Liquid Lightning drain opener is a buffered sulfuric acid solution that cleans scale and dissolves pipe clogs. It isn't safe for cast iron or galvanized steel pipes, though, so it's best not to use it if you have older plumbing. Click to see full answer.
Full Answer
Is sulfuric acid safe to use in pipes?
Is sulfuric acid safe for pipes? it is safe to use with plastic piping. Sulfuric acid is very simple to use and will unclog a drain within an hour, usually within seconds if it's not completely plugged up. Sulfuric acid is naturally occurring and is sewer and septic safe as it is diluted in its journey down your pipes.
Is Liquid Lightning safe for cast iron pipes?
Liquid Lightning drain opener is a buffered sulfuric acid solution that cleans scale and dissolves pipe clogs. It's widely available and costs about $10 for a 32-ounce container. It isn't safe for cast iron or galvanized steel pipes, though, so it's best not to use it if you have older plumbing.
How to use sulfuric acid for drain cleaning?
How to Use Sulfuric Acid for Drain Cleaning 1 Open all windows in the area of the clogged drain. 2 Pour the 2 cups of the Thrift Super-Pro Acid down the drain that is clogged. 3 Insert the power snake into the clogged drain and extend to push the clog out... 4 Recoil the snake and remove from the drain.
Can you put sulfuric acid in a septic tank?
Sulfuric acid, like caustic cleaning agents such as sodium hydroxide, isn't safe for septic systems. It kills beneficial bacteria in the tank and reduces the system's ability to digest waste. Use sulfuric acid only if your house is connected to a municipal sewer system.
Is sulfuric acid safe for old pipes?
it is safe to use with plastic piping. Sulfuric acid is very simple to use and will unclog a drain within an hour, usually within seconds if it's not completely plugged up. Sulfuric acid is naturally occurring and is sewer and septic safe as it is diluted in its journey down your pipes.
How do you clean the inside of a cast iron drain pipe?
TIP: If you are going to use a cable first, run hot water and pour some soap down the drain. This will loosen some of the hard, superficial debris. Then snake after, and when you're done snaking use BioClean aggressively. BioClean is a safe enzyme treatment that helps keep your drains clean.
What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains?
muriatic acidHydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. Although this component can be found even in your own stomach, as part of the digestive acids, its pure concentrated form can only be purchased from certain stores if you carry a plumber's license.Jun 7, 2021
How do you get rust out of cast iron sewer pipes?
Pour white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the corroded areas of the pipe with the vinegar, sprinkle salt on top and then scrub the areas with a scouring pad. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down rust while the salt both degrades the rust and increases the friction of the scouring pad.
Is Liquid Plumr safe for cast iron pipes?
It's totally safe. Liquid-Plumr? Full Clog DestroyerTM is completely safe for use with galvanized steel, copper, cast iron, ABS (black plastic) and PVC (white plastic) drain pipes-even old pipes. Plus, it's safe for all septic systems.Jun 20, 2016
Will muriatic acid harm drain pipes?
Muriatic acid may not hurt PVC or other drain lines, but it is much too aggressive for monthly maintenance and it is potentially dangerous to use if not careful. It can cause serious burns to you and the fumes are horrible.
Do plumbers use sulfuric acid?
Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid (also known as a muriatic acid) are the 2 acids mostly used by plumbers and homeowners to unclog drains. Although hydrochloric acid is the stronger between the 2, sulfuric acid is the most effective one.
Is drain cleaner pure sulfuric acid?
Acidic drain cleaners usually contain sulfuric acid at a high concentration which turns a piece of pH paper red and chars it instantly. Apart from grease and hair, an acidic drain cleaner containing sulfuric acid can be also used to dissolve tissue paper inside water pipes.
How do you use Sulphuric acid to unblock a drain?
Make sure you flush the piping with plenty of warm, soapy water to remove any leftover sulphuric acid once the drain is unclogged. If you're facing a more severe clog then we advise you to slowly pour half the bottle (500ml) of sulphuric acid then let it sit for about any hour before turning the water faucet on.Feb 14, 2019
Can you use Drano on cast iron pipes?
You should not use Drano on cast iron pipes since it contains chemicals.Apr 6, 2022
Is CLR safe for cast iron pipes?
No, CLR cannot be used on cast iron; the acids in CLR will react with the metal.
How do you repair a rusty cast iron pipe?
5:168:12How to Repair Cast Iron Pipe Cracks, Avoid Plumbing Fails - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown below for you you can see it there on your screen from the website. But that this rust-oleum.MoreDown below for you you can see it there on your screen from the website. But that this rust-oleum. This is a primer that's also a rust inhibitor.
How to use sulfuric acid?
The time to use sulfuric acid is when all efforts to mechanically clear the drain, including plunging and snaking, have failed. Don't use sulfuric acid if you've recently introduced another drain-cleaning chemical because the chemicals could combine to create toxic fumes. After putting on protective clothing, covering vulnerable parts of the sink and drain and reading the application instructions on the product label, use the following procedure: 1 Open windows to provide ventilation. 2 Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. 3 Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. 4 Pour more acid into the drain — up to 500 ml or about 16 ounces — if the clog doesn't clear. Wait even longer – several minutes to an hour — to give the acid time to work. 5 Flush the drain with plenty of water when the clog clears and the drain begins to flow. 6 Neutralize the acid by mixing a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda per quart of water and pouring it down the drain. You can use this solution to neutralize any spills that occur.
What is the best acid for drain cleaning?
Advertisement. Acids are the third class of clog-eating chemicals, and the best acids for cleaning plumbing pipes include hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. Acidic drain cleaners should be a last resort and only used when other drain cleaning chemicals don't work fast enough or can't do the job.
What to use to clean a drain clog?
If your pipes are draining slowly, it's safer to use an enzymatic cleaner and let the situation slowly improve, but if the pipes are completely blocked and you can't use the sink, sulfuric acid can provide instant relief. Advertisement.
How long does it take for acid to work in a drain?
Pour more acid into the drain — up to 500 ml or about 16 ounces — if the clog doesn't clear. Wait even longer – several minutes to an hour — to give the acid time to work.
Why can't you pour water into acid?
If you have to dilute the acid, pour it into the water — never the other way around. The reason is that the hydration reaction of sulfuric acid is highly exothermic, which means it releases heat, and the mixture can boil spontaneously. Acid is denser than water, so it sinks, and the explosive bubbles spray the acid solution in all directions.
Can sulfuric acid damage stainless steel pipes?
It's recommended for use only if you have plastic plumbing pipes, and even these can sustain heat damage if you introduce the drain cleaner too quickly or use too much of it. Pour the product slowly down the drain, ...
Does sulfuric acid sink?
Acid is denser than water, so it sinks, and the explosive bubbles spray the acid solution in all directions. There's a potential for spitting and spraying even when you pour acid into water, so when you use a sulfuric acid drain cleaner, you need to wear protective eyewear and cover your hands and other parts of your body.
What kind of drain cleaner is used for sodium hydroxide?
Sodium Hydroxide Drain Cleaner Issues. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean pipes.
How to make a drain cleaner?
You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning.
Can old metal pipes break?
When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. It can take awhile for drain cleaning chemicals to move through a slow drain, giving them plenty of time to heat up your pipes along the way.
