Liquid Sink/Bath Plughole Unblockers

weekendwarrior

Hi,

I have heard from several plumbers that all do not like the chemical drain unblockers! Often plumbers get called out to houses that have used a chemical unblocker that has not worked!

If you use a chemical unblocker and then call out a plumber you MUST tell them or they could be burned by the chemical! You could then be sued....

I have unblocked many sinks with a plunger but it is important to block the overflow holes with wet toilet tissue or else the air that you force down the drain hole is displaced through the overflow and the obstruction will not be moved!

Here is a good demonstration of how to unblock a sink or toilet

unblock a sink or toilet

Thefunkygibbons

The liquid and the foam did not work on mine

I really ought to undo it all and see what is in there

Thanks for reminding me... not

Becles

Fastflys wrote:

I've also been told that pouring household soda crystals and hot water into the
“U” bend may do the trick.

Are soda crystals available from a supermarket and are they called “Soda Crystals?”
Yeah I know but I am a bloke. :rolleyes:

This does work! Sometimes it takes 2-3 goes depending on how much is down there but it's a lot cheaper than the specialist cleaners - around 50p for a kilogram bag which lasts ages.

You'll probably find them in the supermarket either among the cleaners or the laundry products. They might be called Soda Crystals, Washing Crystals or Caustic Soda. Here's a picture so you know what you are looking for!



Their website lists loads of other uses for them too
http://www.dripak.co.uk/

jimbo65_2

Winning results in this opinion and experience!:rotfl:

In my lack of proper plumbing & draining tools due to living in a flat, I had to use DIY B&Q & Homebase for assistance to unclog a tub drain. This bathroom & drain was refurbished last summer. I wasn't expecting this so soon afterwards.
I purchased a long handled plunger at Homebase to unclog my tub drain. (Don't ever use shorthandled except for sinks based on my previous experience.) Homebase did not seem to have much to offer at my local store in regards to plumbing and clogged drains. Using this after many attempts did not seem to be doing enough. I pulled up lots of sediment and long hair of my wife & daughter, but still clogged.
Went to B&Q and bought 'Heavy Duty Drain Opener' Guaranteed to work! medium size bottle about £6.
This product contains lye which is dangerous to skin and breathing and enzymes to decompose hair, grease, and paper products stuck in the drain such as toilet tissue which is to clear out the kids eyes while bathing for they don't put it in the trash. (family habit before I became involved.)
I followed the directions, first using about half the bottle for the initial pour then wait an hour before doing anything. Placed the plunger over drain to help keep any splash down if the water should suddenly get drained or an air bubble might come up. So I did, and when I returned there was no different result. I was not so heavy on the plunging this time around, trying to be careful not to splash the drain opener & water in tub into my eyes or onto my skin. Still no success, poured one half of what was left in the bottle which was about actually one fourth of the bottle now into the drain. Placed the plunger over the drain and left it for 2.5 hours. Came back and seemed to be no different result. So I plungered it some more and added the last one fourth of the bottle, then placed the plunger on the drain and went to bed. When I awoke in the morning, nothing but sediment in the tub. All water had drained. :T
This bottle was to clear 2 drains, but I used it all on this one clogged drain. I am not complaining about that, probably could have cleared 2 clogged sinks.
The directions also says that leaving this product overnight in the clogged drain can also make a difference.
I purchased this size £6 bottle because I knew I would have had to return to the B&Q to purchase a snake or coil to try to unclog the drain as my last attempt myself if this did not work. Did not need the big bottle of drain opener for £10. Snake or coil was £12 to £15 for a 15 foot snake.
So in all, I am very happy with this product! Hope this testimony helps you in your time of need! Wishing you all the best!:D

jimbo65_2

As I read in other posts following my experience. PLEASE notify anyone and all plumbers if you have tried without success the use of chemical dissolvents to clear your drains. THis is to help protect them so they may wear goggles and gloves when trying to clear the still clogged drain! Thanks!

ormus

ive only ever had success with one chemical unblocker and that was an industrial cleaner. sorry cannot remember the name.
the rubber plunger device is remarkably effective in most cases.

i once knew a chap who did the council clearing work and he told me that rarely did they have to use the high pressure jet machine. a simple rodding first, usually cured most jobs.