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Author:
ChetNY (NY)
When I drain the upstairs sink some of the water backs up into the downstairs sink. The plumber told me to let the hot water run and then pour a half gallon of bleach into the sink, leave it for a while and then run hot water again. I did it once, but I still have the problem. Is it safe to use this much bleach, and will it be effective? Why can't I use a liquid plumbing product?
Thanks for your help.
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Author:
cvcman
not sure what bleach will do i anything...Has it always done this or is this a new problem ? Vent issue maybe, the pros will be along soon
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Get a different plumber that can clear the drain of the blockage.Bleach will not do anything. Most drain cleaners available in any supermarket are more corrosive than bleach, and still won't work, and pose a serious danger to anyone that has to work on the drains after they are used.
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Author:
NICK (CA)
you have a blockage that needs to be snaked. do not use chemicals. cant imagine it was a plumber who told you that.
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Author:
Wheelchair
Chet, you have a major restriction or worse yet a blockage in the waste line just after the sink on the main floor. Remember that liquid waste follows the path of least resistance, when there is a blockage or restriction. In YOUR case, because the blockage is beyond, your 1st floor sink offers no resistance.
Calling a licensed plumber is that smart thing to do. The licensed plumber will remove the p-trap in the 1st floor sink to attempt removal of the blockage. Hopefully you will be there to observe what is blocking your wasteline. Normally, its hair, laquer based hairsprays and soap-grease.
Acid based drain cleaner do well for those who manufacture and sell them, but rarely work for the end user, so save your receipts and hope for a refund when you are finished.
Best Wishes
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Author:
dlh (TX)
hot water does nothing as far as clogs go, other than letting grease get further down the line so it takes longer to clean out and it wastes energy. drain cleaning products rarely do anything more than lighten your wallet.
you need your drain line cleaned by a competent drain cleaner/plumber
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
hj
quote; Hopefully you will be there to observe what is blocking your wasteline.
Usually, all they will "observe" is a rotating snake and the sink finally draining. Chemicals, if they work at all, only remove enough of the obstruction so they can continue down the drain and stop working on the clog. FEW drain chemicals which YOU can purchase are "strong" enough to do much good, OR injure the pipes, OR the plumber working on the drains, (this is intentional because the manufacturer does NOT want a liability lawsuit). I can usually tell if the customer has put chemicals in the drain line because the water has a "slippery" feel to it, but I have NEVER even gotten a rash from contact with them.
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