Calling ATOT Plumbers

[spacejamz]

I heard from plumber that Liquid Drano or other off the shelf products are pretty much junk and he suggested using bleach instead (use 2 gallons for showers/tubs and use 1 gallon for sinks and then pour boiling water about 12 hours later). He also suggested doing this every 6 months or so to prevent build up inside the pipes...

Anyone here heard of this or do this on a regular basis? Any other preventive maintenance tips?

 

[zanemoseley]

If you do this be aware that the straight bleach can very well permanently damage the plating on the drain screen of the tub and the stopper on your sink. I know because I messed up a drain screen in a rental house with a strong bleach mix (1:1 probably). May not happen to yours but its a possibility.

 

[janas19]

For preventive maintenance, yes bleach would work well since it's a basic and will keep it clean.

But if you're dealing with a clog, you need something stronger than bleach and Drano may work well.

Drano is not "junk," it works well on certain types of clogs but it is not intended to take the place of a snake for more serious obstructions. Drano can only do so much and if you buy it expecting it to work miracles then you will obviously be disappointed.

 

[nickbits]

Preventative maintenance--drain care.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_13563-531-ENLDC64_?PL=1&productId=3050631

 

[DrPizza]

To an extent, I agree - all those methods are "junk" for the sake of laziness. A plumber's snake will take care of most clogs quite easily. Or, I should say, it should be able to take care of ALL clogs that would be fixed by liquid plumber, 2 gallons of bleach, or whatever other chemical you use. In the event that liquid plumber, bleach, or whatever doesn't take care of the problem, you've now made the problem a little bit worse. Instead of just dirty water in the pipes, now you have chemicals to be dealt with in addition to the clog.

A snake is relatively cheap and takes up relatively little space. AFTER snaking, and while things are draining okay, is a good time to use one chemical or another to hopefully take care of any portions of the clog that remains.

 

[Spacehead]

If you're on a septic system i'd be careful about pouring that much bleach(2-3 gal.) down the drain that often.
For prevention, I use about a cup of bleach in my tub drain every 3-4 months & let that sit for as long as possible before running any water.

 

[iGas]

Clogs are at P-traps, and kitchen sink/basin p-traps are accessible under the fixture. Tub and shower clogs also at p-traps but they aren't accessible but there are products such as Zip-it drain tool and Drainstick-drain clog remover that available for such tasks.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I've found that bleach always works great for any clogs I've dealt with. Then again if there is a physical object that's part of the clog (such as a sock or something) then a snake is pretty much the only way. Poop, food, and in some cases toilet paper will usually disintegrate with bleach or other chemicals. Also, the plunger is still a very good tool for clogs and tends to be underestimated.

When I first bought my house after my first laundry cycle I got a clog in my main sewage line. Cheap walmart face cloths literally disentegrated in the washing machine and when it drained it spewed out tons of lint substance which accumulated in a bend (I'm guessing) and it blocked the main line. There was water spraying out of the cleanout, the laundry tub was nearly full to the top, and by touching the stack I could feel where the water level was. It was also starting to backup into the floor drain.

I plunged and plunged and plunged, also adding bleach. Let it sit for a bit, plunged again. Suddenly the water just started to recede and next thing you know I had unblocked it. I filled the tub up with water and let that go to ensure I cleared the pipes. Got a camera inspection done as a precaution, and the guy told me it was incredibly clean.

 

[feralkid]

Clogs are at P-traps.

Except when they are not.

 

[paperfist]

The smell from 2 gallons of bleach sitting in the pipes is going to knock you out.

Use Draino (Zep makes a pretty strong drain unclogger) or a snake or the plunger trick to fee the clog and then after that stop pouring grease, joint compound or tampons down the drain

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah be careful with bleach, a little can go a long way, and that stuff is more potent than people realize.

Also using bleach to clean a whole house humidifier while the damper is open is also not a good idea. Learn from my fail.

 

[drebo]

Lye works well, too.

 

[iGas]

Except when they are not.

It would take a lot more than a few gallons of bleach and hot water to remove clogs that aren't at p-trap. It will require a power sewer snake or excavation to repair/remove the clog.

<--- licensed plumber, gas fitter, and refrigeration mechanic.