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+--- Thread: Biodegradable Draino? (/showthread.php?tid=35338)
Biodegradable Draino? - elahon - 06-21-2007
Any recommendations for a non-chemical sink de-clogger? Pros or cons?
Re: Biodegradable Draino? - cbelt3 - 06-21-2007
Lye is a chemical found in nature. Using it to clear a clog by chemically reacting with organic matter is empirically hyper-speed composting. If that's your main issue with Drano, well, you're OK.
Of course, Uranium, lead, mercury, arsenic, oil, etc. are all also found in nature.
Without using chemicals, you are limited to:
Mechanical (Plumbing snakes, disassembly, etc.)
Air:
Vacuum out the clog with a shop vac (I've done it, it's icky and you can introduce sewer gas into your environment, not to mention annoying the 20 foot long alligators..)
Compressed Air blow the clog 'down' (I've done that too, but it often just pushes the clog further down where you can't reach it)
I usually go for mechanical first, and pull the P trap.
Re: Biodegradable Draino? - mattkime - 06-21-2007
unclogging plumbing is not a place to be concerned about chemical impact on the environment - unless you're doing it daily and then you ave other problems.
go to the hardware store and get the professional stuff. it should have a skull and cross bones on it. they should lecture you on obvious safety precautions - don't put your head over the drain and don't inhale the fumes. wipe the drain after pouring - it'll eat the chrome.
or use a snake
Re: Biodegradable Draino? - elahon - 06-21-2007
Cool. Thanks for the tips!
Re: Biodegradable Draino? - Zoidberg - 06-21-2007
Air pressure can wreak havoc on old pipes that can't handle the pressure. Mostly this means old pipes but regardless proceed with caution.
Not to mention the alligator thing.
Re: Biodegradable Draino? - Rick-o - 06-21-2007
I now use an electric snake. Picked up one on sale at the local Harbour Freight for cheap. ($179.) Home Depot charges close to $50. to rent for a few hours.
If you add up the cost of the drain cleaners bought over the years, it more than pays for itself in the long run. Plus, you can be a hero to your family and friends when they get into a "jam".
Re: Biodegradable Draino? - RH - 06-21-2007
http://www.drainbo.com/