06-21-2007, 12:36 PM
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.
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.