Clogged drain problem that doesn't make sense

[rgG]

RAMd®d wrote:

if I go the liquid cleaner route, I'm guessing I would just pour it down the toilet drain[/i

But it says on the bottle not to use it in toilets. I don't know why. Maybe it's because a toilet might be on a septic tank system. Maybe it's because of a potential splash back.

Just something to keep in mind, at least until someone has a definitive answer.

He has removed the toilet, so he would be just pouring it down the drain, under the toilet, which should be fine, if he decides to go that route.
If toilet is on septic, all water from all drains goes into it.

[Diana]

I would say that the toilet is porcelain and the Draino would etch the porcelain.

[mstudio]

As rgG mentioned, I removed the toilet so no issues there. The owner asked what I would do if it was my problem. I said I would try the snake. She said she would pop for the cost of the snake if I would do it for her. I’ll go pick one up tomorrow and give it a shot. She was willing to do the Drano thing but I wasn’t comfortable with it, she has two dogs and a super sweet little cat, I’d be worried about the possible fumes. Fingers crossed.

[Carm]

I would go with an Enzyme unclogger instead of Draino. It should work on the slow drain.
And yes make sure the vent pipe is not clogged.

[GGD]

Diana wrote:
I would say that the toilet is porcelain and the Draino would etch the porcelain.

Using a snake in a toilet will scratch the porcelain. I'm thinking that the reason that Drano says to not use it on toilets is probably more due to the way water flows through a toilet and needs to go up-hill before going down the drain pipes. So their heavier than water formula might not make it out of the toilet to get to the clog. Sinks and tubs will get the stuff into the trap where the clog hopefully is.

BTW: Some toilet bowl cleaners are based on Hydrochloric Acid, and they don't seem to etch the porcelain, just remove anything that clings to it.

http://www.rbnainfo.com/product.php?productLineId=768

[RAMd®d]

It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway – you were right, rg.

I did some searching and the main reasons not to use it seem to be twofold - splash back, and eating the wax ring at the base of the toilet.

So given the toilet is removed, and all drains lead to Rome, there would be no issue with Liquid Plumber, one should go that route.

As I use it in the bathroom sink and bathtub, I didn't think it would be an issue with the porcelain, but just going down the 'wrong' pipe.

So as the toilet is removed, I suggest some M-80s.

[JoeH]

GGD wrote:
[quote=Diana]
I would say that the toilet is porcelain and the Draino would etch the porcelain.

Using a snake in a toilet will scratch the porcelain. I'm thinking that the reason that Drano says to not use it on toilets is probably more due to the way water flows through a toilet and needs to go up-hill before going down the drain pipes. So their heavier than water formula might not make it out of the toilet to get to the clog. Sinks and tubs will get the stuff into the trap where the clog hopefully is.

BTW: Some toilet bowl cleaners are based on Hydrochloric Acid, and they don't seem to etch the porcelain, just remove anything that clings to it.

http://www.rbnainfo.com/product.php?productLineId=768
In a toilet you use specific type of snake designed to avoid scratching the porcelain, a closet auger. It will have a bend at the end to direct the snake in the right direction and have a plastic or rubber boot on that area to protect from scratches.

Drain cleaners are not acid based, but made of strong bases, usually lye. Or for the chemistry minded, sodium hydroxide.

[Carm]

Here is some reading about drain cleaning.
https://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/media/...n-cleaners

https://www.pippinbrothers.com/blog/arti...our-toilet

Edit: the M-80s would work as long as a you had a containment for the explosive and an outlet for the expanding gases plugged to the drain. :emoticon-animal-022:

[Ombligo]

Since the toilet is removed and you won't be going through it, a regular snake will be fine.

[mstudio]

Thanks Carm, I'm not going to go the chemical route, never a fan.

Ombligo, going to pick up the one you suggested tomorrow after a vet visit.