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    macawblue's Avatar
    macawblue Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 18, 2007, 05:04 AM
    Galvanized slow drain
    I am working on a sink drain that feeds into galvanized. It's been plunged, but still drains slow. Should I pour muratic acid down the drain or is there a safer way to clean out the galvanized.
    pergammano's Avatar
    pergammano Posts: 82, Reputation: 8
    Junior Member
     
    #2

    Apr 18, 2007, 05:44 AM
    For your own safety, USE Muriatic Acid ONLY as the last resort. First try baking soda, vinegar & boiling water. Or a Plumbers snake. Muriatic acid is very toxic and creates & releases gases for a long time. I am sure that it will also eat into your galvanized plumbing.
    PatrickHenryPDX's Avatar
    PatrickHenryPDX Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Apr 18, 2007, 05:54 AM
    Generally, any strong acid is a poor choice. Strong acid will very likely eat your pipe, and you'll then be forced to replace it.

    You don't mention whether you've tried an alkaline drain cleaner such as Draino (sodium hydroxide) - that won't harm your metal pipe.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #4

    Apr 18, 2007, 07:07 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by macawblue
    I am working on a sink drain that feeds into galvanized. It's been plunged, but still drains slow. Should I pour muratic acid down the drain or is there a safer way to clean out the galvanized.
    I can not advise against using muratic acid, or any acid, in a enclosed area such as a rest room strongly enough. As a young boy I would take limed up toilet bowls out in the alley behind the shop and boil the lime out of them. Over half a century later my lungs still carry the scar tissue that the acid fumes caused. A few years ago I lost a good friend when he used a commercial drain cleaner containing sulfuric acid in a unvented bathroom. Acid IS NOT A GOOD IDEA to use to clear mineral buildup. Take it from one who's paid the price. A much safer way and the only sure way I know of clearing a clogged drain would be to snake it out and flush it. Regards, Tom

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