Clearing blocked waste

[pault123]

Hi everyone new to forum

Asked to clear totally blocked 1 1/2"" combined bath/basin waste (pvc then imperial copper into common duct in a tower block) . So I used trusty orange air pump first followed by a dose of "Melt" drain cleaner, only to see it oozing out of the copper where it passed through wall. Have replaced as much copper as I can reach but still blocked solid presumably near connection to 150 mm CI stack.
Any suggestions as air pump, snake & cleaner haven't touched it and I can't reach any further into duct without demolishing the bathroom !!

Thanks
Paul

 

[Plamber]

tried pouring down a tub of thick bleach and leaving it overnight?

Usually works for me when plunging fails, plus i think thick bleach it better than all the drain unblocking products you can buy.

 

[payney1974]

tried pouring down a tub of thick bleach and leaving it overnight?

Usually works for me when plunging fails, plus i think thick bleach it better than all the drain unblocking products you can buy.

Thats what i do, pour loads down then boiling water. But i dont like getting dirty

 

[secret squirrel]

I've used caustic soda which usually helps.

Keep away from stainless steel though, wear rubber gloves because it burns.

If its on your skin it can burn for up to 3 days so, if using caustic soda and it gets on your skin, wash with soap and water then use vinegar as this neutralises it.

It seems to burn through crud, then use your plunger after leaving it for a while.

 

[pault123]

thanks for replies lads.
now do I go for the bleach or the caustic soda? If bleach do I use regular domestos type or anything special ?
If caustic soda presumably this will be in a water solution, if so follow makers recommendations or stronger solution ?
Not going back for a couple of days so any further recommendations gratefully received !
Paul

 

[WHPES]

When handling either, especially caustic soda you need your impervious gauntlets and goggles, and if risk of splashing also impervious overalls and visor.

 

[secret squirrel]

When I use chemicals normally on gardening etc I never follow instructions, however, using caustic I follow the instructions.........

 

[tony.bac]

WHPES and The Squirrel are right - don't mess about with the caustic!

 

[oldplumber]

All bleach does is kill germs, it does not break down fat.gunk, which is what caustic does as it is an alkali that will dissolve waste products, but as stated be bloody careful, as I went to a customer who had red arms, like the worst sunburn blisters you have ever seen, he has put caustic down the soil pipe, then popped in his arms to scoop out the sludge. I was called in to clear the drain with my trusty HP hose jetter, done i n 2 minutes with no hospital treatment required. BE CAREFUL WITH CAUSTIC IT REALLY HURTS.

 

[pault123]

ok thanks for that - I must admit I was dubious about bleach !
apart from protecting myself against splashbacks do I need to worry about caustic soda damaging surrounding surfaces (laminate flooring) apart from obviously not wanting to get it wet! - & hot water or cold ??

 

[WHPES]

Yes, caustic soda is nasty - keep it well away from all surfaces - everything, especially people!

I have also used rapid acid drain unblocker to great effect (though don't let this get anywhere near caustic or BOOM!!!!)

 

[Winston]

LOL yes I can vouch for the boom a customer hadnt told me they had tried caustic and I pour ny drainflow down and what a boom it was burnt like hell

 

[secret squirrel]

mix it with cold water in a well ventilated room, I'd worry about it splashing, use plenty of clothes etc. Its good **** but deserves respect. Yes, I'll admit it got burnt slightly, on my wrist, wasn't watching what I was doing, got onto my jacket then my jacket burnt my wrist. Yep, it hurt.

Customer of mine spilt it on a chrome sink, luckily her insurance paid for a new sink......

 

[Winston]

I was concerned I was going to be arrested under suspicion of terrorism boy there was a bang and plumes of fumes LOL. Mind you this is the hous that has a number of drainage issues like run the taps from the basin that then fills the shower tray!

It could be like one of my jobs today I have a leak from somewhere, ok be on my way. WC inlet valve failed going down the overflow as designed trouble is they had a extension and the overflow is now in the wall of the hallway! All over his what was very nice timber floor. I do wonder sometimes

But even better then that the customer thought he would solve the problem by making the internal overflow discharge in the cistern higher to prevent the leak! I shouldnt, I know but I did chuckle

 

[secret squirrel]

Winston,

Do you not think that if you didn't sit in your van and have a good laugh about somethings, you'd end up either in tears or a nut house

 

[Winston]

Very true but I did use to work at the nuthouse LOL I would be a very good maniac LOL

 

[heinz57]

A drain auger works well after the caustic soda crystals and yes dont forget gogs and industrial gloves, i know people bang on about it but when you get burnt you'll not forget a second time.