda in the plug hole, followed by what turned out to be warm water. Not boiling, but not cold, and not diluted with the crystals either. Result - the caustic soda crystals solidified in the plug hole, the water I poured won't drain and a plunger won't shift the solid barrier! What can I do? Any tips? Please help!
Thank you very much!

G42

Why not try pouring Boiling Water slowly over the blockage. It should disolve the crystals.

Rosebery_2

Boiling water and a MkI Prodding Stick although the Mk II has slightly more flexibility.

Cheers

Doozergirl

Have you tried lifting the plug area out? H did this not realising how the shower worked, there is actually a pot which the water runs into - I think it must act as some kind of filter which you can pull out and empty yourself?

Anyhoo, H managed to get the thing out, he did have to use a flathead screwdriver to open it because of the solidified caustic soda, but once he got it open the block of soda just fell out!

Ivrytwr3

DisasterZone wrote: »

Yes - a stupid mistake - please help!
The shower was draining slowly and I decided to pour some caustic soda in the plug hole, followed by what turned out to be warm water. Not boiling, but not cold, and not diluted with the crystals either. Result - the caustic soda crystals solidified in the plug hole, the water I poured won't drain and a plunger won't shift the solid barrier! What can I do? Any tips? Please help!
Thank you very much!

Can't type.....laughing.....too.......much.......*drys eyes*

Hee hee!! :rotfl:

clairehi

Is this really caustic soda or is it washing soda crystals? Caustic soda is highly corrosive and can cause nasty burns. you should be wearing gloves, and eye protection when using - take extreme care.

washing soda is gentler but still good for unblocking drains.